Ball Bearing Drawer Slides Stuck

Introduction to Basic Terms of Steel Ball Slide

Basic Diagnosis

1. Check and see if the drawer outer width is equal from front to back; the drawer must also be in box rectangular shape and has the same diagonal length. 2. The cabinet inner width also needs to be equal from inside out, and in perfect rectangular shape with the same diagonal length. 3. Slide must be leveled and paralleled on both side.

I. Ball bearing drawer slide smoothness issue troubleshooting

[ Solution ]
1. To ensure smooth slide operation, detach the inner rail, and check to see if the slide middle member ball bearing retainer is still in good condition.
2. Make sure you have the screw tighten up correctly.
3. Untighten the screw to let slide reposition the mounting holes itself.

II. Push Open Slide could not eject properly

[ Solution ]
Making Sure the inner member is set against the drawer front panel, and the side space is within the tolerance.
1. There must be a minimum 4mm gap for activating the push open mechanism.
2. Make sure the push open mechanism is not obstructed by foreign subject such as wooden residuals dust from assembly.

III. Identify the source of irregular sound from slide.

[ Solution ]
Most of the time, the source of the noise comes from the outer member, so please make sure that the screw is tightened up correctly and in line against the cabinet wall, so that the screw will not come loose and interfere with slide middle and inner members. The source or under mount slide noise most likely results from the wooden residual interference with slide ball retainer when slide is travelling.

Basic Diagnosis

1. Check to see if the drawer outer width is equal from inside out, the drawer must also be in perfect rectangular shape and has the same diagonal length. 2. The cabinet inner width also needs to be equal from inside out, and in perfect rectangular shape with the same diagonal length. 3. Slide must be leveled and paralleled on both side.

I. Undermount drawer slide smoothness troubleshooting

[ Possible cause ] Rear bracket is not secure properly and securely, which causes the rear bracket to tilt at the back.
[ Solution ]
To ensure the rear bracket is mounted securely, at least 3 screws need to be applied.

II. Soft Closing Failure

[ Possible cause ] The drawer bottom disconnecting clips are not engage properly with the undermount slides.
[ Solution ]
Ensure the drawer disconnecting clips are well engage with slide when you hear clicks on both slide, and check the drawer is securely locked.

III. Noise from slide operation

[ Possible cause ]
1. Check to see if the undermount drawer rear position hole is well drilled, if not, it might cause the slide rear pin to be failed to hook to the drawer rear position hole properly.
2. The wooden residual dust left on the slide grease on rail during installation cause the slide to operate with noises; in addition, it can cause the slide to operate unsmoothly.
[ Solution ]
1. Ensure the correct diameter and position for rear drawer positioning hole (additional hole drilling fixture can be used).
2. Remove and clean the wooden residual dust in the stuck in the slide middle member and ball bearing retainer.

IV. Push Open Undermount Slide could not eject properly

[ Possible cause & Solution ]
1. Ensure screw is fastened tight and properly.
2. Ensure the right side spacing (clearance) between cabinet and drawer.
3. Ensure inner member is straight with no deformation.