Drawer slides are not that difficult to maintain if you pay close attention to this piece. Meanwhile, you wouldn’t want an important document stocked in your drawer because the slides are damaged. The interesting thing about drawer slide maintenance is that it takes less than 10 minutes to do, and it’s not supposed to be done every day but periodically.
The good drawer slide should show some sign before it gets damaged. For instance, if you start noticing stiffness and noise, then you need to do something about it. Read and learn how to keep your drawer slide in good shape.
Keep the slides clean
Cleaning the drawer slides is one of the best ways to keep it in good shape. Most often, debris and dust hide in the slides. This dust and debris cause friction and affect the bearing of the slides. If the bearing of the slides starts experiencing friction, it will damage the slide. In other words, friction of the slide’s bearing causes wear and tear that eventually spoils it.
Lubricate the slides
Lubricating the slide regularly reduces the chances of getting damaged. Remember, most drawer slides have bearings and needd lubricant to run smoothly. Regularly apply some light layer of lubricant to the drawer slides. The lubricant will make the slides open and close easily without making any annoying noise. Opt for light grease or used engine oil.
Check for loose nuts and screws.
Slide drawers that are used often tend to have loose nuts and screws. Periodically tightening the screws will save the drawer from damage. However, don’t over-tighten the screws because they may become difficult to lose if you have to dismantle them. The bottom line is that before you tighten the screw, make sure it is loose.
Avoid overloading
No matter how strong your drawer is, don’t overload it. Overloading your drawer causes the slides to strain and a lot of wear and tear. Don’t store heavy items in slide drawers because it also makes the drawer lose balance. Nevertheless, if you must put heavy items in the drawer, ensure the load is evenly distributed.
Keep it away from water.
Don’t allow water to come in contact with the drawer slide. Water will make the bearing in the drawer slide to rust and wear off. Also water can also damage the items you have kept in the drawer.
Replacing a drawer slide vs. buying a new drawer
If you are on a budget, replacing the drawer slide is better than buying a new drawer. You can contact a manufacturer of telescopic slides and linear guide rails to replace your slides. The price of the slide from the manufacturer will be less expensive compared to buying from an online retailer.
Conclusion
Finally, you can contact a manufacturer like Chamberlan because they specializes the in manufacturing drawer slides and offer a complete range with several extensions to suit all your projects. Not to mention, their prices are affordable, and their expertise is top-notch.
