Choosing the Right Drawer Slides | Blog

Making the right choice

Choosing the right drawer slides is a crucial decision that impacts the functionality and longevity of your furniture or storage solution. Think about the specific application in question, the load weight requirements, and any regulations or industry standards that need to be adhered to when making your choice. Heavy-duty slides provide unparalleled strength for industrial and commercial settings, while medium-duty slides strike a balance between strength and versatility. Light-duty slides are perfect for residential and retail applications where smooth operation is key but the load is less.

By understanding the distinctions between these three categories, you can make an informed decision that ensures your drawers and cabinets function optimally for years to come. Remember, investing in quality drawer slides is an investment in the longevity and efficiency of your storage solutions.

Accurately measuring for a drawer slide is also pivotal to its optimal performance. Precision ensures a snug fit within the allotted space, facilitating smooth opening and closing, and supporting the intended load capacity. Equally, imprecise measurements can lead to a range of issues, from misaligned drawers to difficulties in operation or potential drawer malfunctions.

Furthermore, in industrial applications, errors made in the preparation stage can even having lasting and devastating repercussions.

Feature Considerations

Mounting: For optimal performance, we recommend you mount slides only as indicated in the technical datasheet. Although most slides are side mounted, some can be flat mounted under the drawer or moving component, causing a loss in load rating.

Side Space: This is the amount of space needed between the pullout and the case or cabinet to ensure optimal movement. Drawer width and expected load should always also be considered to determine if a higher rated slide is required for the project.

Extension: A general rule is to use the maximum length slide allowable in the application to ensure full access to contents. While most slides are full extension, we also offer slides with under- and over-travel.

Drawer Width: Whether used for a drawer, door, component, or chassis, the width of the pullout has a significant impact on performance. If a slide does not have the capacity to support the width, side-to-side movement or racking will occur.

Touch Release: Just a slight push inward and the slide latch releases, propelling the drawer open 2" for a convenient release.

Soft Close/Easy Close: Bring drawers to a smooth, gentle close every time for a smooth, tidy motion without the noise or disruption slamming can cause.

Self Closing: Ensures your application returns to the closed position and remains there until its next use.

Detent-Out: This feature holds drawers and pull-out surfaces in an extended position, making it the ideal solution for pull-out work surfaces in residential or commercial environments.

Lock in/Lock out: Equipped with a front latch release, the lock-in/lock-out is ideal for securing drawers, trays, and panels that in an extended position.

Lock out: Keeps drawers and pull-outs secured in the extended position until manually released by a lever.

Load Ratings

Heavy Duty Drawer Slides

Heavy-duty drawer slides play a pivotal role in countless industries due to their robust load-bearing capabilities which are designed to support loads of 100kg plus, meaning they provide exceptional durability and stability.

Heavy machinery, for example, often requires secure storage and easy access to tools and components robust slides ensure smooth movement of these heavy parts, reducing the risk of accidents during maintenance or access when operating industrial machinery.

Likewise in warehouse and storage facilities, these stronger, robust slides ensure safe movement of heavy inventory, keeping things organised and efficient, while in manufacturing assembly lines, they can support equipment or parts, boosting productivity and safety during assembly processes.

In essence, heavy-duty drawer slides are the unsung heroes; ensuring safety, functionality, and efficiency across diverse industries. They handle substantial weight loads securely, reducing the risks of accidents or damage, while making access to stored items or equipment convenient and smooth. The key is in choosing the right weight load capacity to maintain safety standards and optimise efficiency across the relevant industrial setting.

Applications & Industries

Heavy-duty drawer slides are built to withstand substantial weight loads and play a crucial role in industries that demand robust solutions for the storage and access of substantial weights, making them suitable for industrial, commercial, and heavy-duty applications. These slides are commonly used in:

Manufacturing and Industrial Settings: Heavy machinery tool cabinets, equipment storage, and industrial workstations heavily rely on heavy-duty drawer slides. These slides provide secure storage solutions for tools and components in manufacturing environments, ensuring smooth and controlled access during maintenance or production processes.

Automotive and Aerospace Industry: Tool chests, parts storage, and maintenance equipment drawers in both the automotive and aerospace industries often utilise heavy-duty slides. These slides contribute to the safe and efficient storage of heavy tools and components, reducing workplace hazards during maintenance and assembly.

