Full Extension Drawer Runners Compatible with Pelipal Kitchens

January 5, 2026

A full extension runner allows the drawer to be pulled 100% out of the cabinet carcass, whereas a partial extension runner stops at around 75% due to its design.

When the guide rails on an existing base cabinet get stuck, become worn out, or require a technical upgrade, replacement is due. Anyone searching for replacement fittings suitable for Pelipal kitchens or bathroom furniture does not need to restrict themselves to original manufacturer parts. Replacing a guide rail is like changing a tyre on a car – as long as the hole pattern and dimensions match precisely, the replacement hardware can be installed independently of the brand. Compatibility depends entirely on strict technical parameters: nominal length, installation width, load capacity, and the drilling pattern.

Technical Criteria for Compatible Replacement Parts

To identify the correct alternative to Pelipal runners, the existing rails must be measured precisely. The furniture industry largely follows standardised norms, which significantly simplifies replacement for fitters and joiners.

Nominal Length and Installation Width

The nominal length describes the length of the fully closed drawer runner. Standard dimensions in furniture construction range between 250 mm - 600 mm. The new runner must not exceed the internal carcass depth minus the back panel.

Equally crucial is the installation width, which is the remaining clearance gap between the outer drawer side and the inner carcass wall. For a standard ball bearing runner, this dimension is typically exactly 12.7 mm (half an inch) or 13 mm. If the gap is narrower or wider, the drawer will jam or the runners will pull out of the timber under load.

The System 32

Most industrially manufactured cabinets are based on the System 32 standard. This means that pre-drilled rows of holes in the side panels feature a vertical pitch of exactly 32 mm. The distance from the front edge of the carcass to the first row of holes is typically 37 mm. When fitting replacement rails for Pelipal, the mounting profiles of our hardware fit precisely into this grid. Fastening is ideally done using special Euro screws, which fit into the 5 mm drill holes of the hole pattern, or alternatively using standard chipboard screws (with PZ or TX drive) for custom drill holes.

Load Capacity

Dynamic load capacity is specified in kilograms. For lightweight drawers, runners with a load rating of 15 kg to 25 kg are sufficient. For wide pan drawers, heavy-duty runners rated at 30 kg to 45 kg should be selected to prevent profile sagging when fully extended.

Suitable Runner Systems for Base Cabinets

Different types of drawer runners are used depending on the drawer construction. It is advisable to choose the same runner type when replacing hardware, as drawer bases and sides are tailored to specific mechanisms.

Those wishing to completely renew their kitchen cabinet pull-outs will find suitable technical solutions for every carcass width. The design depends on the external cabinet dimensions. A kitchen cabinet pull-out 60 cm requires appropriately rigid runners to absorb leverage when fully loaded. For narrower modules, such as a kitchen cabinet pull-out 50 cm or a compact kitchen cabinet pull-out 40 cm, the same technical fitting principles apply, though nominal length and load capacity can be scaled down.

Ball Bearing Runners vs. Undermount Runners

A ball bearing runner is screwed to the side of the drawer. It remains visible when the drawer is open, but it is known for being extremely robust and low-maintenance. The telescopic profiles glide smoothly on small steel ball bearings.

An undermount runner, on the other hand, is fitted invisibly beneath the drawer base. The drawer sits directly on the runners and is usually secured via front locking clips. This system is widely used in modern furniture, offering a very clean aesthetic.

Damping and Opening Mechanisms

Upgrading your runners can significantly enhance furniture convenience. However, note that the two most common convenience mechanisms work in opposite ways and cannot be combined within a single runner:

Soft-Close: An integrated hydraulic damper absorbs the momentum of the closing drawer, pulling it gently and silently shut over the final few centimetres.
Push-to-Open: A spring-loaded mechanism designed for handleless fronts. Applying light pressure to the front releases the drawer, pushing it open slightly.

Installation: Replacing and Upgrading Runners

Replacing drawer guide rails can be carried out accurately with the correct procedure.

Tools Required:

Cordless screwdriver
Tape measure or folding rule
Spirit level
Cross-head screwdriver (for fine adjustment)
Chipboard screws (Ø 3.5 mm or 4 mm) or Euro screws

Step 1: Removal and Preparation Remove the drawer completely. With ball bearing runners, you usually need to press a small plastic release lever on the runner to disconnect the drawer from the carcass profile. Unscrew the old rails from both the cabinet carcass and the drawer.

Step 2: Fitting the Carcass Profile Utilise the existing System 32 holes, provided they are not stripped. Align the carcass profile perfectly level. The distance to the carcass front edge is usually 37 mm for overlay fronts. Ensure that the left and right runners are secured at the exact same height in the hole grid.

Step 3: Attaching the Drawer Profile Screw the corresponding runner profile to the side (or underneath for undermount systems) of the drawer. The profiles must align flush with the front.

Step 4: Inserting and Adjusting Guide the drawer straight into the carcass until the runners audibly engage. Check the alignment of the gaps. Many modern runners feature eccentric cams for height and tilt adjustment, allowing the front reveal gap to be set precisely to 1.5 mm to 2 mm relative to adjacent doors.

Practical Upgrades for Base Cabinets

When drawers are already removed and new runners are being fitted, it is the perfect time to upgrade the internal fittings of the cabinet carcass as well.

A tailored kitchen drawer organiser ensures structured storage for cutlery and utensils. In the area under the sink or in wider base cabinets, waste management can be significantly improved. A kitchen waste separation bin mounted on full extension runners allows direct access to all containers. Complete systems, such as a pull-out kitchen bin, are bolted firmly to the cabinet floor or side panels to maximise the internal carcass depth. Completing the mechanical upgrade involves inspecting the front fixings. If the handles are worn, they can easily be replaced with new kitchen furniture handles – simply ensure the hole-centre spacing matches (e.g. 96 mm or 128 mm).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Compatibility

Can I easily replace a partial extension runner with a full extension runner? Yes, this is generally straightforward, provided the installation width (e.g. 13 mm for ball bearing runners) and nominal length are identical. You only need to fully dismantle the old runners and screw the new profiles into the matching height grid.

Are these runners compatible with Pelipal furniture? Our runners serve as an excellent alternative to Pelipal drawer slides. Because manufacturers construct carcasses according to standard 32 mm hole spacings, our fittings fit accurately, provided you select the appropriate nominal length and load capacity matching your old rails.

Why does my newly fitted soft-close drawer not shut completely? If the damping mechanism blocks over the final few centimetres, the runner is often fitted under slight tension or out of alignment. Loosen the screws on the carcass profile slightly, align the runner horizontally using a spirit level, and re-tighten the screws. Loading the drawer beyond its rated load capacity in kilograms can also prevent the hydraulic damper from closing smoothly.