What is the difference between ball-bearing slides and roller slides?

Ball Bearing Slides (side or undermount)

• Slide: smooth and consistent, often in full extension.

• Load: higher with the same space requirement (ideal for deep/heavy drawers).

• Comfort: frequent soft-close versions; adjustable lateral play.

• Usage: kitchen, hi-fi, heavy storage, deep drawers.

• Maintenance: dust off; do not oil (risk of clogging).

Roller Slides (wheels)

• Slide: decent but less consistent under heavy load; often partial extension.

• Load: more limited; reserved for light/medium drawers.

• Comfort: soft-close is rarer; simpler adjustments.

• Usage: small drawers, light storage.

What We Recommend

• Frequently used/deep drawers → ball bearing slides (often soft-close).

• Small storage → wheels possible depending on design.

• Always respect the load capacity indicated by the model and distribute the weight.

• For a drawer that rubs or bounces: level the furniture, reclip correctly, then adjust height/lateral/depth (see our FAQ 1–2 & 11).