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How to install drawer runners

The image shows a cabinet frame with three partially installed drawers in one section.

Overview

Installing drawer runners is a straightforward D.I.Y. project that can upgrade the functionality of your cabinetry, whether you’re working in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry. The most common drawer runners you’ll come across are standard, soft-close and push-to-open varieties. While they each operate differently, the installation process is largely the same, with only minor adjustments to screw placement and drawer slide mechanisms.

Safety tip: Always wear appropriate safety equipment, including safety glasses, ear protection and a dust mask. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any tools or hardware you’re using

Steps

1Separate the drawer runners

Before you begin installation, separate each runner into its two components. Most drawer runners have a release tab that allows the inner guide to slide out from the main body. Press this tab to disconnect the two pieces. This step makes it easier to work on the cabinet frame and drawer separately and ensures a smoother installation process.
A person is separating the drawer runners into its two components by pressing a black plastic lever on the slide mechanism

2Check the cabinet and plan your runner position

Lay out your drawer runners and inspect your cabinet interior. If your cabinet includes pre-drilled holes, use them as a guide to help position the runners accurately. The open end of each mounting bracket should be positioned at the rear of the cabinet. Make sure both sides are set back the same distance from the front edge so that the drawer closes evenly and doesn’t skew.

Take note of the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your runners - these will help you identify which screw holes to use. Different runners may have different configurations depending on their type.

A person is laying out the drawer runners and inspecting the cabinet interior. 

3Fix the outer runners inside the cabinet

Secure the outer part of each runner (the section that stays fixed inside the cabinet) using 14mm screws. Pre-drill the holes if required to avoid splitting the cabinet panel. Ensure that the screws are driven in straight and sit flush with the runner. Protruding screw heads can obstruct the runner mechanism and affect how the drawer slides.

Double-check that both runners are level and aligned with each other - this will help the drawer operate smoothly once installed.

A person wearing ear protection is using a power drill to fix the outer runners inside the cabinet 

4Attach the inner guides to the drawer

Now turn your attention to the drawer. Attach the inner guide from each runner to the sides of the drawer box. If your drawer has pre-drilled holes, use them to help position the guides correctly. Make sure you install the correct guide on the correct side - left and right sides are not interchangeable.

Align the runners so they sit evenly along the drawer sides, then fasten them securely with screws. Tighten carefully to avoid misalignment.

A person is using a power drill to attach the inner guide to the side of drawer box.

5Slide the drawer into the cabinet

Once the inner guides are attached, bring the drawer unit to the cabinet frame. Carefully line up the inner guides with the outer runners and slide the drawer in. Push gently but firmly until you hear or feel a click, which indicates the runners have engaged and locked into place.

Open and close the drawer a few times to check for smooth movement. If the drawer catches or feels uneven, remove it and double-check your alignment and screw positions.

A person is sliding the drawer unit to the cabinet frame, aligning it with the drawer runners

6Test the drawer runner type and function

If you’ve installed soft-close runners, you’ll notice that the drawer slows down and catches gently near the end of its travel. This is normal and ensures a quieter, smoother close. For push-to-open drawers, press the front panel gently to activate the release mechanism. Standard runners will open and close without added features, relying only on the sliding track.
The image shows a partially assembled kitchen cabinet with three drawers fully extended on drawer runners.

7Understand the difference between drawer runner types

Although the installation process is very similar across all drawer runner types, their operation varies. We’ve set up three drawers to demonstrate: one with a standard runner, one with a soft-close runner, and one with a push-to-open system.

The standard runner is straightforward and reliable for basic cabinetry. The soft-close version adds a more premium feel with its slow-closing action. The push-to-open system is perfect for handle-free cabinetry, opening with a light press rather than a pull.

The image shows three types of drawer runners including standard, soft close, and push-to-open are arranged on a tiled floor

8Now that you've installed drawer runners

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.