What is the difference between side mount and undermount drawer slides?

Side mount slides fix to the drawer sides and cabinet walls — easy to fit and tolerant of cabinet tolerances. Undermount slides sit beneath the drawer box, hide the hardware for a cleaner look, and need a compatible drawer box with the right reveal. AOLISHENG builds both: side-mount heavy-duty series (2053 / 2576 / 7625) and undermount soft-close series (MK316 / U4510K).

What does full extension mean compared with 3/4 extension?

3/4 extension leaves the back of the drawer still inside the cabinet; full extension brings the whole drawer clear of the cabinet face so you can reach the back corner. Most AOLISHENG heavy-duty and soft-close series are full extension.

How do I choose the load rating for a drawer slide?

Add the heaviest realistic contents, then add 25–30% headroom so the slide is not run at 100% of its rating every day. AOLISHENG ratings run from 100 lb (U1245) through 265 lb (2053 family), 330 lb (2071), 500 lb (2576 family) up to 770 lb (AQ7625K3 twin-slide).

What are soft-close drawer slides and when do I need them?

Soft-close slides use a damper that pulls the drawer shut in the last few centimetres, preventing slamming. They are most noticeable on kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and also reduce the shock load that gradually loosens a carcass. AOLISHENG soft-close options include K2053, U4510K and MK316.

Are stainless steel slides worth it for outdoor or marine use?

Yes — whenever the slide is exposed to weather, salt air, humidity or frequent wash-down (outdoor kitchens, marine galleys, food-prep, coastal installs). AOLISHENG stainless options include W2053, W2576, W5115 and U4510K.

Which AOLISHENG series number maps to which spec?

The stamped codes read: 1245 = 100 lb stainless side mount; 4510 = 100 lb stainless; 5115 = 150 lb; 2053 = 265 lb; 2071 = 330 lb; 2576 = 500 lb; 7625 = 770 lb twin-slide. Remove the drawer and read the code on the inner rail, or send a photo and AOLISHENG will match it.

Can heavy-duty slides be used in RVs, trucks and vehicles?

Yes, with a locking slide so the drawer cannot slide open under braking or cornering. Use locking series such as D5115, D2053 or D7625 for any moving-vehicle storage.

Drawer Slide Guides, Heavyduty Basic, Household

Soft Close vs Push to Open vs Locking Drawer Slides

Posted by

Aolisheng

September 13, 2026

On September 12, 2026

Soft close, push to open and locking are the three features buyers ask about most — and they solve different problems. Picking the wrong one means a drawer that does not behave the way the end user expects.

Soft Close Drawer Slides

Soft close dampens the final few inches so the drawer pulls itself shut quietly. It is the default for kitchens, bedrooms and any furniture where noise and slamming matter. Soft close slides pair well with side-mount and undermount builds.

Push to Open Drawer Slides

Push to open lets the user open the drawer with a press and no handle, which suits handleless kitchen fronts and minimalist cabinetry. Some AOLISHENG models combine both — push to open to release, soft close on the way back. See the push to open range.

Locking Drawer Slides

Locking slides hold the drawer shut in the closed position and, on some models, hold it open when extended. They are the right call for anything that moves: RV and camper drawers, truck toolboxes, service vehicles and workshop carts. Without a lock, a drawer on a rough road becomes a projectile.

Which One Should You Specify?

Quiet home and office furniture → soft close.
Handleless, press-to-open fronts → push to open (or combined push + soft close).
Anything that moves or tips → locking, sized from the heavy-duty range.

Need help matching a feature to your cabinet opening? Request a quote and our team will confirm the model from your dimensions.