ᐅ How can I install drawer slides myself in Ikea Pax wardrobes?
Created on: 26 May 2018 09:27
K
KochloeHello everyone,
I am planning to install drawer slides in my Ikea Pax wardrobe to optimize its use and create more order. Since I want to install the slides myself, I am wondering about the best way to do this. Specifically, I am interested in:
- Which drawer slides are most suitable for the Ikea Pax (e.g., what dimensions, load capacity)?
- How exactly should I attach the rails to the side panels of the Pax without compromising the wardrobe’s stability?
- Are there specific screws or fastening methods that IKEA recommends or that have proven effective?
- How should I position the slides to ensure smooth operation and avoid any blockages?
I have already looked at the Pax assembly instructions, but the information is quite general and does not go into detail regarding drawer slides. Maybe someone here has experience and can offer advice on how to install the drawer slides correctly and safely in the Pax?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I am planning to install drawer slides in my Ikea Pax wardrobe to optimize its use and create more order. Since I want to install the slides myself, I am wondering about the best way to do this. Specifically, I am interested in:
- Which drawer slides are most suitable for the Ikea Pax (e.g., what dimensions, load capacity)?
- How exactly should I attach the rails to the side panels of the Pax without compromising the wardrobe’s stability?
- Are there specific screws or fastening methods that IKEA recommends or that have proven effective?
- How should I position the slides to ensure smooth operation and avoid any blockages?
I have already looked at the Pax assembly instructions, but the information is quite general and does not go into detail regarding drawer slides. Maybe someone here has experience and can offer advice on how to install the drawer slides correctly and safely in the Pax?
Thanks in advance for your help!
M
miAlessio26 May 2018 10:33Hello Kochloe,
I have installed several Pax wardrobes myself with drawer slides and will gladly walk you through the process step by step.
First: Ikea offers direct accessory drawers for the Pax with matching slides. If you want to use other types of slides, make sure to pay close attention to the depth; it needs to fit the cabinet’s depth (usually 58 cm (23 inches)).
Mounting the slides:
- The slides are installed on the inside of the cabinet walls. Check if the pre-drilled holes match or if you need to measure and pre-drill new ones.
- Usually, you use the included screws to mount the slides, which are long enough but won’t damage the cabinet back panel.
- Pay close attention to the distance from the bottom edge of the cabinet; often the screw holes indicate the exact position, which ensures smooth sliding.
To make sure the drawers run smoothly later, I recommend:
- Tightening all screws firmly but avoiding overtightening
- Testing the slides for smooth movement before fully inserting the drawers
Common mistakes include misaligning the slides or drilling holes too deep, causing the slide to fit loosely.
In summary:
- Plan for the correct depth of the slides
- Only drill as deep as necessary
- Use screws that are not too long
Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!
I have installed several Pax wardrobes myself with drawer slides and will gladly walk you through the process step by step.
First: Ikea offers direct accessory drawers for the Pax with matching slides. If you want to use other types of slides, make sure to pay close attention to the depth; it needs to fit the cabinet’s depth (usually 58 cm (23 inches)).
Mounting the slides:
- The slides are installed on the inside of the cabinet walls. Check if the pre-drilled holes match or if you need to measure and pre-drill new ones.
- Usually, you use the included screws to mount the slides, which are long enough but won’t damage the cabinet back panel.
- Pay close attention to the distance from the bottom edge of the cabinet; often the screw holes indicate the exact position, which ensures smooth sliding.
To make sure the drawers run smoothly later, I recommend:
- Tightening all screws firmly but avoiding overtightening
- Testing the slides for smooth movement before fully inserting the drawers
Common mistakes include misaligning the slides or drilling holes too deep, causing the slide to fit loosely.
In summary:
- Plan for the correct depth of the slides
- Only drill as deep as necessary
- Use screws that are not too long
Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!
Hello Kochloe,
I can understand well that this kind of thing can be a bit unsettling, especially when no step-by-step instructions are provided. I felt the same way when I was fitting out my first Pax.
