How to Install Drawer Slides

[@fixitwithzim]

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[@jthornca]

Just wanted to say that I have watched several drawer install videos, from many of the popular KZbin makers, and I found this one actually the most useful. I was putting drawers into my workbench, which didn't initially design for drawers, and this provided the simplest explanation of how to deal with the challenges of imprecise measurements in mounting. Simple instructions, no fancy jigs, just shim and mount. I know this video has been around a while, but it's still useful, ... thanks.

[@tomotten3165]

I just wanted to thank you for your video on installing drawer slides. I just built a large pantry cabinet with 6 pull out shelves. You saved my life with the explanation of those cut outs for attaching the slides and getting a bit of an adjustment. I must have watched 10 videos on installing drawer slides and you were the only one that talked about that install capability, and I stumbled on it- Thank you!!

[@fixitwithzim]

That’s what it’s all about! Awesome reading comments like this one, happy I could help !

[@Rainman270]

Thanks for that. Woodworking 35 yrs and always hit a wall when it came to drawer slides. I would just use wood rails that the drawers rested on. YT and guys like you have been a Godsend.

[@gavrilgavrilov1079]

So good to see a video of someone running into a problem that any of us could come across and solving it. A lot of woodworking videos can make you feel like a dunce, seeing how problem-free these projects come together :)

[@officerdoofy4184]

When I saw 16 minutes compared to the other 5 minute videos, I thought there was going to be a lot of wasted time. But it was awesome because it felt like a mate was showing me how to do it, easy to follow and thorough. Good job, mate!

[@jaymart7314]

Thank you so very much for video. I am putting a pantry together and was stuck when it came to the drawers. I shouldn't have taken on such a big project ....I'm 77 yrs young and should remember that it's harder to do the things I used to when I was younger. Determined to finish it. Thanks for your help!

[@nigelcliffe4668]

I know this video was some time ago but its brilliant. I had a 4mm error and usig this tab method solved the issue. Thankyou

[@fixitwithzim]

Your welcome. Easy fix with this technique!!

[@cupcove]

Definitely the best video for this project. The fact you use your camera to your best advantage is very appreciated. This is the video on installing drawers that I am glad to say I'll use on my website. The others are good but this one's the best. - Toronto, Canada.

[@markgershman1563]

Very simple video. Now I can look at this video over and over again until it sinks in. Otherwise I'm going to waste a lot of wood. Best video on draws on line Thanks a lot!! Mark

[@fixitwithzim]

You’re welcome, thanks for the comment!!

[@jennmorris3648]

I just wanna tell you that you kept me sane tonight I watched and tried three other videos to install these sliders yours was the only one that actually worked the first time. It’s a good thing no one was home because I was cursing like a sailor. And I don’t normally Curse The sliders I purchased didn’t have any instructions I bought them on Amazon in bulk I got 10 pairs for $66 I couldn’t beat the price . Thank you again for keeping me sane 👍🏻

[@fixitwithzim]

You’re welcome, glad the video helped you. Off camera, I did a lot of cursing with this install as well. It’s helps with the thought process!

[@lovewoodworking7447]

Congratulations. I have seen dozens of videos on installing this type of drawer slides. You are the only one who does it right. No pencil marks, no expensive special aids, no inaccurate measurements. In a few days I will make some drawers for my workshop (I am an amateur) and I will use your perfect method. Good evening from Greece.

[@ChetSpencer-p9s]

I just tried using slide sockets for the first time. What a PITA!!!! This will be my slides and method of installation in the future. Thank You for posting !!!!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks, I’ve been using this method for a long time and it’s always worked and made my drawer installs a breeze!

[@1Vampire35]

Enjoyed the video....your method of installation makes it SO much easier than having to "measure this, to measure that, to have it within 1/32 of this side and 1/4 of the other side..., etc." (LOL) ... Let the spacer blocks and the spacers between the drawers themselves do all the "calculating work" and just drill the holes to attach the glides!!!! Easy Peasy!!!! Thanks so much!

[@blusnapper]

I used to hate installing draw runners until I saw this video. Clear concise instructions that’s cut my install time by half. The tip on draw slide tab adjustment is priceless. Top man!

[@edwinpino3384]

Needed this video as I’m installing 40” pullout slides in an odd closet to turn into a pantry. I’m adding 4 sets of slides heavy duty slides 500lbs capacity not that my wife will load it but I don’t want to revisit the project due to weak slides. Your video also showed me how you made your drawers using Kreg tool. Love the simple details easy to follow. Thank you.

[@reddawn352]

I like the idea of the space saving tabs that would save a lot of heartache. Thank you for that tip that really was worth watching the whole video. Good luck to you in the future.

