Standard Work · SOP

Drawer Slide Load Test

Standard operating procedure for performing load testing on drawer slides to verify structural integrity and long-term performance in assembled cabinetry. Ensures compliance with manufacturer ratings and quality standards.

Estimated Time

15 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Regulation

ISO 7170

Version

1.0

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Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to verify that installed drawer slides meet the required static and dynamic load ratings as specified by the manufacturer. This ensures that drawers under typical use conditions do not sag, bind, or fail prematurely, thereby maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.

Scope

This SOP applies to all production lines at the cabinet assembly station where drawer slides are installed. It covers the load testing procedure for side-mount and under-mount slides up to 100 lbs rated capacity. Testing is performed on a sample basis per production batch as defined in the quality plan.

Safety Precautions

LOTOLockout/Tagout the assembly station before any adjustment or repair of testing fixtures.
PPEWear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses and cut-resistant gloves when handling test weights and slides.
PINCHKeep hands clear of moving parts during loading cycles. Pinch points exist between slide members and test weights.
ERGOUse mechanical lift assist for any test weight exceeding 25 lbs. Do not manually lift loads over 25 lbs.

Required Tools & Materials

Digital force gauge (0–500 N capacity) with data logging
Calibrated test weights: 50 lb, 25 lb, 10 lb sets
Steel ruler or caliper (0.01 mm resolution) for sag measurement
Test fixture (rigid frame replicating cabinet opening) – see drawing D-456
Drawer slide samples from current production batch (minimum 5 units)
Screwdriver set for slide adjustment
Torque wrench (check mounting screw torque to spec)
Data collection sheet (template attached in Appendix A)
Level (magnetic, 600 mm length)

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Prepare Test Fixture – Verify test fixture dimensions match the cabinet opening specifications. Clean fixture surfaces and ensure no debris. Place fixture on a stable, level workbench.

2 Mount Drawer Slide – Install the drawer slide on the test fixture using the specified screws. Torque screws to 12 Nm using calibrated torque wrench. Verify slide alignment with a level; adjust if necessary.

3 Set Up Measurement Equipment – Attach the force gauge to the centre of the drawer face. Zero the gauge with no load applied. Position the steel ruler vertically at the front edge of the drawer to measure sag.

4 Apply Static Load – Place the 50 lb test weight in the centre of the drawer. Wait 60 seconds for settling. Read sag deflection from the ruler. Record the value. Acceptable deflection ≤ 2 mm.

5 Perform Dynamic Loading Cycle – Remove the 50 lb weight. Apply a 25 lb weight. Cycle the drawer open and closed 10 full strokes at a controlled speed (approx. 1 cycle per 3 seconds). Listen for binding, chatter, or unusual noise.

6 Re-Check Static Sag – After dynamic test, keep the 25 lb load in place. Wait 30 seconds, then measure sag again at the front edge. Record final deflection. Compare to acceptance criteria: ≤ 2 mm static, ≤ 0.5 mm increase after cycling.

7 Accept / Reject Decision – If the slide meets all static and dynamic criteria, mark the data sheet as “Passed.” If any criterion fails (e.g., sag exceeds tolerance, binding occurs), flag the slide as non-conformance and notify the quality engineer immediately.

Drawer Slide Load Test

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