What Are Ball Bearing Drawer Slides?

Drawer slides use guides, bearings or rollers to support drawers and facilitate their motion. They provide smooth action and high lateral stability.

There are many different types of drawer slides. Examples include heavy duty drawer slides, ball bearing drawer slides, full extension drawer slides, and a plastic drawer slides. A heavy duty drawer slide is made of stainless steel, plated cold-rolled steel, or hard anodized aluminum. Its load carrying capacity ranges from 200 to 230 lbs. A heavy duty drawer slide or industrial drawer slide is also made of steel or aluminum materials.

Cross-section type and load-carrying capacities vary by product. A full extension drawer slide is made of chromate steel with precision ball bearings. A full extension drawer slide is a telescopic full extension slide with cushioned in and out stops and positive hold-in detent. A ball bearing drawer slide is made of zinc-plated steel and is non-handed with head screws. Front and rear mounting brackets may be included. A plastic drawer slide is self-lubricating and designed to align drawers on wooden tracks. Other types of drawer slides are also available.

A ball bearing roller and ball bearing slide assembly for use in an article of manufacture, for example a toolbox having drawers, can comprise a first slide element, a second slide element and a carriage. The ball bearing roller is swaged on a side of the roller that is attachable to the article of manufacture. The ball bearing slide assembly can be used, for example, as a drawer slide assembly and enhances lateral stability. The invention decreases the likelihood of bearing fatigue, and ultimate bearing failure, due to lateral movement.