Drawer Runners Compatible with Hettich: 32 mm Hole Pattern & Full Extension

November 30, 2025

A compatible full-extension drawer runner can be pulled out 100% from the cabinet carcass and uses the standardised System 32 with a 32 mm hole spacing for installation.

When replacing or building drawers in cabinet carcasses, finding the correct runner mechanism is essential. When replacing existing fittings, the exact brand name is secondary as long as the technical parameters match. The industrial grid dimension in furniture construction allows defective runners to be replaced with compatible alternatives. This guide is aimed at joiners, fitters, and skilled tradespeople who need to select drawer slides based on strict technical criteria such as installation width, load capacity, and hole pattern.

Key Buying Criteria for Compatible Drawer Runners

To ensure smooth operation, the mechanical dimensions of the new runner must match the cabinet and drawer precisely. The drawer runner acts as the moving chassis of the cabinet – if the geometry is incorrect, even the strongest mechanism will fail.

System 32 and the Hole Pattern

The compatibility of fittings in European furniture construction relies almost exclusively on System 32. This grid defines the distance between vertical drill holes as exactly 32 mm. The distance from the first row of holes to the front edge of the carcass is typically 37 mm. When fitting a runner that supports this hole pattern, you can use the existing 5 mm system holes in the carcass. The runners are secured there with Euro screws. Alternatively, fixings can be made using standard chipboard screws (countersunk head, PZ2 or TX15 drive, 3.5 mm diameter) directly into the timber.

Nominal Length and Installation Depth

The length of a runner is always measured in the closed state and is referred to as the nominal length. In standard furniture, it typically ranges from 250 mm up to 800 mm. The nominal length must be shorter than the internal carcass depth. For a cabinet with a usable internal depth of 530 mm, for example, choose drawer runners 500 mm. For particularly deep cabinets, such as in workshops, opt for drawer runners 600 mm or longer.

Installation Width (Side Clearance)

For side-mounted runners, the clearance between the outer side of the drawer box and the inner carcass wall is critical. For standard ball-bearing runners, this measurement (the side clearance) is typically 12.7 mm per side. If the drawer is built too wide or too narrow, the slide will jam or the ball bearings will sustain damage.

Load Capacity in Kilograms

Load capacity is specified per pair of runners. For lightweight desk drawers, 10 kg to 15 kg is sufficient. For standard kitchen drawers holding cutlery or dry goods, plan for 25 kg to 30 kg. If heavy pots, stacks of plates, or tools are to be stored, using heavy-duty drawer runners is mandatory. These reinforced slides feature thicker material gauges and offer load capacities of 45 kg, 80 kg, or even over 100 kg.

Overview of Types and Mechanisms

Drawer slides differ fundamentally in their extension length, mounting position, and integrated convenience features.

Extension Length: Full Extension vs. Partial Extension

A partial extension runner pulls out to around 75% to 80% of its nominal length. The rear section of the drawer remains inside the cabinet, making access to items at the back difficult. A full extension runner, by contrast, is engineered so that the drawer pulls out fully, or 100%, beyond the carcass edge. This requires a multi-part telescopic construction but provides a complete view of the entire drawer contents. Upgrading to full-extension drawer runners is a common improvement during furniture refurbishment.

Runner Types by Mounting Method

Depending on the drawer construction, different runner types are used:

Ball-bearing runners: These slides are screwed to the sides of the drawer or recessed into a groove (typically 17 mm or 27 mm wide). Steel balls held in ball cages provide smooth running. They are robust, maintenance-free, and frequently available in heavy-duty versions.
Undermount runners: These systems are mounted completely concealed beneath the drawer base. No hardware parts remain visible when the drawer is open. They require a specific drawer build (inset base, rear panel cut-outs) and connect to the drawer via locking clips. For modern, high-quality furniture, undermount drawer runners represent the technical standard.
Roller runners: A simple, proven design where plastic rollers run inside powder-coated steel profiles. They are base-mounted and typically operate as partial extension slides. Replacing existing roller drawer runners is exceptionally straightforward due to the standardised fixing holes.

Convenience Features: Damping and Handleless Opening

The mechanisms for opening and closing are often confused, as they rely on completely different mechanical principles.

The soft-close (damping) system absorbs the momentum of the closing drawer. A small hydraulic or gas damper inside the runner decelerates the drawer over the final few centimetres, while a spring pulls it silently and gently into the fully closed position. If you want to prevent rattling drawers, install soft-close drawer runners. A related but simpler mechanism is self-closing drawer runners – these pull the drawer shut at the end of travel, but do not necessarily include the damping cylinder.

The push-to-open system (often called tip-on) is designed for handleless fronts. A spring mechanism is triggered by light pressure on the front panel and pushes the drawer open slightly so it can be pulled by hand. Push-to-open drawer runners cannot be mechanically combined with standard soft-close damping, as the damper would obstruct the opening ejection.

Decision Guide: Which Runner for Which Application?

Choosing the correct hardware depends on the piece of furniture and the expected load.

Kitchen and bathroom furniture: Aesthetics and smooth operation take priority. Choose concealed undermount runners with a nominal length matching the carcass depth (often 450 mm or 500 mm). Integrated soft-close is the standard choice here.
Workshops and garages: Function and load capacity are paramount. Use side-mounted ball-bearing full-extension runners without damping, as dirt and dust can impair delicate soft-close mechanisms. Aim for a load rating of at least 45 kg.
Small occasional furniture (bedside tables, chests of drawers): For shallow depths and light loads, roller runners or short ball-bearing runners are sufficient. Nominal lengths of 250 mm to 350 mm are typical here.

Installation Notes for System 32

Professional fitting requires precision. For installation, you will need a cordless drill/driver, a tape measure, a pencil, and a bradawl.

Measure and mark: Determine the internal height clearance for the runner position. Mark a horizontal line along the inside wall of the carcass.
Check hole spacing: The distance from the front carcass edge to the centre of the first screw hole must be exactly 37 mm.
Fixing to the carcass: Align the carcass runner with your marked line. Use the slotted holes for fine vertical and horizontal adjustments. Secure the runner into the pre-drilled 5 mm holes using Euro screws. If no holes are pre-drilled, use 3.5 x 16 mm chipboard screws.
Mounting to the drawer: On ball-bearing runners, detach the inner drawer profile using the release lever. Screw this profile flush against the exterior of the drawer box.
Insertion: Insert the drawer straight into the carcass runners and push it forward with gentle pressure until the locking mechanism clicks audibly into place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I replace an old drawer runner with a different brand? Yes. As long as key parameters such as the installation width (e.g. 12.7 mm for ball-bearing runners), nominal length, and hole pattern (System 32) match, drawer runner systems can be interchanged across different manufacturers.

What does System 32 mean in furniture construction? System 32 is an international standard for furniture fittings. It dictates that vertical rows of holes in cabinet carcasses are spaced exactly 32 mm apart. The hole diameter is typically 5 mm, and the distance from the front edge is 37 mm.

Can I easily swap a partial-extension runner for a full-extension runner? Technically, this is straightforward with side-mounted ball-bearing runners, provided the existing side clearance between the drawer box and carcass wall remains 12.7 mm per side. With undermount runners, you must ensure the front locking clips and rear cut-outs are identical.

How do I measure the required drawer runner length? Measure the runner in its fully closed, collapsed state. This dimension in millimetres (e.g. 400 mm, 450 mm, 500 mm) is the nominal length used when ordering replacement hardware.

Why is my push-to-open drawer no longer closing properly? Handleless systems require an activation gap (front clearance) of approximately 2 mm to 3 mm between the drawer front and the carcass front edge. If the front panel is adjusted too tightly, the spring mechanism cannot trigger or lock. Check and adjust the depth setting on the fitting.