Hi everyone,
I need some information on undermount drawer glides. I’m coming to you, the more skilled and knowledgeable for answers.
My project is a blanket chest on a stand with a large drawer at the bottom set between the stands structure. I would like to use undermount glides to hide the hardware from view. I’m interested in Blum Tandem but unsure about a couple of issues. 1) will a 12″ glide fit in a 13 1/2″ case? Looks like Blum is saying that only a 9″ drawer can use these glides in a case less than 15″. 2) Since this drawer is on the bottom of the structure, I don’t want the client to have to bend over to open it with a pull, which I really don’t want to use in the first place. I know these glides are soft close but are they pop open? If not any suggestions about creating a pop open effect for a large drawer?
Thank you for your time and energy,
t.j.
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Replies
I have a similar set up with some 36" drawers below a bench seat. There is a push to open option on the Movento slides from Blum. They work well. You just push the drawer in and it pops open a few inches and you can pull it out the rest of the way. It does not fully open. Blum used to make an electric drawer opening device that required electricity. I don't know if that is still available, but it did fully open a drawer. I'm pretty sure a 12" slide will fit in a 13 1/2" case, but check the technical drawings on the Blum website. The extra depth is usually need if you plan on using a rear mounting bracket instead of a side mount. It also depends on how you make the drawer and drawer front. An inset drawer with an applied front requires more depth than an inset drawer with the drawer front attached with half blind dovetails.
Thank you. Some excellent information. I'll investigate the Movento slides closer. Thank you again.
t.j.
Hi TJ, as you're now exploring Blum Movento push to open, wanted to share some things that may simply the rest of the process for you. Lee Valley sell sets of push to open with everything you need under the name 'Blum Tip-On Movento Drawer Slides'. This saves you figuring out the different components you need to buy and ensures you get everything you need first time. Worth a look. Their customer service was also pretty good with my questions. Also, this video was invaluable for learning how to install. The manual makes it sounds like NASA but it's really not - this video will help you get off to a fast start https://youtu.be/GJ_L-Mspr70?si=pePj7e5Fd64TnV_n
All that said, I really like Blum Movento - just installed a drawer yesterday with them.
Good luck!
I wouldn’t recommend using a "push-to-open" system. They can open with even a slight accidental push, which is inconvenient for small children. Kids might unintentionally touch the drawer, causing it to open unexpectedly, leading to a mess or even safety risks.