How to Replace Drawer Slides

When drawer slides are beyond repair — bent, broken, or simply worn out after years of use — replacing them is the best solution. New ball-bearing slides transform a sticky, frustrating drawer into one that glides effortlessly. The job takes about 30 minutes per drawer and requires only basic tools. Here's how.

What You'll Need

• New drawer slides: Ball Bearing Drawer Slides, 12", 100 LB (1 Pair)
• Screwdriver set: CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, 8-Piece
• Power drill: BLACK+DECKER 12V Drill & Home Tool Kit
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Level
• Wood glue: Titebond II Premium Wood Glue

Step 1: Measure and Buy the Right Slides

Measure the depth of the drawer (front to back) — this is the slide length you need. Ball-bearing drawer slides come in standard lengths (10", 12", 14", 16", 18", 20", 22", 24"). Choose the length closest to but not exceeding your drawer depth. Also note the slide type — side-mount is the most common and easiest to install.

Step 2: Remove the Old Slides

Pull the drawer out completely. For ball-bearing slides, press the release lever (usually a small plastic tab) to disengage the drawer from the cabinet-side slide. Remove the drawer-side slide by unscrewing it from the drawer. Then remove the cabinet-side slide by unscrewing it from the cabinet interior. Repeat for both sides.

Step 3: Separate the New Slides

New ball-bearing slides come as two interlocking pieces: the cabinet-side member and the drawer-side member. Separate them by pressing the release lever and sliding them apart. The smaller piece attaches to the drawer; the larger piece attaches to the cabinet.

Step 4: Install the Drawer-Side Members

Attach the smaller slide member to each side of the drawer. Position it flush with the front of the drawer and flush with (or slightly above) the bottom edge. Use a screwdriver or drill to drive the mounting screws. Make sure both sides are at exactly the same height relative to the drawer bottom.

Step 5: Install the Cabinet-Side Members

This is the most critical step — alignment here determines how well the drawer operates. Mark the mounting position on the cabinet interior with a pencil. Use a level to ensure the slide is perfectly horizontal. The front of the slide should be flush with the front of the cabinet opening. Drive the mounting screws, but don't fully tighten yet — leave them slightly loose for adjustment.

Step 6: Test and Adjust

Slide the drawer members into the cabinet members and test the operation. The drawer should slide smoothly with no binding or tilting. If it binds, loosen the cabinet-side screws and adjust the slide position slightly up, down, in, or out until the drawer runs perfectly. Then fully tighten all screws.

Step 7: Test the Stop

Pull the drawer out firmly to confirm the stop mechanism is working — the drawer should stop before fully exiting the cabinet. Push it in to confirm it closes flush. Adjust if needed.

Pro Tips

• Replace all slides in a piece at the same time — if one has failed, the others are close behind.
• Soft-close slides cost a little more but are worth every penny — they prevent slamming and last much longer.
• If old screw holes are stripped, fill with wood glue and a toothpick, let cure, then re-drill.
• Take a photo of the old slide position before removing — it's a useful reference for positioning the new ones.
• A self-centering drill bit makes driving screws into the pre-drilled slide holes much faster and more accurate.