How to Install Drawer Runners in a Cabinet

Determine the location of the drawer inside the cabinet. Hold a yardstick up to the side of the cabinet and set a level on top of it to make sure that the installation location is straight. Draw a line along the entire side board to mark the center of the drawer runner. Repeat this for the other side board on the cabinet and make sure that the two lines are at the same height by measuring them with the yardstick.

Hold the path section of a drawer runner up to the line on one of the side boards. Make sure the front, or open, end of the runner is facing forward, and the back, or closed, section of the runner is facing backward. Mark the location of the runner's attachment screw holes on the surface of the side board.

Remove the runner and drill out each hole, being careful not to puncture the other surface of the side board. Reposition the runner in place and attach it with 3/4-inch wood screws threaded through the runner and into the pre-drilled holes. Repeat to attach the other runner to the other side board.

Set the drawer inside the drawer space and determine the best location for the drawer halves of the runner on the drawer's side boards. Mark this location on either side of the drawer with another straight line and check it with the level.

Position the drawer halves of the runners along the drawer lines. Mark the screw attachment holes. Remove the runners and drill out each hole. Replace the runner and mount it in place with 3/4-inch wood screws. Repeat for the other side of the drawer. Slide the drawer into place and make any required adjustments based on the smoothness of the drawer pull operation.