[@upswildcat1]

I wanted you to know that your video helped immensely. I’m not a carpenter and definitely not a cabinet maker. With your tips I was successful. My wife is happy, so I’m happy. That U shaped tang thing is the bomb. Anyway, thanks again.

[@johnzimmerman6516]

Love the constant conversation and instruction that is intertwined in your video. It completely made sense to watch and gives a lot of confidence to a novice like me. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@pickedclean]

Out f'n standing. How is this not in the instructions? True Legend. Thank you.

[@devendramattai2738]

I have seen many other videos installing drawers but yours is the best... Very easy to understand ....perfectly explained... Thanks very much sir

[@Trully1949]

You are a god. It’s incredible how simple and easy you make these installation instructions, whereby almost everything else I researched on the web and KZbin show all these complicated ways of where the drawer slide body should attach/align to the carcass of the cabinet. The instructions are all over the place, which I’m sure you are aware. The main problem/challenge I’ve had is that I am installing new slides on handmade cabinets with horizontal wood members between each drawer and that were made probably 40+ years ago and I’ve determined that they’re not true and plum and square. Close but not close enough, therefore it took me for what seemed forever to do one drawer. Thank you so much for your video!!!

[@rayjackson4547]

For years draw slides was always a mystery to even seasoned cabinet guys. Your view was great Thanks Ray

[@americathebeautiful830]

Great info and video. My husband hates to work with drawers and I think you've made it easier to understand the installaton process. Thank you!

[@markhopkins7204]

So glad I used valuable time watching this vid before I installed some drawers...I saw zero instructions stating what these tabs were for...Thank you SIR!

[@woodworks2123]

I have had the same brain fart a few times over the years and never even noticed those tabs before. That would've saved me alot of time if I knew that. Thanks for sharing.

[@fixitwithzim]

You’re welcome!

[@bobjohnson6371]

Holy S***. I just spent a couple hours shiming out my drawer slides. Never knew about the tabs on the sides. Just made my job tomorrow a whole lot easier .. Great video !!! Thanks.

[@jimobriant8643]

I am so glad that I watched this. I have always dreaded building drawers. I have been shimming them or using washers to get them to operate properly. I just built 10 drawers today but have not installed them. You better believe I’m going to use those tabs. Good video

[@SuperLittleTyke]

I've used exactly the same slides, but never realised the self-adjusting feature of the U-shaped tabs. I watched a dozen videos and yours is the first one to mention this feature!

[@fixitwithzim]

Same here, I’ve lost count of how many I installed prior to realizing the function of the tabs. It’s amazing none of the manufacturers mention how they work. Glad the video helped you!

[@SuperLittleTyke]

@@fixitwithzim One further comment: the U-tabs each have an elongated hole and a round hole. It would make sense to use the round holes, as this would provide more "springyness " of the tab because the fulcrum is greater. More springyness or "give" should mean a greater degree of self-adjustment. When I fitted mine, not knowing about the self-adjusting aspect, I used the elongated holes. My pull-out slides in and out perfectly, but I may go back and move the screws, one at a time, from the elongated holes to the round holes.

[@fixitwithzim]

SuperLittleTyke thanks for the tip! 👍🏻

[@alandohse1977]

Just saw your video. Great work! I've looked at several videos and none are as good as yours. I look for real guys who can make mistakes (like me, even with hours of design and prep). I learned a lot today. More confident now adding pull out shelves for the cabinet above the washer and dryer in the garage. Thanks!

[@fixitwithzim]

You’re welcome. Hope your project is going well!

[@njtreefarm]

Excellent tip! Never installed theses slides before and no instructions came with them wish you well!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thank you so much!

[@thinkdifferent99]

Thanks for this tip! 8 drawers installed in no time ... I was pretty respectful of the installation - with this method it was a no brainer!

[@ctmurray]

Thank goodness I found your video. I am about to install drawers with slides. They came with a incomprehensible instruction sheet. I needed to know how to position the slide on the inside (flush or not) and I was worrying about the drawer dimensions. The secret of the tabs. I was trying to measure and cut the drawer width just perfectly and hope it was not too tight nor too loose. But now I see the tabs give you enough wiggle room. I was having nightmares about cutting shims the proper thickness and how to figure all that stuff out. Again thanks.

