I'm trying to find the exact distance between two drawer slides that are attached to a desk for a keyboard tray. I know the thickness of the slides, but I'm unsure about the distance between the frame where they attach. I could measure the space between the frame or between the slides after they're attached, but I'd like to know if there's a more accurate method than just using a tape measure. Any tips would be appreciated!
2 Answers
To get the right measurement, you usually measure the opening's width and then subtract 1/2 inch for each slide, which means a total of 1 inch taken off. But since each type of slide can be different, it’s best to measure yours directly to be precise.
If both parts of the slides are attached, here's a cool way to figure out the measurement: You can take two pieces of wood, shorter than the space between the slides but together longer than the opening. Overlap them and slide them until they touch both slides, mark where they overlap, take them out, then measure that length on a flat surface. Alternatively, you could measure from one side to a certain number, like 6 inches, make a mark, then measure from the other side to that mark and add it all up.
That overlapping wood method sounds clever! I'll definitely give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion!