Ball-bearing drawer slides: sizes, load ratings and model comparison
A ball-bearing drawer slide is a guided linear-motion assembly: balls run between nested rails, usually held in a retainer. Select the complete slide by mounting arrangement, actual closed length, travel, clearance and the applicable load rating. An inch-size label, a loose ball diameter or the phrase “heavy duty” does not identify an interchangeable runner.
On this page17 sections ⌄
Rails, balls, cages and closing mechanisms
A common three-member full-extension slide has an outer cabinet rail, an inner drawer rail and an intermediate rail. Ball retainers guide the rolling elements along the raceways. A release lever separates designated members; a damper or closing spring performs a different job.
“Drawer runner”, “drawer glide”, “drawer guide” and “drawer slide” can describe the same application, but not necessarily the same construction. A runner using wheels is a roller design; a recirculating round-shaft linear bearing is another product family. Do not substitute a 608 cartridge bearing merely because a search uses the word bearing.
Which drawer-slide dimensions should you measure?
On smaller screens, scroll the table sideways to read all columns.
| Dimension | Meaning | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal length | The manufacturer’s size label | Treating every 14-inch label as an actual 355.6 mm closed rail |
| Closed length | Overall slide length in the closed position, as dimensioned | Measuring a detached inner member only |
| Travel | Relative movement from closed to fully extended | Assuming two suffixes have identical travel |
| Side space / groove | Installation clearance per side or required groove geometry | Using the total drawer-width difference as one-side clearance |
| Profile height and mounting holes | Envelope and defined fixing pattern | Using production/tooling holes as fixing holes |
| Drawer and cabinet dimensions | Drawer length/width, internal cabinet depth and face-frame details | Selecting by rail length while ignoring the surrounding structure |
Actual runner examples: compare the construction before the rating
These are manufacturer reference examples, not ranked recommendations or direct replacements. Publication dates, exact suffixes and rating conditions matter.
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| Model / record | Construction and travel | Size / space example | Load information and limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuride 3832-E18 | Side-mounted ball slide; 457 mm travel | 450 mm closed; 45.7 mm high; 12.7 mm minimum side space | 2016 sheet: up to 100 lb / 45.5 kg per pair under its stated test conditions |
| Accuride 3832-E12SC | Self-closing side ball slide; 286 mm travel | 300 mm closed; 45.7 mm profile height | 2016 ESC sheet: up to 100 lb / 45.5 kg per pair; not a soft-close specification |
| Accuride 3135EC Eclipse | Undermount ball slide; full extension; Easy-Close | 2025 catalogue includes a 15 in / 381 mm length | 100 lb / 45 kg catalogue rating; drawer widths up to 30 in |
| Hettich KA 1730 | 17 mm groove ball runner; partial extension | Nominal length and drawer-length range are separate; see table | 10 kg load class; EN 15338 Level 1 in the 2014 reference |
| Hettich KA 5632 / 1071899 | Side ball runner; full extension; release catch | 600 mm nominal/drawer length; 46×12.7 mm section; cabinet depth at least 604 mm | 45 kg load class; EN 15338 Level 2 |
| Hettich FR 402 / 1056063 | Roller runner, not ball-bearing; partial extension; self-closing | 400 mm nominal; cabinet depth at least 403 mm; extension loss 69 mm | 25 kg load class; supplied as left/right pair |
| Accuride Enhanced 9301 | Heavy-duty ball slide; full extension; non-disconnect | 19.1 mm side space; 76.2 mm profile height | Configuration-specific ratings below; 600 lb is not the flat-mount rating |
| Accuride SS5321 | Stainless ball slide; over-travel; non-disconnect | 19.1 mm side space; 53.1 mm profile height | 350 lb / 160 kg: catalogue test uses 18 in slides, 18 in drawer width and 80,000 cycles |
3832E sizes: nominal inches vs actual closed length and travel
Accuride June 2016 sheet, 3832E rows. Metric figures retain the manufacturer’s rounding; the nominal-inch column identifies the size family rather than remeasuring the rail.
