How to Install Full Extension Drawer Glides

Measure the distance from the base of the drawer opening to the center of the drawer opening with a measuring tape. Subtract half the width of your drawer glide from that figure and transfer this measurement to the edge of two 3/4-inch-thick finished planks long enough to fit into the drawer opening on each side of the drawer. Cut the planks lengthwise to size, preferably with a table saw, but if you don't have one, use a hand-held circular saw and cut the plank as accurately as possible; these spacer blocks will support the drawer glides temporarily during installation.

Cut two mounting blocks the same length as the spacer blocks, but just thick enough to fit flush with the side edge of the drawer opening when screwed to the sides of the cabinet; they should be slightly thinner than the spacers below them. Prepare two more spacer blocks thick enough to support the bottom of the drawer with the drawer centered inside the opening.

Slide a side spacer block into the drawer opening and position it against the right side of the cabinet. Place the drawer glide mounting block on the top edge of the spacer block. Hold the mounting block down against the spacer block and use a cordless drill/driver to attach it to the side of the cabinet with three equally spaced wood screws; attach the left mounting block the same way.

Place the right drawer glide on top of the right spacer and against the mounting block. Push the drawer glide in, so that the back edge rests against the back of the cabinet and the front edge clears the opening by about a quarter of an inch. Slide the drawer glide open and hold it firmly in place while using the drill/driver to screw it securely to the mounting block through the middle slotted mounting hole in the drawer glide.

Check the alignment and adjust if necessary. Loosen the center mounting screw slightly, move the glide against the back of the cabinet, and then tap the top edge down until the bottom of the glide rests against the spacer block all the way down its length. Tighten the screw and attach the front and rear mounting screws. Mount the left drawer glide the same way.

Insert the two bottom spacer blocks into the drawer cavity with one against either side of the opening. Rest the drawer on the blocks and push it all the way in. Check the clearance on the front of the drawer and pull the drawer out 6 inches. Extend the left drawer glide so that its front edge is 1/8 inch from the front edge of the drawer.

Press the point of an awl into the center of the left front slotted mounting hole on the extension arm. Use the awl indentation as a guide and drill a shallow 3/16-inch pilot hole into the side of the drawer. Drill a second shallow pilot hole into the right side of the drawer.

Attach the glide extension arms to the front sides of the drawer on either side with two wood screws. Slide the drawer in and out to test the action. Close the drawer to see that the front face is aligned properly. Adjust if necessary by loosening the screws in the slotted holes slightly and moving the drawer backward or forward the required amount; tighten the screws after making your adjustments.

Pull the drawer all the way out and drill the remaining pilot holes. Attach the rest of the drawer glide extension arm screws with the drill/driver.

Open the drawer fully and remove the four temporary spacer blocks. Place a loaded cutlery tray in the drawer and test its action before moving on to the next drawer.