Drawer runners, also called drawer slides or drawer gliders, are hardware pieces fixed to drawers' sides, facilitating the smooth and quiet drawer movement in various facilities. These slides mesh with drawers to open or close them without getting stuck. A drawer runner is typically made of metal, aluminium, plastic, or a combination material, allowing repeated use and supporting drawer weight and contents. Drawer gliders are mounted on the furniture frame with one part attached to the drawer, allowing it to open or close, depending on the proper installation. Additionally, drawer runners come in varied sizes, weight capacities, types, and functionalities.
Types of Drawer Runners Based on Their Weight Support
Based on weight support, drawer slides are classified into the following:
- Heavy-Duty Drawer Runners – They carry a holding capacity of over 100 kg and are best suited for heavy-duty and larger applications, including garages, industrial workstations, and kitchens. Office drawer runners can also withstand heavy weights for extended periods.
- Light Duty Drawer Runners – These are suitable for domestic applications with weight supporting up to 50 kg. Kitchen drawer runners are examples of light-duty drawer slides.
- Medium Duty Drawer Slides – They can support weight in the middle of the two slide types with a supporting weight between 51 and 99 kg. They are often installed in drawers containing heavier items like pots and pans.
Drawer Runner Types Based on Their Mounting Configurations
Drawer slides are available in the side, center, and under-mount configurations.
- Side-Mount Drawer Slides – These drawer slides are the most commonly used types mounted on drawer sides or cabinet carcasses. They feature two parts—one attached to the drawer's side and the other mounted on the cabinet. Side-mount slides allow easy installation and content visibility within drawers and are widely used in kitchen or living room furniture.
- Centre-Mount Drawer Runners – As the name indicates, these runners are mounted in the drawer centre underneath. They are ideal for lightweight drawers and are not visible while open.
- Under-Mount Side Drawer Slides – Undermount side drawer slides are concealed drawer runners with underneath fittings. They are the preferred choice for medium-duty uses and provide a clean, hidden appearance.
What are Special Drawer Runners?
Besides the above types, there are special drawer runners with special built-in mechanisms, including:
- Self-Closing Drawer Runners – The self-closing drawer runners are automated runners that feature built-in ramp mechanisms and springs or other components for operation. They offer benefits by closing the drawers neatly without leaving them half-closed or open, thus protecting your valuables and other possessions.
- Soft Close Drawer Runners – Using hydraulic or other mechanisms, these runners provide a smooth and soft closing of drawers by dampening the closing motion. Soft close drawer runners prevent excessive force with a smooth gliding action and avoid resulting damage and slamming.
What are European Drawer Runners?
These are the drawer slides commonly used in European-style cabinets. They are easily mounted on the drawer or cabinet sides, providing full extension and easy replacement.
Typical Applications of Drawer Runners
Depending on the users' applications and environments, drawer runners can be effectively used in domestic, commercial, and industrial environments, such as:
- Kitchens
- Cabinets
- Offices
- Storage Warehouses
- Bedroom Furniture
- Electric & IT enclosures.
