COREAX Hardware Terms

Understand the specification before using the number.

Hardware terms such as full extension, load rating, lock-in, lock-out, side clearance, and undermount describe different parts of a decision. Use this resource hub to translate a product specification into measurements, installation checks, and practical use conditions.

How to use this hub

A term is useful only when its test or installation conditions are understood.

A headline number can look precise while still leaving out the information that determines whether it applies to your build. “265 lb,” “full extension,” “locking,” or “undermount” does not by itself tell you the permitted length, mounting orientation, drawer width, side space, release method, mobile-use condition, shelf construction, or surrounding structure. Start with the term, then follow the linked decision page before ordering or cutting material.

Read the nounIdentify whether the number or feature describes a pair of slides, one bracket, a completed shelf, or only the hardware component.

Read the conditionCheck length, orientation, width, mounting material, static/mobile use, load distribution, and extension position.

Read the boundaryLook for exclusions such as no flat mounting, no intermediate lock, linkage not included, or wall structure required.

Verify the variationA family can contain sizes with different ratings, dimensions, travel, and included parts.

Drawer-slide terms

Movement, fit, and restraint are separate specifications.

Travel

Full-extension drawer slides

Full extension describes how far the moving member travels relative to the closed slide. It is not the same as lock-out, over-travel, or a guarantee that surrounding doors and tailgates will clear.

End-Position Control

Lock-in and lock-out

Lock-in controls the fully closed position; lock-out controls the fully extended position. Most models do not lock at every intermediate point.

Width

Drawer slide clearance

Side clearance is not a generic allowance. It must be calculated from the actual pair of rails, the narrowest opening, fastener heads, and release or linkage access.

Capacity

Drawer slide load rating

The rated load applies under defined conditions. Count the entire moving assembly and verify slide length, orientation, drawer width, frame stiffness, and whether the application moves with a vehicle.

Closed Size

Nominal length and usable depth

Nominal slide length is not permission to use every inch of cabinet depth. Rear walls, fasteners, lock mechanisms, trim, and manufacturing tolerances reduce the usable rail path.

Release

Single-side release and linked release

An integrated one-side mechanism and a builder-fabricated linkage solve a similar access problem in different ways. The installation work and failure modes are not the same.

Travel terminology

Partial extension, full extension, and over-travel.

Partial extensionThe drawer opens less than the closed slide length. Rear contents remain partly under the cabinet or enclosure.

Full extensionThe travel is approximately sufficient to bring the drawer length out of the opening. Confirm the exact model drawing because nominal terms do not replace measured travel.

Over-travelThe drawer travels beyond the nominal closed length. This can clear a countertop, door, tailgate, or face frame, but the extra travel must be explicitly specified.

Two-way travelThe slide can move in both directions from a center position. It is a different mechanism from normal one-direction full extension.

Lock-outA latch holds the slide at the open end position. A full-extension slide can be non-locking, and a locking slide may still require a separate travel restraint for the complete system.

DisconnectThe moving member can be separated for installation or service. Lever, push-latch, rail, and non-disconnect designs change the assembly sequence.

Mounting terminology

Side-mount, bottom-mount, and concealed undermount are not interchangeable.

A side-mount slide is normally installed vertically between the drawer side and the cabinet or frame. A true bottom-mount or platform slide transfers load through brackets or surfaces under the moving shelf. A concealed undermount runner normally works with a specifically prepared drawer box, locking devices, notches, and defined drawer dimensions. Rotating a side-mount rail flat does not convert it into a purpose-designed bottom-mount system.

Side-mountVisible or partly visible rails mounted to vertical faces. Clearance is usually required on both sides of the drawer.

True bottom-mount / bottom-supportedHardware designed to carry a shelf or tray from below. Verify the permitted platform width, rail spacing, and mounting brackets.

Concealed undermountRunners hidden beneath a conventional drawer box. Drawer construction, notches, locking clips, setback, and cabinet dimensions are system-specific.

Flat-mounted side slideA side-mount slide laid horizontally. Do not assume the side-mount load rating applies unless the manufacturer supplies an allowed flat-mount rating.

Use Side-Mount vs Bottom-Mount Drawer Slides and True Bottom-Mount vs Undermount Drawer Slides when the mounting term is affecting product choice.

Folding-bracket terms

Bracket rating is not the finished shelf capacity.

A folding bracket is one component in a load path. The shelf board spans between supports, the bracket transfers load through its arms and hinge, the wall plate transfers force into fasteners, and the fasteners must engage adequate backing or masonry. Shelf depth and front-edge loading increase leverage. Bracket spacing changes board deflection. The final result is controlled by the weakest component and connection.

Capacity

Real shelf capacity

Follow the complete load path and separate a bracket-pair claim from the capacity of the installed wall, shelf, and fasteners.

Spacing

Bracket count and spacing

Use shelf length, unsupported span, overhang, board stiffness, load zones, and backing locations to determine support points.

Projection

Bracket size for shelf depth

A deeper shelf creates a longer lever arm. Choose bracket projection and front overhang deliberately instead of sizing only by weight.

Backing

Studs, blocking, plywood, and masonry

Drywall is a finish layer, not a universal structural backing. Plan how the bracket loads enter the wall structure.

Terms that are often confused

Do not substitute one feature for another.

Soft-close vs lock-inSoft-close slows the final closing motion. Lock-in mechanically controls the closed position. A soft-close drawer may still open during vehicle movement.

Hold-in detent vs positive lockA detent adds resistance near the closed position; a positive lock normally requires a deliberate release. Verify the exact mechanism.

Full extension vs lock-outFull extension describes travel. Lock-out describes open-position restraint.

Load rating vs payloadPayload is what you want to store. The slide carries payload plus the drawer, tray, face, handles, dividers, and permanent equipment.

Stainless appearance vs stainless materialA silver color or metallic finish does not prove stainless-steel construction. Verify substrate and coating.

Included hardware vs project fastenersPackage screws may suit one material or temporary positioning. The final connection must match the actual wood, steel, aluminum, masonry, or wall backing.

From term to purchase

Use the terminology page to identify the next measurement.

Specifications are most useful when they change a concrete decision. After reading a term, record the dimension, load, material, orientation, or function it requires you to verify. Then continue to the relevant buying guide or product page. When a product family contains multiple sizes, use the selected variation rather than the family maximum.

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