How to install soft-close drawer slides?
Stop your drawers from slamming shut with soft-close glides. Installation takes only an hour (or less!), and you’ll be rewarded with a quieter kitchen.
If you’ve ever gotten your fingers stuck in a closing drawer, then you’ll want to know this: Soft-close drawer glides are here to save the day. They are affordable and easy to use and can make your kitchen a safer, quieter space.
Expect to spend roughly an hour on this project, and make sure you’re comfortable using basic DIY tools like a drill, screwdriver, and level. We installed our guides in a kitchen, but they also work well in a bathroom, bedroom
What You Need
- Soft-close side-mount drawer glides
- Mounting plates
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
Step 1: Remove Drawer and Hardware
Empty desired drawer and remove it from the cabinet. Unscrew the existing drawer glide hardware from both the drawer and the cabinet.
Step 2: Install Drawer Glides
Place the drawer on its side. Align the glide flush with the bottom of the drawer, being sure the small extending part of the glide is positioned to the front of the drawer. Mark placement with a pencil. Screw marked glide into place, predrilling holes if desired. Repeat at the rear. Turn the drawer over and repeat on the other side.
Step 3: Install Cabinet Glides
To install the cabinet hardware, pull the glide back on the drawer to release the clip and remove part of it from the drawer. Attach the mounting clips to the glide, the front face frame clip, and the back of the cabinet box clip.
Step 4: Attach Clips
Attach the face frame clip to the cabinet with a screw and a screwdriver, predrilling holes if desired. Then attach the back mounting clip to the back of the cabinet box, checking to make sure it’s level before screwing it in.
Step 5: Make Needed Adjustments
Measure the distance of the drawer glide at the front of the box and the back of the box to make sure they’re parallel. Make any necessary screw adjustments, then repeat on the other side. Slide drawer into the glides to make sure it all fits. Make any final adjustments, as needed, then screw in the rest of the screws.