How to adjust soft close drawer slides

Understanding Soft Close Drawer Slides

Soft close drawer slides are a popular choice for modern furniture designs. These slides enable the drawer to close smoothly and quietly, without slamming shut. They incorporate dampening devices that slow down the closing speed and absorb the impact of the drawer closing. Soft close drawer slides come in various sizes, types, and designs, depending on the application and the weight of the drawers.

One of the most common types of soft close drawer slide is the ball-bearing slide. This type of slide uses small steel balls that roll along a track as the drawer is opened and closed. The balls reduce friction and provide a smooth opening and closing action. Another type of soft close drawer slide is the undermount slide, which is hidden beneath the drawer and attached to the sides of the cabinet. Undermount slides are ideal for high-end cabinetry and provide a sleek and minimalistic look.

Adjusting soft close drawer slides may seem challenging, but it's a straightforward task that you can do yourself. It's essential to ensure that the slides are correctly adjusted to prevent damage to the drawer or cabinet, and to guarantee that they work optimally.

Adjusting Ball-Bearing Soft Close Drawer Slides

Ball-bearing soft close drawer slides are an excellent choice for heavy-duty drawers. Adjusting these slides is essential to facilitate the smooth operation and prevent damage to the drawers and cabinet. Here's how you can adjust ball-bearing soft close drawer slides:

Steps:

1. Take out the drawer: Begin by removing the drawer from the cabinet. Check the condition of the slides, rollers, and rails for wear, damage, or dirt. Clean these components and lubricate them with silicone spray or WD-40.

2. Adjust the horizontal placement: Locate the small adjustment screws on the inner side of the slide. Use a screwdriver to turn them, either clockwise or counterclockwise, until the slide is aligned horizontally.

3. Adjust the vertical placement: Locate the larger adjusting screws on the back of the slides near the middle. Use a screwdriver to turn them clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the vertical placement of the slide, ensuring it sits flush with the cabinet.

4. Check the adjustments: Once you have made the adjustments, reinsert the drawer and check that it slides smoothly and closes softly. If it still seems to be challenging to open or close, repeat the adjustment steps until the slide operates smoothly.

Adjusting Undermount Soft Close Drawer Slides

Undermount soft close drawer slides are an excellent choice for modern and contemporary cabinetry. They offer a smooth and streamlined appearance and are perfect for minimalistic designs. Here's how you can adjust undermount soft close drawer slides:

Steps:

1. Remove the drawer: Begin by removing the drawer from the cabinet. Check the condition of the rails and the alignment of the slides. Clean the rails and lubricate them with silicone spray or WD-40.

2. Adjust the horizontal placement: Locate the small adjustment screws on the sides of the slide. These screws enable you to adjust the horizontal placement of the undermount slide. Use a screwdriver to turn them, either clockwise or counterclockwise until the slide is aligned horizontally.

3. Adjust the vertical placement: Locate the larger adjusting screws at the back of the slide. These screws enable you to adjust the vertical placement of the undermount slide, ensuring it sits flush with the cabinet. Use a screwdriver to turn them clockwise or counterclockwise to the desired vertical adjustment.

4. Check the adjustments: Once you have made the adjustments, reinsert the drawer and check that it slides smoothly and closes softly. If it still seems to be challenging to open or close, repeat the adjustment steps until the slide operates smoothly.

Conclusion:

Adjusting soft close drawer slides is an essential task that helps ensure smooth and quiet operation of the drawers. With the right tools and techniques, you can adjust the slides yourself, saving time and money. Whether you have ball-bearing or undermount slides, follow the steps outlined in these articles to adjust them correctly and maintain optimal performance. Remember to lubricate the slides regularly to prevent premature wear and tear, and to extend their lifespan.