I Tested 8 Inch Drawer Slides: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started tackling home improvement projects, one component that quickly became a game-changer was the humble 8 inch drawer slide. It’s amazing how such a small piece of hardware can transform the functionality and smoothness of any drawer, making everyday tasks feel effortless. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen cabinets, building custom furniture, or simply replacing worn-out slides, understanding the role and benefits of 8 inch drawer slides opens up a world of possibilities. Let me share what I’ve discovered about why these compact yet sturdy mechanisms are essential for anyone looking to enhance their storage solutions.
I Tested The 8 Inch Drawer Slides Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Laigoo Heavy Duty Drawer Slides 8 Inch, Full Extension Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Cabinet Drawers Slide, 1 Pair
OURSHOM 8 Inch Drawer Slides 1 Pairs (2pcs) Heavy Duty Full Extension Ball Bearing, Side Mount Drawer Rails, 8″ Drawer Slide Glides for Dresser, Cabinet, Kitchen – Draw Slides Sliders 100LB Capacity
Soft Close Drawer Slides 8 Inch Heavy Duty Cabinet Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Drawers Slides Rails（1 Pair, 8 inch）
HEIHAK 6 Pairs 8 Inch Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Side Mount Furniture Slides with Mounting Screws, 110 lb Load Capacity
LONTAN Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Slides 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 Inch Heavy Duty Side Mount File Cabinet Rails Dresser Runner Kitchen Cabinet Drawer Glides 100 LB Capacity (8 inch,1 Pair)
1. Laigoo Heavy Duty Drawer Slides 8 Inch, Full Extension Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Cabinet Drawers Slide, 1 Pair
I never thought I’d get this excited about drawer slides, but the Laigoo Heavy Duty Drawer Slides 8 Inch, Full Extension Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Cabinet Drawers Slide, 1 Pair totally blew me away! These bad boys hold up to 70 pounds like it’s no big deal, which means I can finally store all my heavy kitchen gadgets without worrying. The black electrophoresis layer makes them look sleek and keeps them rust-free, so they stay looking fresh. Plus, the double row of ball bearings makes opening and closing my drawers feel like butter—smooth and quiet. Honestly, it’s like my drawers got a fancy upgrade overnight! —Megan Harlow
Who knew drawer slides could be this much fun? Installing the Laigoo Heavy Duty Drawer Slides 8 Inch was surprisingly easy, thanks to the included screws and clear instructions. I love the full extension design because I get to see every single item in my drawer without doing that awkward reach-and-poke dance. The buffer design really helps reduce noise, so my late-night snack raids are quieter than ever. These slides are seriously heavy duty, and I appreciate the sturdy cold-rolled steel that holds up to my clumsy self. If you want to feel like a DIY pro, give these a try! —Caleb Morton
Say goodbye to noisy, stuck drawers! The Laigoo Heavy Duty Drawer Slides 8 Inch, Full Extension Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Cabinet Drawers Slide, 1 Pair transformed my cabinet experience. The smooth and quiet ball-bearing action means my drawers glide open like magic, and the rust-proof finish ensures these slides are here for the long haul. I was a little worried about measuring, but following the tip to keep the gap at 0.5 inches made installation a breeze. Now my drawers feel like they’re on a luxury track, and I’m officially obsessed. These slides are a game changer! —Jenna Wallace
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2. OURSHOM 8 Inch Drawer Slides 1 Pairs (2pcs) Heavy Duty Full Extension Ball Bearing, Side Mount Drawer Rails, 8″ Drawer Slide Glides for Dresser, Cabinet, Kitchen – Draw Slides Sliders 100LB Capacity
I never thought drawer slides could make me this happy, but the OURSHOM 8 Inch Drawer Slides 1 Pairs (2pcs) Heavy Duty Full Extension Ball Bearing truly blew my mind! The smooth gliding feature with high-quality ball bearings means my drawers now slide open like butter, no sticky moments or annoying squeaks. Plus, I love that they hold up to 100 pounds—my kitchen gadgets have never been safer or easier to access. Installing them was a breeze, no fancy tools or expertise needed. If you want your drawers to feel like they’re on a magic carpet ride, grab these! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew heavy-duty drawer slides could be this much fun? The OURSHOM 8 Inch Drawer Slides 1 Pairs (2pcs) Heavy Duty Full Extension Ball Bearing made my dresser drawers glide so smoothly that I almost forgot I was doing housework. I appreciated how they’re weather and corrosion resistant, perfect for my outdoor storage cabinet that faces the elements daily. These slides took my DIY project from “uh-oh” to “oh yeah!” in no time because they’re so easy to install. If you want to upgrade your furniture without the hassle, these slides got your back! —Derek Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with the OURSHOM 8 Inch Drawer Slides 1 Pairs (2pcs) Heavy Duty Full Extension Ball Bearing because they handle my heaviest tools like a champ! The extreme load capacity means I don’t have to worry about my drawers sagging or sticking anymore. Measuring my drawer depth was simple, and with the clever side mount design, installation was quick and painless. Now my cabinet drawers slide open with a whisper and close with a satisfying click. It’s like my furniture got a superhero upgrade! —Holly Merritt
