Need help selecting the correct drawer runner?
Here we provide 5 stages to consider when selecting a drawer runner*.
If you are interested in our drawer runner range, please have a read of our Feature Glossary.
* Drawer runner also known as a Drawer Slide
When selecting the correct drawer runner, also known as drawer slides, for your application you must consider the correct amount of force that you are loading onto the application which is supported by the runner.
Measurements taken at the midpoint of the drawer member and are given in KG.
We are proud to be distributors of Accuride Drawer Runners because of their high quality and reputation within the industry. Because of this, Accuride runners have a 100% static safety factor in the extended position.
Horizontal, or flat, mounting
Horizontally mounting the runners reduces the load capacity to at least 25% of the vertical, sideways, mount capacity. Not all runner models can be used in flat mount applications. Be sure to evaluate the mounting scheme thoroughly and test as needed. For horizontally mounted runners look for the symbol below on the product page. Linear runners are ideal for flat mounting because the moving member is fully supported on ball bearings at all times. See FAQ's for our list of runners that can be horizontally mounted.
Shock/vibration
Subjecting slides to shock and vibration may result in issues in their performance. Applications that are subject to shock/vibration should be tested to evaluate the effect on runner performance. If conditions are severe, select a heavier-duty slide.
Application factors
When installed in a drawer or cabinet that’s lightweight and flexible, drawer runners can contribute to the structural rigidity of the unit. To ensure that the runner is able to provide this support, select a model with a slightly higher load rating and larger cross-section than you would ordinarily need for the application.
Environmental factors
Accuride runners are suitable for indoor use and should be protected from the following: excessive moisture, chemical fumes, dirt and corrosion. The Accuride self-cleaning ball retainer protects runner raceways by removing foreign particles between ball bearings and the lubricant provided is sufficient for normal runner life.
Use care when applying finishing agents as the overspray may affect runner movement. Should you need to clean the runners, you can re-lubricate them with a quality grease-rated "EP" for extreme pressure.
Extreme temperatures can also affect the lubricant and plastic or rubber components. Commercial drawer runners are designed and tested for use in extended periods in temperatures between -17°C and 70°C.
Please note: Wider drawers require a runner with higher load ratings and a cross-section designed to withstand lateral stress. Check the individual products, to see which runners are recommended for particular drawer widths and depths. If you require further support please contact us and our team will be happy to help.
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Extension and travel refers to how far the drawer extends from the cabinet.
SHOWING 75% OR PART EXTENSION
SHOWING FULL OR 100% EXTENSION
SHOWING OVER EXTENSION (100%+)
Side space is the amount of available room between the drawer side and the cabinet or the chassis and rack. The correct side space dimension is critical for optimal movement. We recommend allowing between +0.2mm and +0.5mm over the nominal slide thickness. Some slides may need more room, but this will be stated within the individual installation guides.
Slide profiles
More than one slide profile (or height) may be appropriate for a given application. Accuride offers several low-profile design options for applications in which a smaller slide profile would enhance the appearance of the completed unit.
Disconnect allows simple connect or disconnect from the slide assembly
Locks hold the runner either closed or open and a lever must be actuated to move the slide
Hold-in and hold-out (DO) keeps the runner open or closed until the extra force is applied
Self-close (SC) runners include a spring attachment designed to close the runner and prevent bouncing back
Dampened soft close (EC) slows the closing action for a controlled and smooth operation
Touch release (TR) runners open with pressure to the front of the slide
Mounting options, for example, bayonets and brackets
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Cycle tests
All Accuride drawer runners undergo cycle tests according to the expected frequency of use. See individual slides for details on the cycle test rating. Load ratings quoted are the maximum for a pair of side-mounted runners installed 450mm apart, unless otherwise stated. The load ratings will change according to the length of the runner. Mounting slides in different configurations will affect the performance and load rating, please see below. We advise clients to test runners in the intended application.
Installation
Most runners are designed to be mounted in pairs on the sides of drawers or the moving unit. When installing the runners, care should be taken to ensure that they are mounted parallel to each other, in vertical and horizontal axes. The measurements taken are between and at the midpoint of the drawer member and are given in kg.
Before mounting runners other than as designed, carefully consider any potential adverse effects on the runners.
Mounting holes
Mounting holes are indicated and dimensioned on product technical sheets. Only those holes shown with a dimension are to be used for mounting. Non-dimensioned holes are tooling holes that often vary in shape and location on runner members. Please refer to 2D CAD drawings for dimensional tolerances.
Length
Slide length is measured as the longest dimension of a fully closed slide. As a rule, always use the maximum length possible in an application.
Types of movement
There are generally two types of slide movement:
Telescoping movement occurring in stages. The drawer member extends fully and then picks up the intermediate member, pulling it to the end of the travel.
Progressive movement is a result of all drawer members moving simultaneously. This type of movement provides extremely smooth, quiet movement.
