Calculating the width for side-mounted drawers

[IBBugsy]

Simple but complex newbie question....

I'm putting side-mounted drawers in a narrow but deep pantry. The pantry currently has shelves that are situated in the back half of the pantry. My wife wants these shelves converted to pull-out drawers so she can make better use of the space and not have to squeeze into the pantry to reach things. The drawers will not extend out of the pantry, just pull up to the front.

I have heavy-duty side drawer slides but I'm wondering how to set the width of the drawers?

Do I try to match the width of the drawers so that, after the slides are attached, the width matches the pantry width exactly? Or do I cut them an 1/8" or so shorter than the width and assume I'll shim the difference? Will it be too difficult to match the width exactly due to typical variances in the side walls, etc. of the pantry? I haven't opened the drawer slide packages yet and maybe the instructions will tell me?

[whitecobra]

Most slides require 0.5" clearance on each side

Cut the shelves off by 1" and install the tracks

Nice project did ours a few years back only made sides and rears to prevent stuff from falling off when moved

Dr D

[Tom Miller]

Do I try to match the width of the drawers so that, after the slides are attached, the width matches the pantry width exactly? ....Will it be too difficult to match the width exactly due to typical variances in the side walls, etc. of the pantry?

Side slides usually call for 1/2" per side (check your instructions). The slides themselves can usually accommodate at least +/- 1/32" per side. But, as you suspect, you need to check your case for square. Use a framing square, from top to bottom (i.e. approximately at each drawer position.

Otherwise, I usually make my drawers at least 1/32" under, and plan to shim. Small pieces of formica work well; they're 1/32".

Regards,
Tom

[IBBugsy]

Thanks!! I'll have to pull the directions out so I can work it out before I start.

I plan to have some sides to prevent cans/boxes from falling off. I might try the graduated sides (2" in the front running up to 5" in the back) that I've read about in some previous posts.

[JimD]

The slides I have used work for 1/2 inch clearance +1/32, -0. In other words, you have to give them a minimum of 1/2 inch clearance. I aim a little on the high side after messing this up. My roll out shelves have little 1/4 inch oak edges only entending up an inch or so from the shelves. They hold small appliances rather than foodstuffs but work well for us.

Jim