Soft close drawer slides binding only at first pull

[ReneS]

I have installed several KV side mount soft close drawer slides that bind when you first pull on them. Other than that, they operate smoothly and easily. For my most recent build, I checked the drawer box and it is exactly one inch narrower than the inside width of the cabinet carcass, just like it is supposed to.

Seems to me that if the drawer box was too wide (or too narrow), the drawer would bind over the full run and the soft close function would operate poorly. But this isn't the case.

I know it is hard to diagnose from a distance, but do you think something is off with my installation or with the mechanism? I have a hard time understanding how the drawer would bind only while releasing from the soft close and then run smoothly the rest of the way.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tjbnwi]

If you are referring to only the first time you install the drawer I find it normal for the slide needing to be cycled for it to smooth out.

If it is all the time I’d try a little dry lube on the soft close mechanism at the rear of the slide. If you have a slide that has not been installed yet function it, you’ll see how it works.

Tom

 

[Doug S]

Are you sure they are binding or is it just how the mechanism works?

I find a lot of the side mount soft close slides need a firm pull to initially open them, this is because for the first couple of inches you are pulling against the spring which makes the soft close action work, once you are past this point they run smoothly.

Recently I did some cabinets in a childs bedroom using the soft close slides on the drawers, the adults could open them fine but the 5 year old struggled. I ended up removing the soft close mechanism from one side of each pair of runners this made them easier to open and the soft close action still worked (just).

 

[Steve1]

I have a hard time understanding how the drawer would bind only while releasing from the soft close and then run smoothly the rest of the way.

The slides are presumably self closing, so some energy must be put into the slides while opening so that they have the energy to later pull the drawer closed those last couple of inches.
I have not analyzed the mechanism, but expect there is a spring and a damper in there.

Self closing slides will have a noticeable drag during the first few inches of opening. Some slides worse than others.
And good slides will be designed to give a more "pleasant" resistance during initial opening. I have a purchased nightstand, that was actually quite expensive, but it has a drawer with slides that have a rather objectionable resistance during initial opening, which I attribute to cheap slides.

 

[Packard]

The only mechanical issue I can think of is if one side is mounted forward of the other side.

I would note that my side mount tracks (also KV) started to bind horribly after the plumber came and replaced the trap under the sink. He had to remove the drawers for access and the tip of one of the slides got bent. I was able to straighten it out substantially, but is was still binding. I figured I would have to replace the slides, something I wanted to avoid as my back is hurting.

But the solution was exceedingly simple: Regular use apparently nudged the damaged track into position. It now operates smoothly, and my back thanks me for being patient.

 

[ReneS]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the replies.

Yeah, I think it is the mechanism. I'll try some dry lube on it.

I have only done undermounts once, but they were very smooth, maybe because they are Blums.

 

[Packard]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the replies.

Yeah, I think it is the mechanism. I'll try some dry lube on it.

I have only done undermounts once, but they were very smooth, maybe because they are Blums.

KVs are good quality, work horses. Once you figure out what is going on you will get years of service from them. I do believe that the side mounts carry heavier loads.