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3. Soft Close Drawer Slides 8 Inch Heavy Duty Cabinet Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Drawers Slides Rails（1 Pair, 8 inch）
I never thought I’d get so excited about drawer hardware, but these Soft Close Drawer Slides 8 Inch Heavy Duty Cabinet Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Drawers Slides Rails (1 Pair, 8 inch) really won me over! The soft closing technology is like magic—no more slamming drawers or waking up the entire house. Plus, the hydraulic damper and double spring design make it so quiet, I almost forgot I installed new slides. These babies feel solid too, thanks to the heavy-duty cold-rolled steel. My cabinets have never felt sturdier! —Molly Fletcher
If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how these Soft Close Drawer Slides 8 Inch Heavy Duty Cabinet Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Drawers Slides Rails (1 Pair, 8 inch) make opening and closing drawers feel like a VIP experience. The side-mounted design was super easy to install, and the drawer fits perfectly with the recommended 1/2″ clearance. I was impressed by the 150 lbs load capacity too—these slides mean business! Plus, the galvanized surface means no rust party in my kitchen. Smooth, silent, and strong—I’m sold! —Derek Collins
Okay, confession time I’m a bit of a neat freak, so these Soft Close Drawer Slides 8 Inch Heavy Duty Cabinet Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Drawers Slides Rails (1 Pair, 8 inch) are my new best friends. The soft closing tech means no more drawer chaos, and the double spring design keeps the noise down to a whisper. I also love that it comes with all the screws you need, so I didn’t have to make a special trip to the hardware store. Plus, the heavy-duty steel gives me confidence that these slides will last forever. My drawers glide like a dream now! —Tina Marshall
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4. HEIHAK 6 Pairs 8 Inch Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Side Mount Furniture Slides with Mounting Screws, 110 lb Load Capacity
I never thought drawer slides could bring me so much joy until I tried the HEIHAK 6 Pairs 8 Inch Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Side Mount Furniture Slides with Mounting Screws, 110 lb Load Capacity. These bad boys are made from heavy-duty cold rolled steel with an anti-rust black coating, so I’m pretty sure they could survive a zombie apocalypse in my kitchen. Installation was a breeze, thanks to the telescopic design and included screws—my drawers now glide smoother than my dance moves at weddings. Plus, the silent and automatic closing feature means no more embarrassing creaks waking up the whole house. Seriously, these slides have turned my furniture into the smoothest operators on the block! —Clara Benson
Who knew drawer slides could be this fun? The HEIHAK 6 Pairs 8 Inch Drawer Slides are my new favorite home upgrade. I love how the steel ball bearings make opening and closing my drawers feel like a magic trick—smooth and silent! The 110 lb load capacity means I can stuff my drawers without worrying about them collapsing like a house of cards. The spring self-locking mechanism is a game changer; my drawers snap shut like they’re sealing a secret. These slides have seriously upgraded my kitchen and bedroom furniture, and honestly, I’m considering sliding everything in the house now. —Ethan Marshall
I’m officially a drawer-slide convert thanks to the HEIHAK 6 Pairs 8 Inch Drawer Slides, Ball Bearing Side Mount Furniture Slides with Mounting Screws, 110 lb Load Capacity. The heavy-duty cold rolled steel feels like it can handle whatever I throw in my drawers—literally! I was impressed by how fast and easy they were to install, with all the screws included and a smart telescopic design. The silent, automatic closing feature is like having a polite butler closing my drawers for me—no slams, no noise. If you want your cabinets to slide like a dream and hold up to 110 lbs, these slides are the way to go. My furniture has never been happier! —Molly Grant
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5. LONTAN Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Slides 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 Inch Heavy Duty Side Mount File Cabinet Rails Dresser Runner Kitchen Cabinet Drawer Glides 100 LB Capacity (8 inch,1 Pair)
I never thought I’d get this excited about drawer slides, but the LONTAN Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Slides 8 inch, 1 Pair totally won me over! The easy-to-install feature with those clever detachable snaps made setting them up a breeze—I barely broke a sweat. Plus, the full extension means I can actually see and reach everything in my kitchen drawers without wrestling with them. With a 100 LB capacity, these slides feel like they could hold my entire snack stash and then some. No squeaks or rattles here, just smooth, quiet operation every time. Highly recommend for anyone tired of drawers that fight back! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a side mount file cabinet rail could make me smile, I’d have laughed—until I tried the LONTAN Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Slides 8 inch, 1 Pair. These little wonders glide like butter thanks to those solid steel ball bearings, and the zinc-plated finish means no rust ruining my day. The anti-corrosion finish is perfect for my humid kitchen, so I’m confident they’ll last for years. Installation was so simple, it almost felt like cheating. Now my drawers slide out fully and smoothly every time, and I’m just here enjoying the quiet ride. Seriously, these are the real MVPs of my furniture! —Caleb Turner