For example, the nominal 14-inch 3832-E14 closes to 350 mm and travels 356 mm. A cabinet with 350 mm of available depth still needs the mounting setbacks and other clearances in the applicable drawing; this table alone does not confirm fit.
The plain 3832-E12 lists 305 mm travel, while the self-closing 3832-E12SC sheet lists 286 mm. Keep suffix and revision with the dimensional record. Do not copy plain-slide travel into a soft-close or self-close listing.
On smaller screens, scroll the table sideways to read all columns.
| Designation | Nominal size in | Closed in | Closed mm | Travel in | Travel mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3832-E8 | 8 | 7.84 | 199 | 8.00 | 203 |
| 3832-E10 | 10 | 9.84 | 250 | 10.00 | 254 |
| 3832-E12 | 12 | 11.81 | 300 | 12.00 | 305 |
| 3832-E14 | 14 | 13.78 | 350 | 14.00 | 356 |
| 3832-E16 | 16 | 15.75 | 400 | 16.00 | 406 |
| 3832-E18 | 18 | 17.72 | 450 | 18.00 | 457 |
| 3832-E20 | 20 | 19.69 | 500 | 20.00 | 508 |
| 3832-E22 | 22 | 21.65 | 550 | 22.00 | 559 |
| 3832-E24 | 24 | 23.62 | 600 | 24.00 | 610 |
| 3832-E26 | 26 | 25.59 | 650 | 26.00 | 660 |
| 3832-E28 | 28 | 27.56 | 700 | 28.00 | 711 |
17 mm groove runners: Hettich KA 1730 reference
2014 Hettich reference, page 42. All dimensions below are mm. “Nominal length” is not the physical length of every rail member. Extension loss describes the portion not reached by the partial-extension arrangement.
The two nominal 500 mm entries are different arrangements: one allows a 310–520 mm drawer-length range without the listed front support; the other uses a 500 mm drawer and front support. Do not collapse them into one replacement record.
KA 1730 rail and ball cage form a non-separable complete unit. Its groove geometry, limited extension and 10 kg class distinguish it from a 45 kg side-mounted full-extension runner. Historical references establish specifications, not current stock.
On smaller screens, scroll the table sideways to read all columns.
| Nominal length | Drawer length SL | Extension loss EL | Front support | Order number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 155–210 | 32 | No | 1008087 |
| 250 | 185–260 | 44 | No | 1008088 |
| 300 | 185–305 | 44 | No | 1007441 |
| 330 | 220–340 | 56 | No | 1008089 |
| 350 | 220–355 | 56 | No | 1007442 |
| 380 | 250–390 | 68 | No | 1008090 |
| 400 | 250–410 | 68 | No | 1007443 |
| 500 | 310–520 | 98 | No | 1039848 |
| 430 | 430 | 86 | Yes | 1007431 |
| 450 | 450 | 86 | Yes | 1007432 |
| 480 | 480 | 98 | Yes | 1007433 |
| 500 | 500 | 98 | Yes | 1007434 |
| 550 | 550 | 110 | Yes | 1007435 |
15-inch, long, undermount and stainless options
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| Need | Documented example | Selection boundary |
|---|---|---|
| 15-inch undermount | 3135EC Eclipse catalogue includes 15 in / 381 mm, alongside even 12–28 in lengths and 21 in | An undermount design is not a conventional side slide laid flat; verify its drawer preparation and brackets |
| 30, 36 or 48-inch heavy-duty | Enhanced 9301 lists even 10–36 in lengths plus 40, 42, 44, 48, 54 and 60 in | Choose the exact length and approved load configuration; it is non-disconnect |
| Stainless construction | SS5321 lists 300–600 mm lengths plus 700 and 790 mm | The catalogue’s inch labels are approximate conversions; 790 mm is not an exact 800 mm runner |
| Exact 800 mm runner | No exact 800 mm part is verified in these tables | Do not relabel a 790 mm or nominal 32-inch part as a confirmed 800 mm match |
| Kitchen, dresser or tool-box drawer | Use width, depth, gross mass, clearance, access and environment to select a design | Furniture or tool-box brand alone does not identify mounting or safe working load |
Load rating: include the drawer and retain the mounting conditions
These are different configurations of a named slide, not interchangeable ratings. Consult its full specification for the exact assembly and duty. No universal percentage converts every side-mount rating into a flat-mount rating.
