There are many different types of drawer runners that can be made or bought, though full-extension ball-bearing drawer runners are among the most reliable, meaning users do not have to worry about the drawer binding or tipping out as can sometimes take place with some other systems.
These Drawer runners are also very easy to install and should take no longer than twenty minutes as the runners will screw into place with just a few careful measurements.
Marking the placement
The first step to install Draw runners is to measure from the cabinet’s interior floor, marking a height of 8.5 inches close to the front and rear of the side walls. A mark should then be made on every line that is 7/8th inches from the cabinet’s front edge, which means there will be plenty of room for the drawer front in addition to a 1/8th of an inch inset.
Positioning the runners
The next step is to align the first runners’ bottom edge above the line, with the runners’ front edge positioned behind the mark close to the cabinet face.
Installing the runners
The runner should be held firmly in place and the extension pushed forward until you can see both sets of the screw holes. Drill small holes in one of the screw holes close to the front and rear of the runner. The screws that come provided with the runners can then be used to have the runner mounted to the interior of the cabinet. The second and third steps should then be repeated to have the second drawer runner mounted on the opposite end of the cabinet.
Marking the sides
A tape measure should then be used to have the centre of the drawer box’s height marked on its exterior sidewalls. With the use of a straightedge, a horizontal line should be marked on each side of the exterior of the drawer box.
Positioning the extension
Each drawer runner comes with a detachable section that should be removed and placed on the corresponding side of the drawer. The runners should be positioned on the centre of their corresponding line and also be level with the drawer box face.
Attaching and inserting
Using a drill or driver and the supplied screws, the runner can then be mounted to the drawer.
The drawer needs to be held level facing the cabinet, with the ends of the runners that are attached to it placed in the tracks within the cabinet. The drawer can then be slid into place by evenly pressing on both sides. Pushing the first runner inside can be difficult, but after the tracks have been engaged sliding the drawer in and out should be a smooth process.
Positioning
Wood glue should be applied to the drawer box face, and when the drawer is closed the face should be positioned with equal gaps on the side and top edges. Clamps can then be used to ensure the drawer face is secured against the box.
Attaching the face
Sliding the drawer carefully open, drive one-inch screws through the drawer box holes and into the drawer face’s rear to ensure it is held securely in place.
Make sure you have all the tools you require before attempting to install drawer runners.
