Drawer slides can be used in a variety of ways. From mere pennies to more than a hundred dollars, you can find a drawer slide that fits your needs. Here we break down the weight capacity, cost, and potential uses for different types of slides.
So Light and So Cheap-Cheap
If you're simply in the market for basic slides, you have cheap and lightweight options to consider. European epoxy slides are especially inexpensive. However, they're designed to only be able to handle lighter loads, due to their nylon wheels. These slides can technically hold up to 75 pounds, but you should aim for lighter loads for long-term use. Ball bearing drawer slides also come in less expensive designs and have the added perk of being a bit stronger than European epoxy slides. These slides are great for home office situations or basic kitchen and bath drawer installations. Typically you will find full extension slides so that you can easily access the contents of your drawer without rummaging blindly.
Middling Ground
This more mid-to-heavy range of drawer slides can be used for more mobile purposes. While light drawers can be used easily, the higher weight capacity slides holding extremely heavy items aren't meant to be used as frequently. That makes these kinds of medium range slides a great choice. For around $20 to $50 you can get durable 150 pound slides for such things as office use or to store cast iron pans. Scores of paper and files can easily be managed with mid to heavy range slides and still accessed with ease.
Weight Lifting Champions
Did you know that you can buy heavy duty drawer slides that have a 500 pound weight capacity? It may sound crazy, but there are many uses for these super strong and durable slides. There is a lot of delicate, heavy, and complicated equipment involved in computer servers. If you have a storage closet or room, you can set up the server in shelving or drawers to organize. Using the strongest, most heavy weight slides allows you to securely store all your delicate equipment and keep your server running smoothly.
Whether you use your garage as a project space or just keep your tools out of the house, you need sturdy storage options. Heavy duty drawer slides are a great idea to store just about any tools, no matter how heavy. With a 500 pound weight capacity, you won't have to worry about anything clattering onto your feet or
flying out of the shelf. Need to keep a generator stored on your trailer for emergencies or extra assistance? Utilize sturdy slides for keeping items you need accessible and also security stored when not in use.