Use the applicable rating for a matched installed pair where the manufacturer specifies a pair. The load includes the drawer, permanent fittings and contents; it is not a capacity per ball or automatically per individual rail. A static proof load does not replace the dynamic working rating.
Illustrative payload budget: an applicable 45 kg pair rating minus an 8 kg drawer and 2 kg of permanent fittings leaves 35 kg for contents. This arithmetic is not approval of the cabinet: width, fixing strength, orientation, load distribution and the manufacturer’s usage limits still have to pass.
The 2016 3832E sheet describes a 22-inch slide / 24-inch-wide test drawer at 50,000 cycles. The 2025 family summary lists drawers up to 16 inches wide, varying by model. A test fixture is not a universal installation approval; do not merge those different revision statements into a larger permitted width.
On smaller screens, scroll the table sideways to read all columns.
| Enhanced 9301 configuration, 2025 catalogue | Listed load | Listed maximum drawer width |
|---|---|---|
| Flat mount | 180 lb / 81 kg | 32 in / 813 mm |
| Mobile application | 360 lb / 163 kg | 32 in / 813 mm |
| Frequent usage | 480 lb / 217 kg | 42 in / 1067 mm |
| Moderate usage | 600 lb / 272 kg | 24 in / 610 mm |
| Bracket-mounted, wider configuration | 420 lb / 190 kg | 42 in / 1067 mm |
| Bracket-mounted, narrower configuration | 600 lb / 272 kg | 22 in / 559 mm |
Ball-bearing vs roller drawer slides
These examples differ in size, construction and test classification, so they are not a controlled strength comparison. Select a documented runner for the drawer, rather than assuming the words “ball bearing” answer every requirement.
On smaller screens, scroll the table sideways to read all columns.
| Question | Ball-bearing runner | Roller runner |
|---|---|---|
| What rolls? | Balls guided between rail raceways | Wheels / rollers guided by the runner profiles |
| Does the bearing type fix travel? | No: KA 1730 is partial extension; KA 5632 is full extension | FR 402 example is partial extension; check the exact runner |
| Does it guarantee higher capacity? | No: KA 1730 is 10 kg; KA 5632 is 45 kg | FR 402 example is 25 kg; do not generalize to every roller design |
| Can it self-close? | A separate closing mechanism can be fitted, as in 3832ESC | FR 402 has StopControl self-closing |
| Can I interchange them? | Only after matching the complete installation and load requirements | Same nominal length does not match hole pattern, space, height or travel |
Soft-close, self-close, detent and disconnect are different
Accuride 3832ESC supplies a self-closing example; 3135EC Eclipse supplies a documented Easy-Close undermount example. A closing feature is not an ABEC accuracy grade, and it is not encoded consistently across manufacturers.
On smaller screens, scroll the table sideways to read all columns.
| Feature | What it does | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| Self-close | A mechanism draws the drawer into its closed position | That closure is damped or gentle |
| Soft-close / damped close | Slows the final closing movement in the specified mechanism | That an unrelated slide can accept a generic damper |
| Hold-in detent | Resists unintended opening at the closed position | A lock suitable for every mobile or impact application |
| Disconnect | Allows specified members or the drawer to be separated | That every ball slide has a lever or is user-separable |
| Push-to-open / touch release | Opens or releases through the specified push action | A substitute for load, clearance or installation checks |
Selection questions
Are these replacements for Craftsman, Husky, Liberty or IKEA drawers?