It’s important to take your time and not rush, especially when measuring the positions of the rails. At first, I wasn’t patient enough, and the drawer kept sticking, which was really frustrating.
Another tip from me: before permanently screwing everything in place, extend and retract all parts to check that everything runs smoothly. Sometimes it also helps to lightly lubricate the sliding rails if they feel rough.
By the way, if you buy the drawers yourself, make sure they meet the same quality standards as IKEA products, or you might end up annoyed quickly.
I can understand well that this kind of thing can be a bit unsettling, especially when no step-by-step instructions are provided. I felt the same way when I was fitting out my first Pax.
It’s important to take your time and not rush, especially when measuring the positions of the rails. At first, I wasn’t patient enough, and the drawer kept sticking, which was really frustrating.
Another tip from me: before permanently screwing everything in place, extend and retract all parts to check that everything runs smoothly. Sometimes it also helps to lightly lubricate the sliding rails if they feel rough.
By the way, if you buy the drawers yourself, make sure they meet the same quality standards as IKEA products, or you might end up annoyed quickly.
Well-formulated question, Kochloe.
Regarding the technical details:
1. The drawer slides are generally attached to the side panels of the Pax cabinet using pre-drilled holes. These holes are standardized in the carcass to allow for universal installation of IKEA accessories.
2. Standard screws are included with the slides. However, they should be neither too long, to avoid damaging the back panel, nor too short, to ensure the rail is securely fixed.
3. Positioning: The slides must be installed at exactly the same height to prevent binding. A spirit level and ruler are essential for this.
4. Additionally, the correct distance from the cabinet’s bottom panel is important, as the slides vary depending on the drawer heights.
Conclusion: Plan carefully, measure multiple times, and rely on high-quality fasteners.
Regarding the technical details:
1. The drawer slides are generally attached to the side panels of the Pax cabinet using pre-drilled holes. These holes are standardized in the carcass to allow for universal installation of IKEA accessories.
2. Standard screws are included with the slides. However, they should be neither too long, to avoid damaging the back panel, nor too short, to ensure the rail is securely fixed.
3. Positioning: The slides must be installed at exactly the same height to prevent binding. A spirit level and ruler are essential for this.
4. Additionally, the correct distance from the cabinet’s bottom panel is important, as the slides vary depending on the drawer heights.
Conclusion: Plan carefully, measure multiple times, and rely on high-quality fasteners.
Kochloe schrieb:
Are there any special screws or mounting techniques that IKEA recommends or that have proven effective?Why would IKEA recommend something special that isn’t common knowledge? You certainly shouldn’t expect Hilti anchors or specialized fastenings for Pax. I think it’s pretty straightforward:
- Appropriate screws
- Correct positioning
The main issue is that many people believe they need high-tech solutions, whereas simple screw mounting works perfectly fine. Of course, precise alignment is necessary, but that applies to any furniture.
Besides, I wonder who is still looking for simple solutions when IKEA already provides everything you need. If you try to optimize, it usually just gets unnecessarily complicated.
Based on my experience:
I recommend testing the drawer slides by sliding them together and apart before installation. This helps you get a feel for the mechanism and prevents faulty mounting that can cause problems later.
Also, pay attention to the internal width of the cabinet. The slides need some clearance, usually about 1 cm (0.4 inches) less than the inside width, so they operate smoothly and don’t jam.
Regarding screws: The original screws are usually recommended because they have the optimal length and won’t damage the material. If you use different ones, make sure to check the dimensions carefully.
I recommend testing the drawer slides by sliding them together and apart before installation. This helps you get a feel for the mechanism and prevents faulty mounting that can cause problems later.
Also, pay attention to the internal width of the cabinet. The slides need some clearance, usually about 1 cm (0.4 inches) less than the inside width, so they operate smoothly and don’t jam.
Regarding screws: The original screws are usually recommended because they have the optimal length and won’t damage the material. If you use different ones, make sure to check the dimensions carefully.
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