[@rickyham2991]

Jeez, I wish I had seen this video a week ago 😂. I adjusted all the drawer widths I built this week with washers as shims, a right pain in the pin feathers. Thanks for uploading the video, I still have more drawers to build and you have made it much easier for me to finish. 🎉

[@michaelkelley6905]

Just watched and realized how simple this solution was. I had the same issue yesterday, but shimmed the piece attached to the drawer, because I didn’t know about the tabs. I literally worked on one drawer for 2 hours before I gave up and went to other drawers. Slept on it and fixed it easily this morning. I was so surprised to see the difference 1/16th of an inch made on dimensions of drawers and slides. Thanks for the tips!

[@robertchester2801]

I have had my frustration with drawers. I really appreciate this video, it was very helpful.

[@robertadams8971]

Super Excellent video! I struggled (stupidly) installing a drawer, tried shims, re-jiggered both slides....still not smooth. So happy I found this video!! Lots of good tips and tricks!! Well done!! Kudos! What more can I say????

[@fixitwithzim]

Thank you man, I appreciate it! I did the same initially and said they're has to be a better way. Good luck with the install!!

[@MommaNanaKay]

This video was so helpful! I’m a senior woman attempting to put frames, doors and drawers in my kitchen cabinet boxes. I’ve made it to the point of installing the drawers but could not figure it out no matter how hard I tried or how many videos I watched. Your video made total sense and I am so grateful! Thank you!

[@richbooth9030]

EXCELLENT tip on draw slide install, never new that. I’m building draws this week. Perfect timing!! Thanks

[@timc8913]

Priceless and timeless info on the tabs. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@michaeldobbs2034]

I built a cabinet with three drawers a few years back. The drawers have never operated smoothly to this day. I have never built another drawer because I could not understand what the problem was. I'm going to revisit the drawers now to see if this technique will resolve the problem. Fingers crossed this works because I really want to build other projects with drawers. I have not done so because I couldn't master this first little project. Thank you very much for your instructional video!

[@ladykenja2700]

- Very clear, concise info, particularly re: the C/U shaped areas in the drawer guide. No one, even on my instruction sheet, has ever mentioned it.

[@lewisclark5694]

Very straight forward, logical. You did not wave around your hand in some nonsensical manner like some people to in these types of videos. Very clear instructions!

[@bernarddouthit4647]

This is a great video! I just built some replacement drawers for a rental property I own and I haven't installed drawer slides yet. You do a great job of explaining the basics. Thank you for making this.

[@daveunger5859]

Extremely helpful for a novice like me doing his first install of drawer slides. Thank you!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks!!

[@jeffheilman8516]

I was alwasy wondering why there were so many holes and "options" for securing the slides. This was informative and helpful. Thanks!

[@gerritvandijk425]

Good explanation and helpful . I have built over 150 drawers and what I learned is to install the drawer slides on the gables before assembling the cabinet especially if you have under 20 inch wide drawers

[@russpartington4773]

The proper procedure is to "fix" one side, the same side on all drawers in the "stack", and use the self adjusting tabs on the opposite side. This will keep the drawer front reveals consistent on all of them....

[@pickedclean]

Ah, this makes sense as well. Good one.

[@juanalvarex272]

Nada

[@junskey]

makes sense

[@fixitwithzim]

You could do that also however it’s not an issue when you attach the drawer front after the slide install. Thanks for the comment!

[@kennyH20]

By making one slide adjustable and the other stationary you will prevent any future racking of the drawer.

[@julianosolaiman3744]

Wish I would have watched this before I just finished 30 drawers and had to shim some and recess the slide on some to make them work. Thank you!

[@rightmath66]

THANK YOU! Been so aggravated trying to get a drawer into an armoire build! Going to the sp right now to do it!

[@atlantajunglepythons1744]

I came up with a 't-stick' that layed out all of the holes and set the centerline...this is a lot easier and more fööl-proof! Couldn't work in every situ, but in most and it's fast & easy. Now I WANT do do a buncha drawer installs...crāzy!!

[@atlantajunglepythons1744]

to do* even

[@fixitwithzim]

Nice, I’ve made a few jigs over the years to simplify the process as well. As the old saying goes, “whatever works”!

[@howto2628]

The most simplest video I’ve found. Thank you

[@edhaskell1554]

You just made my day! Yea, my drawer is not the proper width and the slider instructions don't even explain what those tabs are for! Thanks dude!

[@larryb4122]

I can't count how many times I've been off just a wee bit and used anything for a shim to hide my goof. I had no idea this was even an option. Goes to show, you can teach an old dog a new trick. Thanks for the very helpful video!

[@fixitwithzim]

Larry B You’re welcome, It’s a time saver for sure. Thanks for the comment!

[@rinofriio97]

That's the most proper way of doing the fine task ..Your explanation is Excellent... You have a good handle on the method...Thanks So much..