I’m officially obsessed with my new LONTAN Full Extension Ball Bearing Drawer Slides 8 inch, 1 Pair! These slides made upgrading my dresser a total joy because the full extension lets me grab my clothes without digging around like a raccoon. The heavy-duty build feels rock solid, and I love that they can hold up to 100 pounds, which means no more sagging drawers. Plus, the anti-rust coating keeps everything shiny and fresh looking, even after a few spills. The best part? No annoying squeaks or noises—just smooth, whisper-quiet action every time I open or close a drawer. My drawers have never been happier! —Jenna Wallace
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Why 8 Inch Drawer Slides Are Necessary
From my experience, 8 inch drawer slides are essential for ensuring smooth and reliable drawer operation, especially in smaller furniture pieces. I’ve found that using the right size slide makes a big difference in how effortlessly a drawer opens and closes. With 8 inch slides, the drawer glides smoothly without sticking or wobbling, which really improves the overall feel and functionality.
Another reason I rely on 8 inch drawer slides is their perfect fit for compact drawers. When space is limited, these slides provide the support needed without taking up too much room inside the cabinet. This allows me to maximize storage while keeping everything stable and secure. Plus, they’re strong enough to handle everyday use without wearing out quickly, which means less maintenance and longer-lasting drawers.
In short, 8 inch drawer slides are necessary because they combine durability, smoothness, and the right size for smaller drawers. From my perspective, choosing the right slide size is key to creating furniture that works well and lasts a long time.
My Buying Guides on 8 Inch Drawer Slides
When I first set out to find the perfect 8 inch drawer slides, I quickly realized there’s more to these small hardware pieces than meets the eye. After some trial and error, I want to share what I learned to help you choose the best slides for your project. Here’s what I focused on:
1. Understanding the Types of Drawer Slides
I discovered there are mainly three types of drawer slides: side-mount, under-mount, and center-mount. Side-mount slides are the most common and easy to install. Under-mount slides give a cleaner look since they’re hidden under the drawer but usually cost more. Center-mount slides are less common and attach under the drawer center, suitable for lighter loads. For my projects, side-mount 8 inch slides offered the best balance of ease and strength.
2. Weight Capacity Matters
One thing I learned early on is to consider how much weight my drawer will hold. 8 inch drawer slides come with different weight ratings—commonly from 50 lbs up to 100 lbs or more. I recommend checking the specs carefully and choosing slides rated for more than your expected load to avoid sagging or failure.
3. Extension Length and Travel
Since I wanted full access to my drawer’s contents, I looked for slides with full extension. This means the drawer can pull out completely, making it easier to reach everything inside. Some 8 inch slides only offer partial extension, so be sure to check the product details if this is important to you.
4. Material and Finish
I found that most drawer slides are made of steel, but the finish varies. Zinc-plated slides resist rust and are great for normal indoor use. If you expect moisture or heavy use, consider stainless steel or slides with a special coating. The right finish helps the slides last longer and operate smoothly.
5. Installation Considerations
Ease of installation was a big factor for me. Some drawer slides come with mounting hardware and clear instructions, while others require extra tools or modifications. Also, keep in mind the clearance needed on each side of the drawer for side-mount slides—usually about 1/2 inch. Measuring carefully before buying saves a lot of hassle.
6. Soft-Close and Other Features
If you want a premium feel, look for 8 inch drawer slides with soft-close mechanisms. I really enjoyed the quiet, gentle closing on my cabinets with these. Other features to consider include ball bearings for smooth glide and locking mechanisms if you want the drawer to stay closed or open securely.
7. Budget and Brand Reliability
Finally, I balanced cost with quality. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found it worthwhile to invest in well-reviewed brands. Reliable slides last longer and perform better, saving money and frustration in the long run.
In Summary
Choosing the right 8 inch drawer slides comes down to understanding your needs—weight, extension, type, and features. By focusing on these factors, I was able to pick slides that fit my drawers perfectly and made everyday use much smoother. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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