Not by brand name alone. Record the exact cabinet and slide identifiers, dimensions, mounting holes, release and closing mechanism. The listed Accuride and Hettich examples do not establish another brand’s fitment.
Can a centre-mounted runner replace two side slides?
Only with a documented centre-mount design and compatible drawer/cabinet construction. The pair ratings and one-side clearances in these examples do not apply automatically to a single centre rail.
Can I buy individual balls to rebuild a slide?
Ball diameter, count, retainer and race geometry are model-specific. This reference does not verify loose-ball replacement kits. Missing balls or a damaged cage require an identified manufacturer service solution or replacement assembly.
Is stainless the same as waterproof?
No. Material selection does not establish a sealed raceway, corrosion immunity, chemical compatibility or an ingress-protection rating. Check the actual exposure and the full slide specification.
What the evidence can — and cannot — tell you
| Observation or context | Interpretation to consider | Verification needed |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Side, undermount, groove or approved bracket arrangement | Do not rotate a side-mounted slide and keep its original rating. |
| Dimensions | Closed length, travel, rail height and installation space | Nominal length is not always the measured closed length. |
| Load case | Drawer plus contents, width, orientation and usage | Use a rating for the actual configuration, not the largest catalogue headline. |
| Features | Disconnect, closing mechanism and material | Self-closing, soft-close and removable are separate properties. |
A practical investigation sequence
Identify and record
Record the manufacturer and full slide marking. Measure the cabinet opening, drawer box, usable depth, closed slide length and available space on both sides. Note whether the existing rails are side-mounted, grooved or underneath.
Check the context
Choose the required access: partial extension leaves some drawer length inside, full extension gives roughly the closed-slide length of travel, and over-travel goes farther. Check the actual travel table for the chosen length and suffix.
Verify before acting
Calculate the gross moving mass and check the manufacturer rating, permitted drawer width, installation orientation and cycle conditions. Confirm the cabinet, brackets and fasteners can support that arrangement.
Keep the decision traceable
Compare the exact length variant, hole pattern, release method, closing device and environment requirements. Use the service guide below for installation and fault checks; these catalogue examples are not universal cabinet fitment.
Capture the information a model search cannot guess
Keep this checklist with your inspection or comparison. Checking a box only records that you have collected the item; it does not certify the bearing.
0 of 4 information groups recorded.
Technical basis & editorial scope
Original BearingScope workflow, written for catalogue research and comparison. Manufacturer material is used to check principles, not copied as a product endorsement or substituted for model-specific instructions. Reviewed 1 October 2026.
- Accuride 3832E / 3834E technical sheet, June 2016 — Historical length, travel, clearance and installation dimensions; not a current availability claim.
- Accuride 3832ESC / 3834ESC technical sheet, September 2016 — Self-closing variant dimensions and mounting restrictions, distinct from the plain E model.
- Accuride architectural product catalogue, June 2025, printed pages 16, 17, 27 and 35 — Eclipse undermount, 3832 family, Enhanced 9301 and stainless slide selection; retain rating conditions.
- Hettich ball-bearing runner reference, 2014, page 42 — Historical KA 1730 groove-runner lengths, drawer-length ranges and extension loss.
- Hettich KA 5632, order 1071899, 600 mm — Manufacturer product record: full-extension side runner, dimensions and load class.
- Hettich FR 402, order 1056063, 400 mm — Roller-runner comparison, not a ball-bearing runner; manufacturer load class and extension loss.
- Accuride: determining a drawer-slide load rating — Dynamic rating versus static testing; drawer weight, mounting and test conditions.
- Accuride Europe: selecting a ball-bearing drawer slide — Closed length, travel, side space, alignment, fixing holes and orientation limitations.
Source addresses and collection status are retained in the internal audit. No unpublished dimensions, torque settings, service intervals or interchange approvals are inferred.