Commercial Kitchens: Commercial kitchens benefit from heavy-duty drawer slides in drawers storing heavy pots, pans, and kitchen equipment. The robust slides ensure safe and efficient access to kitchen essentials, contributing to smooth operations in bustling kitchen environments.

Data Centres: In data centres, heavy-duty slides provide support for heavy servers, facilitating effortless access during maintenance operations. The durability and stability of these slides are crucial in ensuring the reliability of data centre equipment.

Mobile and Marine Settings: In mobile settings, such as recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats, heavy-duty drawer slides secure heavy items during transit. They ensure that stored items stay in place and remain easily accessible, even in dynamic or marine environments.

Warehouse and Storage Facilities: Heavy-duty drawer slides are employed in warehouse and storage facilities to support the safe movement of heavy inventory. These slides contribute to keeping storage spaces organised and efficient.

Construction and Engineering: Construction sites and engineering facilities often use heavy-duty slides in tool storage cabinets and equipment drawers. The slides provide durability and stability in environments where heavy tools and equipment are regularly accessed.

Military and Defence: Military applications demand robust solutions, and heavy-duty drawer slides find use in equipment storage, vehicle compartments, and field operations. They contribute to the safe and secure storage of heavy gear and tools.

In conclusion, heavy-duty drawer slides are indispensable in industries where durability, stability, and the ability to support substantial weight loads are paramount. These slides ensure the safe storage and convenient access of heavy items, contributing to the efficiency and safety of various industrial applications.

Medium Duty Drawer Slides

Medium-duty drawer slides are the versatile workhorses in the world of storage solutions, providing a perfect balance between strength and flexibility.

Designed to support loads ranging from 51kg to 99kg, medium-duty slides strike a balance between strength and flexibility. They provide the durability required for various applications without compromising on space or ease of use.

In commercial and industrial settings, where frequent use is the norm, these slides offer a reliable and durable solution. Whether in retail environments with constant access to store fixtures or in industrial workstations requiring secure storage, medium-duty slides ensure smooth and stable movement.

Within manufacturing and assembly lines, medium-duty slides support equipment and parts, enhancing productivity and safety during assembly processes. In office spaces, desks and file cabinets benefit from their robust capabilities, providing easy access to essential documents and office supplies. These slides are crafted to withstand moderate loads, making them the go-to choice for a wide range of applications, from tool cabinets to display cabinets.

Applications & Industries

Medium duty slides strike a balance between strength and versatility, and provide application solutions to various industries where a balance between strength and flexibility is required for the storage and access of moderate loads. They are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including:

Commercial and Retail: Store fixtures, display cabinets, and retail storage often incorporate medium-duty drawer slides. These slides provide a versatile solution for organising and accessing products, contributing to an efficient retail environment.

Manufacturing and Industrial Workstations: Medium-duty slides play a crucial role in manufacturing and industrial workstations. They are employed in equipment storage, tool cabinets, and assembly lines, where a combination of durability and flexibility is needed for various applications.

Office Furniture: Desks, file cabinets, and storage units in office settings benefit from the versatility of medium-duty drawer slides. These slides offer reliable and durable solutions for organising office supplies, documents, and personal belongings.

Healthcare: In healthcare facilities, medium-duty slides may be used in medical carts, bedside tables, and storage units for medical supplies. They provide a stable and secure solution for organising and accessing essential medical equipment.

Manufacturing and Production: Medium-duty drawer slides support equipment and parts in manufacturing and production settings. They are suitable for applications where a moderate load capacity is required, contributing to enhanced productivity during assembly processes.

Educational Furniture: Educational furniture, including classroom desks, storage units, and cabinets, often incorporates medium-duty drawer slides. These slides contribute to creating organised and user-friendly learning environments in schools and educational institutions.

Residential and Home Use: Medium-duty slides are commonly used in residential settings for furniture like dressers, wardrobes, and storage units. They offer a reliable and durable solution for organising and accessing personal belongings in homes.

Automotive Repair Shops: Workstations and storage cabinets in automotive repair shops utilise medium-duty drawer slides. These slides provide a practical and efficient solution for organising tools and equipment in a dynamic workshop environment.

Overall, medium-duty drawer slides serve as versatile components that bridge the gap between lighter and heavier load capacities. Their use is widespread across industries where a reliable, durable, and flexible solution is required for various storage and organisational needs.

