20 inch soft close drawer rail

20 inch soft close drawer rail

Product Description

A 20 inch soft close drawer slide is a precision hardware component. It incorporates a hydraulic or spring-loaded mechanism to pull a drawer shut gently during the final inches of travel.

Unlike standard slides that allow the drawer to slam against the cabinet frame, this drawer slide eliminates noise, reduces impact, and protects both the drawer and its contents from wear.

Whether building new kitchen cabinets or replacing worn slides in existing furniture, the 20 inch soft close drawer slide delivers a premium user experience with every use.

What Mounting Styles Are Available for 20 Inch Soft Close Drawer Slides?

A common question concerns the differences between side mount and undermount installation.

20 inch soft close drawer rail

Side Mount Slides:
These slides mount on the interior sides of the cabinet and drawer. They are visible when the drawer is open but offer robust weight capacity and straightforward installation. Some models feature a 100 lb load capacity with three-stage full extension, dual springs, and a hydraulic damping cylinder for quiet operation.

Other side mount slides offer 100 lb capacity with steel ball-bearing action, lever disconnect, and meet or exceed BIFMA, BHMA, and ANSI standards. Some provide 50 lb capacity with self-close and soft-close features, lever disconnect, and include a limited lifetime warranty.

Undermount (Concealed) Slides:
These slides attach beneath the drawer and are completely hidden when the drawer is open, creating a clean, seamless appearance. Some models offer an 88 lb capacity with full extension, lever disconnect, and a limited lifetime warranty.

20 inch soft close drawer rail

Other undermount slides feature 80 lb load capacity with an automatic shock absorber and front locking device. Some are environmentally friendly galvanized steel options with a specific capacity and adjustable opening and closing strength.

What Are the Key Specifications for 20 Inch Soft Close Drawer Slides?

Specifications vary by mount type.

For side mount slides, the nominal length is 20 inches. Recommended drawer length is 20.5 inches. Required side clearance is 0.5 inches per side. Profile height ranges from 1.1 to 1.75 inches. Material is cold-rolled steel or carbon steel. Finish is zinc or bright electro zinc. Extension type is full extension with 3-stage. Bearing type is ball bearing.

For undermount slides, the nominal length is 20 inches. Required side clearance is none as they are concealed. Profile height ranges from 1.625 to 1.89 inches. Material is steel or galvanized steel. Finish is zinc-plated or galvanized. Extension type is full extension. Bearing type is roller bearing or fluid damper.

What Are the Load Capacity Options for 20 Inch Soft Close Drawer Slides?

Load capacity varies by brand and construction quality.

Side mount slides from some brands support 100 lbs. They are BHMA certified, feature lever disconnect, and have non-handed design. Other side mount slides support 100 lbs with 3-stage full extension, galvanized steel, and high cycle testing.

Some side mount slides support 100 lbs with BIFMA, BHMA, and ANSI certification, lever disconnect, and included screws. Others support 50 lbs with self-close and soft-close features and a limited lifetime warranty.

Some side mount slides support 100 lbs with a specific soft-close stroke and electro-zinc plated finish.

Undermount slides from some brands support 88 lbs with concealed design, lever disconnect, and limited lifetime warranty. Others support 80 lbs with an automatic shock absorber and front locking device.

Some undermount slides support a specific capacity with specific material thickness and salt spray test certification. Others support 100 lbs with a fluid damper and ADA compliance.

What Special Features Are Available on 20 Inch Soft Close Drawer Slides?

Quality drawer slides incorporate various features for enhanced functionality.

Soft-close mechanism uses hydraulic dampers or spring mechanisms to gently pull the drawer closed. This prevents slamming and ensures silent operation. Some slides feature nylon anti-collision pads and high-quality springs that provide automatic rebound with quiet, smooth operation. Other soft-close actions adapt to various closing speeds with overload safety protection.

Three-stage full extension provides complete access to the entire drawer contents. Unlike two-stage designs, this eliminates blind spots at the back of the drawer. This feature is standard on most premium 20 inch slides.

20 inch soft close drawer rail

Lever disconnect allows for easy removal of the entire drawer system with a simple lever release. This feature is available on most premium side mount and undermount slides.

Non-handed design on side mount slides allows for flexible installation without worrying about left or right orientation.

Corrosion resistance is provided by zinc or galvanized finishes with salt spray testing certification. Some slides use thickened galvanized steel plates that resist corrosion, moisture, and rust.

BHMA and ANSI certification indicates that some slides meet or exceed industry standards for quality.

How Do You Install a 20 Inch Soft Close Drawer Slide?

Proper installation requires attention to clearance and alignment.

For Side Mount Slides:
First, maintain a minimum side clearance of 0.5 inches between the drawer and cabinet side wall on each side. Second, for some slides, place them a specific distance from the front end of the cabinet using the designed installation spacing guidance.

Third, mount the outer slide rail to the cabinet interior using appropriate screws. Fourth, mount the inner slide rail to the drawer sides.

The lever disconnect allows for easy drawer removal after installation. For some slides, maintain a specific side gap per side.

For Undermount Slides:

20 inch soft close drawer rail available in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Nyandarua,

Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Turkana, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin, Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo,

Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Nairobi.

In Nairobi you can find them at: Westlands, Dagoretti,  Lang’ata, Starehe, Kamukunji, Embakasi, and Kasarani, Kibera, Mathare,

Eastleigh, Karen, Lavington, Westlands, Parklands, Runda, South C, South, Ngong Road

In Mombasa you can find us at : Nyali, Mwembe Tayari, Majengo, Likoni ,Bamburi, Miritini