Expert: Jamie Yocono - 1/19/2005

Question
I am thinking of creating a drawers unit (drawer depth 40-50cm) that will be placed in the middle of my room as a separator (bed on one size, office in the other).

I need to be able to open the drawers from both sides, but I am not sure if there is a slide rail (or other mechanism) that can achieve this.

Do you know if this is possible and if so where should I look for such a mechanism?

Thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Markos-

Yes, there absolutely is a piece of hardware that will do what you want it to do. It's called a two-way travel drawer slide.

A few years ago, I built a checkerboard table with a drawer in it that traveled in both directions, so that each player could pull the drawer out and get to their checkers. And I used a drawer glide that did just what you want yours to do- travel in both directions. I used a glide made by Knape and Vogt (commonly called KV) but I am not sure they still make it.

The good news is.... Accuride makes one; it's their Model # 2002. Just a note- I call this a drawer glide, they call it a drawer slide. Same thing, just different terminology.

These slides come in a variety of lengths, and hopefully they will have one in the right length for you. If your cabinet isn't built yet, you might need to adapt it to fit the glide length. Generally, the drawer box is made 1" smaller (narrower) than the opening, but double check their spec sheet to be sure.

I found this information out on a website that I sometimes use- www.cabinetparts.com.  If you go to their site, you'll see various hardware and manufacturers. Look for Accuride drawer hardware and you'll see information about this particular slide.  They have consumer sales online, so if you can't locate this glide in your area, you can order it from them.

Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any other questions you might have after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV