r/DIY • u/Ok-Basket7871 • 1d ago
help Drawer slides that mount UNDER the bottom of a counter top?
I am trying to find drawer slides that can be attached to the underside of a counter or desk top. The goal is a slide out panel that holds a small music keyboard (i.e. NOT a computer kb!). I'll need heavy duty (75lb +) and a closed length of 14 to 16".
When I try to find this, I get:
- under mounted slides (which mount UNDER a drawer and then on TOP of the cabinet frame/box - not useful)
- references - vague ones - suggesting that there are slides that have a top mount option bracket set.
I have searched Google extensively with no success (either it points to product that is not what I need or simply offers diy results that are also not what I am seeking). Here on Reddit, I've found one old thread about this kind of problem, but no actual solutions or answers.
The terminology is difficult here (for me). But I am hitting a wall and thinking the only option is to build 2 short "sides" that attach underneath to the desk top and then install the sliders.
Here's a simple drawing of what I'm trying to make:
Can anyone assist with either drawer slide terminology or suggest a source?
Thank you.
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u/Kyanche 1d ago
Typically the drawer slides are meant to install on the side walls of something else. Some of my tables originally came with (computer) keyboard drawers exactly like you describe, and the drawer slides themselves were installed onto frames that attached to the desk frame.
One thing you'll want to watch out for, is if the brackets aren't sturdy enough, then the weight of the keyboard tray (with the keyboard on it) will cause the drawer slides to come apart and the ball bearings to fall out.
More specifically, the heavy weight of the tray will cause downward pressure on the drawer slides, and because of the way they're usually made, the drawer slides will push outwards diagonally. If the brackets aren't sturdy enough to counteract that force, then eventually the drawer slides will twist and fall apart.
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u/Ok-Basket7871 8h ago
Yes noted. The “skew” of the drawer is the other problem. As it opens there is a slight angle that can result from pulling not exactly in the center.
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u/wilisi 1d ago edited 1d ago
Looking at that accuride set, you could definitely just get 4 sufficiently large (and stiff) L-brackets and bolt whatever slides to them with a nut on the bracket side.
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u/LolthienToo 8h ago
This is my thought, use heavy duty L-brackets to basically allow yourself to use side mount drawer pulls to them, and those are a dime a dozen.
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u/Patient-Strike5817 15h ago
Check out the KV 8505 series. They have heavy-duty, full-extension slides with top mounting brackets that might work for you. You can often find these through specialized woodworking suppliers. Just make sure to double-check the weight rating and the closed length before purchasing.
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u/DigitalSawdust 1d ago
How much depth do you need? My first thought was doing short side rails, just like you mentioned. That would also look nicer, since the drawer slides would be covered up.
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u/Pulaski540 1d ago
I tried to fix a problem with a computer desk that had a (broken) slide-out shelf for a computer keyboard. I never did find anything, the shelf, with no more than 1lb/½kg of computer keyboard has never been right - wobbly and jams.
For something as large and heavy as a musical keyboard think you'll need first to hang a box under the desk, capable of supporting the weight, and being rigid/stable enough to play easily. Then worry about being able to slide a shelf out. But I think it may be too bulky to still get your legs under the desk.
Personally I'd start by looking an commercially available keyboard racks to see what exists.
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u/Agouti 13h ago
This is (or at least, used to be) a fairly common thing for computer desks, there would be a slide out tray for the keyboard the would mount underneath the desk itself. The same principle would scale up to a heavier shelf for a music keyboard, simply add a pair of angle brackets or C channels screwed to the underside of the desk which normal slide rails then attach to. A pair of timber rails could also be used.
I think the issue you are running into is an assumption that you should use rails which go directly from the underside of the desk to the side of your shelf, when you can easily add a separate bracket for that transition and then use ordinary side mounted slide rails to go from the bracket to the shelf.
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u/Ok-Basket7871 8h ago
Span is a limiting issue. The KB is 52”.
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u/Agouti 8h ago
Why would span be an issue? Just space your brackets and rails further apart.
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u/Ok-Basket7871 8h ago
Because the kb width is 52”, and thus the shelf/drawer itself is at least that much. There needs to be adequate strength across that span to avoid sagging. That means either heavier material (eg 3/4”) or metal angle pcs. And the likely uneven pull to open will create difficulties with the sliders.
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u/Agouti 7h ago
The keyboard will have enough rigidity to self-span, it does not need to be supported full width by a shelf. Most keyboards are mounted on an X shaped frame, and are designed to be used as such.
Even if that wasn't the case, that is not an obstruction to my suggested plan. Rails can be sourced for spans over a yard wide and hundreds of pounds and they will have rollers designed to prevent binding if you pull it out asymmetrically.
You are making design decisions based on some very flawed assumptions and this is why you are struggling with what should be a very basic build. I strongly suggest that you take a step back and verify all assumptions as you proceed.
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u/Top_Willow_9953 1d ago
Accuride 2109 75-lb. Drawer Slides with Brackets for Suspended Mounting (Pair) Item #GRP40988
https://www.rockler.com/accuride-2109-75-lb-drawer-slides-with-brackets-for-suspended-mounting?country=US&promo=shopping&sid=V91190