Light-Duty Drawer Slides

When it comes to light-duty storage needs, our range of telescopic and linear motion light-duty slides really step into the spotlight. These slides are the perfect choice for home and office furniture where the load is not substantial but smooth operation is essential, and with support for loads of up to 50kg, these light-duty slides are tailored for applications where the weight bearing requirements is minimal, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for everyday storage and movement needs.

From crafting lightweight storage solutions and retail display shelves to incorporating pocket doors in kitchen cabinets, our light-duty slides excel in numerous commercial and domestic applications. Whether you're developing drawers for the medical industry or shelves for the white goods sector, we have the perfect slide tailored to your specific needs.

In residential spaces, light-duty slides find their place in kitchen cabinets, bedside tables, and small storage units, offering a seamless and effortless experience, while for office furniture like personal storage units and desks, light-duty slides provide a practical solution for everyday use. Their versatility extends to various applications, making them an ideal choice for those seeking simplicity and reliability. Light-duty slides are designed to handle lighter loads with ease, ensuring smooth and efficient operation in a wide range of settings.

Applications & Industries

Light-duty slides are designed for applications where the emphasis is on smooth and easy movement rather than heavy load-bearing capacity. They are commonly found in:

Residential Furniture: Light-duty drawer slides are extensively used in residential furniture, such as kitchen cabinets, bedside tables, dressers, and wardrobes. They ensure smooth and easy access to everyday items without the need for heavy load-bearing capabilities.

Office and Workspace: In office environments, light-duty slides find their place in desks, personal storage units, and file cabinets. They provide a practical and efficient solution for organising office supplies, documents, and personal belongings.

Retail Displays: Retail settings often employ light-duty drawer slides in display cabinets and store fixtures. These slides facilitate easy access to products, allowing for a seamless and attractive shopping experience for customers.

Healthcare: In healthcare facilities, light-duty slides may be used in medical carts, bedside tables, and storage units for medical supplies. Their smooth operation ensures convenient access to essential equipment without the need for heavy load-bearing capacity.

Educational Furniture: Light-duty drawer slides are incorporated into educational furniture, including classroom desks, storage units, and cabinets. They contribute to creating a user-friendly and organised learning environment.

Hospitality and Hotel Furniture: Furniture in hotels and hospitality establishments often utilises light-duty slides in dressers, nightstands, and other storage units. These slides contribute to a functional and aesthetically pleasing guest experience.

Recreational Vehicles (RVs): Light-duty drawer slides are commonly used in the storage compartments of recreational vehicles (RVs). They provide convenient access to lightweight items while ensuring that storage areas remain organised during travel.

Manufacturing: Industries involved in the manufacturing of smaller products, such as electronic components, may use light-duty slides in storage units and cabinets to facilitate organisation and access during assembly processes.

Overall, light-duty drawer slides are highly versatile components that enhance the functionality and organisation of storage spaces in a wide range of industries. Their suitability for lighter loads makes them a practical choice for applications where the emphasis is on smooth operation and accessibility rather than heavy load-bearing capacity.

FA Parkes: Your One Stop Shop for Drawer Slides & Linear Motion

Here at FA Parkes our vast range of telescopic and linear motion slides from Accuride are meticulously designed and crafted, leveraging the latest technologies and decades of industry expertise to ensure each product meets the highest standards.

Our unwavering commitment to providing our customers with the latest in innovation and quality makes FA Parkes your trusted go-to for the best slides whatever your requirements.

Our range of slides include special features such as lock-in and lock-out, two-way travel, front disconnect, interlocking slides, and slides designed for wide drawers, and provide a diverse selection of lengths, mounting options, and extension capabilities to address a myriad of business needs.

Crafted from materials including stainless steel, aluminium, and cold-rolled steel, these slides are meticulously chosen to deliver the highest standards of functionality and aesthetic appeal for an extended lifespan. Many of our slides undergo zinc plating to enhance corrosion resistance, while stainless steel and aluminium variants are available for environments with particularly demanding conditions.

Choosing the right drawer slides is a crucial decision that impacts the functionality and longevity of your furniture or storage solution and our team are at hand to help with any guidance needs or questions you have when considering the specific application, weight requirements, and industry standards when making your choice.

Get in touch for a quote or chat about your drawer slide requirements today and let’s get your project moving.