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Light Duty Drawer Slides: Everyday Use and Easy Installation
If your drawers hold lighter items like clothing, linen, kitchenware, or general household tools, light duty drawer slides are a great entry-level choice. These are generally rated around 45 kg and are ideal for projects where you want smooth movement with a simple install.
Lockable light duty options are also available, adding a locking feature that keeps drawers securely closed when needed - handy in vehicle fit-outs, mobile workshops, or caravan storage.
Great for: bedside tables, kitchen drawers, garden sheds, caravan storage.
Medium Duty Drawer Slides - Everyday Strength
For heavier items or more frequently used drawers, medium duty slides offer a noticeable step up. These are typically rated around 125 kg, striking a balance between affordability and strength.
UES also stocks medium duty lockable versions, which combine that stronger capacity with a locking mechanism - ideal when you want both secure closure and reliable movement.
Great for: workshop cabinets, heavier storage drawers, job-site tool chests.
Heavy Duty Drawer Slides: Built for Tough Use
When your drawers are built to carry tools, heavy gear, or industrial storage, you want slides that can handle the load without compromising smooth operation. Heavy duty drawer slides from UES Hardware are generally rated around 227 kg, meaning they’re up to the job when you’re storing weighty items like power tools, parts, and heavy accessories.
Heavy duty models are typically side-mounted for strength, and available in longer lengths for larger installations.
Lockable heavy duty slides add secure closure to that strength - a handy feature for vehicle toolboxes, mobile workshops, and storage systems where movement or vibration might otherwise pull drawers open.
Great for: trade vehicles, industrial cabinets, truck and trailer setups.
Accuride and Specialist Drawer Slides
For premium performance beyond the standard UES Hardware range, we also offers Accuride drawer slides - precision-engineered slides trusted in heavy-use environments. These are known for ultra-smooth action, high load capacities, and dependable long-term performance, with options suitable for specialist builds and demanding applications.
Great for: high-end cabinetry, professional fit-outs, and jobs where smooth, durable performance matters most.
How to Choose the Right Slide for You
Here’s a simple way to think about your choice:
Light Duty Drawer Slides
✔ Best for: Household drawers, light storage, cabinetry
✔ Pros: Smooth operation, easy to install, cost effective
✔ Cons: Not suitable for heavy tools or equipment
Light Duty Lockable Drawer Slides
✔ Best for: Mobile storage, caravans, utility drawers
✔ Pros: Locking feature keeps drawers secure during movement
✔ Cons: Lower load capacity than medium or heavy duty options
Medium Duty Drawer Slides
✔ Best for: Workshops, garages, heavier household or trade storage
✔ Pros: Higher load rating, reliable everyday performance
✔ Cons: Larger profile than light duty slides
Medium Duty Lockable Drawer Slides
✔ Best for: Toolboxes, service bodies, mobile work setups
✔ Pros: Added security with stronger load capacity
✔ Cons: Slightly higher cost than non-lockable options
Heavy Duty Drawer Slides
✔ Best for: Toolboxes, truck and ute builds, industrial storage
✔ Pros: High load ratings, built for tough conditions
✔ Cons: More robust installation required
Heavy Duty Lockable Drawer Slides
✔ Best for: Trade vehicles, fleet builds, high vibration environments
✔ Pros: Maximum strength with secure locking
✔ Cons: Premium option for heavy load applications
Accuride & Specialist Drawer Slides
✔ Best for: High-spec builds, professional fit-outs
✔ Pros: Precision engineered, smooth and durable performance
✔ Cons: Higher price point than standard ranges
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re fitting out a toolbox, upgrading a service body, or working on a larger truck or ute build, choosing the right drawer slide is essential for strength, safety, and long-term reliability. From general-purpose side-mount slides to heavy-duty options designed for high loads and frequent use, the right choice depends on how and where the drawer will be used.
At UES Hardware, our drawer slide range is built to support real-world trade, transport, and fleet applications - from workshop storage to demanding vehicle fit-outs. Understanding load ratings, extension types, and mounting styles helps ensure your setup performs reliably on the job, day in and day out.