[@gabi-sw8zw]

man those spacers for holding the slide in place was a great tip. thanks for the video!

[@jerrynelson4573]

Thank you sir for the information on installation of drawer. With boards, instead of installing with those expensive jig or tools. They're not cheap, they're expensive the way you done installing it a very good information, thank you sir. Now I can do that on my installation..thanks..

[@fixitwithzim]

You’re welcome! Yes, no need for fancy jigs in most cases!

[@soosaisteven3984]

Thank you for highlighting the function of the U shaped tab on the slides. That's totally new to me.

[@fixitwithzim]

soosai steven You’re welcome, thanks for the comment

[@paulgajewski5926]

What did you use for drawer fronts

[@michaelharper7921]

Thanks man. I have actually avoided using drawer hardware for some of the reasons you explain here. Very helpful

[@haroldbrett367]

Thanks for the video. I'll be building some cabinets for the first time and your video is straight forward and easy to understand with all the information I need to get the job done. Thanks again!

[@fixitwithzim]

Nice, good luck with the cabinet build!

[@chriskurtz7657]

I am glad I watched your video. I fought with bottom slides all morning now I know what the u shape cut out is for. Anyway going to try again this afternoon. It's funny some of the simple things can be so difficult

[@bellefancy]

Yes, it is an exciting video! It is wonderful to have that aha moment when you realize "That's what that is for!" Thank you!

[@paulbrownell8050]

Thanks Zim. I never knew what those U shaped cutouts on the slide were for. I also like your way of installing. I attached the parts of the slide separately (on the drawer and on the cabinet). Your way is much easier. Thanks.

[@fixitwithzim]

Thank you Paul…yeah, those cutouts are the trick and make the process so much easier!

[@travelingworm]

thank you for a commonsense explanation of drawer installation and solving problems for small dimensional inaccuracies - really good video

[@flaron352]

Great video. I recently installed slides on new cabinets. Wish I saw this first. I also wondered why those cut outs were are on the slides too. Now I know.

[@mermaidalaina140]

I had no idea what the function on those tabs were or even noticed them. Thank you! This helps immensely!!

[@fixitwithzim]

Neither did I until I did some researched. Glad I was able to help you!

[@kayecrook8115]

Abasalutly great . I loved the information on the tabs. You really explained the fitting superbly. Many thanks Gerald UK

[@reecy857]

Thanks buddy, one of the best I’ve seen on how to install drawers. Was going to buy a Kreg jig, but feel confident with this. Thanks again!

[@michaelcanavan5153]

Was thinking same thing, for forthcoming job in daughters room,, but would only need for ,3 drawer's, bit more confident about installing myself,, cheers Mick 🇬🇧,,(Liverpool,,,E.F.C⚽🇬🇧

[@by_ednafelicita]

As a beginner, I loved the detail explanation. Thanks for all the tid-bits!

[@fixitwithzim]

Awesome!...and you’re welcome. You won’t be a beginner for long...easy stuff once you learn the tricks. Good luck with your project!!

[@haiyanqu698]

Thanks so much for explaining the usage of the drawer slider tab, learned so much from your video! Much appreciated!

[@Coach_Ghezzi]

This was an excellent video. Your chill approach to this is refreshing. Subscribed.

[@Texasishot105]

Great video... I got a lot out of your video!!! I'm doing a ambulance 🚑 build... it comes with many cabinets but no drawers. Thank you for teaching me something new. ⭐👍

[@photorealm]

Pointing out the u shaped tabs functionality is a great tip, thanks for sharing.

[@gregfoster6708]

Thank you! I have scratched my head for months trying to work out the drawer tolerance problem. The instructions on Everbilt are essentially useless. 1 inch is all they say. They don’t say “Don’t go over 1 inch by half the width of a mouses whisker.” I have a cruder analogy but... I planed the oversized drawers and used washers for the undersized. They also said put the slide on the drawer first. Your technique is so elegant.

[@erikolson55434]

The self correcting tabs were a great tip, nicely done.

[@kendalblack7365]

Thank you so much! I've struggled with being off just a hair each time and it's annoying. I also always use the solid holes and not the tabs. Not anymore. Keep up with the videos!

[@fixitwithzim]

Thank you!!

[@OnlineHousehusband]

Question....if the drawer runners are 12.7mm (1/2") would you allow slightly bigger aperture for them? Say 13mm? Which would give you 0.3mm tolerance either side. Better being loose than too tight right?

[@sed6]

Yes better too loose, hence the slides growing larger. There's no function to shrink them down, then you've got to router out your wood...

[@onepercentile]

REally handy info to know about the drawer slide tabs and slide installation techniques. Just don't go under size, right? Thanks a million!!

[@albertm8576]

Excellent video. I’ve installed a lot of drawer slides and it has always been my Achilles heel. I would do it but it was time consuming for me. I’d always wondered why those slides were cut like that. You’re a lifesaver thanks for the informative video 👍

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks you…appreciate it 👍🏻

[@pi1171]

This is a very handy tips. I wish I'd seen this when I installed my drawer slides because I had exactly the same problem and shimmed. Never again.. :-) Thanks.

[@kylapowell9750]

OMG!!! I’ve been looking for a solution like this for months!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@glennoverhoff6589]

Hi Zim. Just finished my first project, stand alone unit with 7 drawers. After building everything (yes, drawers get tedious) I embarked on the slide installation. I was so sceptical thinking that I was inviting endless grief, that in my mind I already had wrote the whole project off to the burn pile. Proud to say I followed your instructions to the letter, and it works perfectly! All 7 drawers slide smoothly and have settled in nicely. Biggest take was 2 things. Start at the top (to avoid compounding errors), and using the C tabs. The C tabs work brilliantly. Next step is door fronts. All the small bits of plywood from overthinking the project so far will be on their own in the burn pile. Cheers from Canada. Thank you!

[@fixitwithzim]

Hey man, glad I was able to help out with your project…sounds like it went well! Drawer building and installation is one of those things that seems tedious and complicated when you overthink it…but in reality, it’s really not at all when you learn a few techniques. Good luck on the drawer fronts. That’s another easy task. I really need to film an update of the miter saw station completed. It came out great. Thanks for the comment!

[@kristyporter9650]

i've been pulling my hair out for the last two days over drawer installs on a dresser build - cut drawers a bit too narrow. the tab info a LIFE SAVER!!!

[@bd048]

Thanks. I'm doing sliders on 50 year old drawers that have never had them. Now I see what I need to do to prep before I start. :-)

[@mikelungu9878]

great info about to tabs as I had to reinstall the drawer wall that the slides were mounted to and the drawers were binding so now i will remove the screws that were installed and put them in the U-shaped tabs, thanks again for the info.

[@samv1430]

Awesome video, cleared all my doubts about installing these slides for my camper van cabinets. Thanks brother

[@fixitwithzim]

You’re welcome, glad to help!

[@qurlyqutie]

The absolute BEST video description of how to install drawers. I think I’m almost brave enough to try my first drawer install thanks to you. Thanks!!

[@fixitwithzim]

queelyte Go for it! Thanks for the comment

[@lewisclark5694]

Oh yea.......saw this video a year or so ago.....forgot.......looked for you again. My drawers work good without shims now. lol. Thanks!!!

[@ted6499]

Great video, like being in the classroom.Very clear instructions without the interruption of music in background like so many other videos .... thanks for sharing , brilliant !

[@lisasclafani5185]

What a great video! Good tips and really liked your delivery not like reading a script. Thank you

[@birdley12]

If I don’t have that bottom toe kick piece is there any reason I couldn’t work from the bottom by making a spacer that’s 1/2”+plus the height you want to install the slide from the bottom of the drawer? Use that spacer to install the cabinet side of the slide then use the 1/2” spacer to install the drawer, and work my way up?

[@tommyvvirs1731]

Thanks for that tip I was fighting with our Kitchen garbage slide out with new slides that wouldn’t slide properly on the one side, just screwed to those tabs and it works good now 👍

[@davidrobins4025]

You have given me some very good tips / tricks for installing drawers. Excellent job. Thank you.

[@fixitwithzim]

Thanks a lot. Appreciate that!

[@GarstonLad]

Brilliant vid. Glad I watched before I went ahead; always wondered why there was so many holes and tabs! Nice one and thank you!

[@markdickins6237]

Great video. I have had trouble with slides and I will follow this exactly on my next cabinet. Thanks for the excellent info!

[@droy3886]

That is a awesome tip about the slide tabs. I wish I would have watched this yesterday but at least I now know how to fix them.

[@robertbankhead8661]

You made my life better my friend! Thanks for the practical lesson.

[@fixitwithzim]

Awesome, happy to help!

[@adelker4884]

Very good question by C Muir and thank you very much Zimsjeep for the answer. That was the issue boggling my mind!

[@veritasestveritas8646]

You know, installing drawer slides intimidated me until I watched this video. Thanks for a clear, simple explanation. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@fixitwithzim]

Easy job when you learn the tricks. Thanks for the comment!

[@timziegler9358]

I enjoyed your video. A lot of good info that a layman such as myself certainly appreciates. Thank you.