A drawer slide with heavy-duty capabilities can be very useful. But the right heavy-duty slide can do more.
Heavy duty drawer slides can do a lot. But choosing the right one could save you both time and money.
Sometimes people underestimate the magnitude of a task. Long-term consequences can be caused by a slide not being able to move. An overloaded drawer can damage the slides underneath it and make them less durable. The worst part is that too much stress can damage the drawer or cabinet, multiplying the costs of underestimation.
This is why we offer helpful tips to help you choose the best heavy-duty solution that suits your needs.
1. Load
Estimate your maximum project capacity first.
Any slide that is up to 170 lbs. heavy duty is a slide. You can carry up to 170 lbs. In general, the higher the load-bearing ability, the more expensive it is. It is important to think carefully about how much your project will support and what its load-bearing requirements will be.
2. Length
Consider how far you want the drawer to travel. Most heavy-duty slides come in a range of lengths, from 12-40 in. However, the Select Lok9301E can come in lengths as high as 60 in. (5 ft.).
3. Width
How large do your applications need to be? Every drawer slide is limited in its ability to support maximum loads. Experts have tested the maximum width and it has been confirmed by rigorous cycle testing.
Select Lok and other major brands follow industry standards for testing. Generic brands may not be tested, which could cause poor long-term reliability. Consider whether the manufacturer of the slide you are interested in has a limited lifetime warranty.
4. Indoor Or Outdoor?
An indoor general slide is suitable for most indoor applications. However, outdoor applications may require special modifications.
Outdoor applications face challenges from moisture and debris. Humidity can cause corrosion to slide members. Furthermore, debris can block lubricated bearings. This can hinder smooth movement.
If this is true, choose a heavy-duty slide made from a corrosion-resistant material.
5. Is It A Stationary Or A Vehicular Vehicle?
The vehicular application presents new challenges. A slide intended for vehicular usage will see its load rating reduce by up to 40%.
Look into solutions that can keep the compartments sealed during transit. These could include slides with a heavy-duty “hold-in” or lock-in detent.
If you have heavy-duty slide systems already in place, you might be able to retrofit the locking feature.
6. Orientation
Is the project to be mounted side-by-side or flat? Flat-mounting slides can decrease their load rating by about 2/3. An Select Lok7950 Full-Extension/Heavy-Duty slide will, for instance, see its load rating decrease from 350 lbs. If flat-mounted, it will be 150 lbs.
Consider a special top-mount bracket kit if you need to mount a slide. You can give your slide extra reinforcement while preserving its load capability with a special kit.