Guidelines

What are the differences between drawer runners? Here you will find different types of runners as well as their instructions for installing. This way you will be able to select the one which is best suitable for your project!


Scrolling Technology:

  •  Heavy duty runners
    It usually refers to all guides that roll with a closed bearing system. Due to their technology, they are durable to heavy loads and support the full extraction of the drawer in order to have better access to its content.
     
  • Single extension runners
    The oldest and most common drawer runners. Its movement occur from the wheels found at the two ends of the runner. They tent to extend about ¾ of their total length. They are installed at the bottom end of the drawer and are usually exposed when the drawer is open.
     
  • Push to open
    A unique type of runner that is installed underneath the drawer and is “invisible” when the drawer is opened. Usually, the term is used for high-end, full-extension guides that have a built-in mechanism to smoothly close or push open.

 

Types of Extensions:

  • Telescopic opening
    When extended outwards, motion is active in various parts of the runner. For example, the runner is used for side mount guides with closed type bearings.
     
  • Full extension opening
    A feature of some guides with a side mounted linear bearing. It allows the full extension of the runner and in some cases it extracts further. In this way, it allows access to the content of the drawer even if the countertop covers a portion of the drawer.
    Also, full extension runners are used in living room furniture such as the extension of a console being extended to a table or larger dining room table.
     
  • Partial extension
    This runner extends to cover approximately ¾ of its total length. They are usually used as a more economical option, and installed in the case where the drawer does not need to fully open.

 

Installation / Settings

  • On the cabinet
    The part of the runner which is installed on the cabinet unit for stability.
     
  • On the drawer
    The part of the runner which is installed on the drawer sides or below.
     
  • Width sizing of the drawer
    The required width difference on each side of the runner is for its proper operation. It varies by make, model and type of runner (side mounted or push to open).
     
  • Side mounted drawer guides
    Type of guide placed on the sides of the drawer. Linear bearing guides can be placed anywhere on the sides of the drawer. Roller guides sit on the bottom of the drawer and are therefore sometimes called under-mount guides. Of course, they belong to the category of side mounting runners because they appear on the sides of the drawer when it is opened. Thus, they need special measurements in the width of the drawer construction for their placement.
     
  • Length of runner
    Refers to the total length of each runner. Depending on the depth of each drawer, the correct runner length can be selected. If the space is limited, in order to make the right choice of the runner, a proper check of the technical dimensions (length, thickness) is required.
     
  • Manual setting
    It refers to the oval holes on the runner that allow the adjustment of the position going front-back and up-down for its correct and smooth operation.

 

Opening – Closing Usage

  • Automatic closure
    A feature of some runners that pull the drawer inwards when reaching the last few inches before closing. It is usually found in runners with a wheel. Linear bearing runners that support this feature are labeled appropriately. Smooth-closing (brake) runners are a subcategory of the self-closing.
     
  • Push to open
    A modern runner that is used to open drawers with a soft push on the front part of the drawer. It is installed on drawers with a more minimal feel that avoid the use of handles or knobs.
     
  • Stabilizing
    A main characteristic that most runners have in order to stabilize the drawer when it is completely open or closed.
     
  • Dismantling
    A characteristic that side mounted runners have in order to dismantle the drawer when needed. In order to extract the drawer, you need to slightly lift or pull outwards.
    In the reverse way, you re-install the drawer in its proper position.
     
  • Soft-closing (brake)
    A characteristic of high-quality runners. It allows smooth closing of the drawer when reaching the last centimeter inwards. It uses a brake damper for less noise and tension on the hardware.

 

 Endurance

  • Load capacity
    Each runner has its own load capacity that it can endure. In the case that heavy duty runners will be needed, check the appropriate category.