The difference - telescopic slides & linear guides

Discover the differences between telescopic slides and linear guides in our detailed guide. Find out what features characterize each technology and what advantages they offer for your applications.

Telescopic slides can be found all over the world. You can find them in industry as well as in your own home. There are drawers in pretty much every home. This is exactly where you will find telescopic runners. But as you’ve probably already noticed, not every drawer is the same. There are different types of drawers. There are drawers on the market with partial, full and over-extension runners. In the following article, we explain what they are, what the differences are and which type is right for you.

Difference between telescopic rail and linear guide

The telescopic runner is a system that allows the moving part of the drawer to be extended telescopically along the length of the runner. There are certain types of pull-outs. The moving part can be extended not only up to the actual length of the runner, but also beyond in the case of telescopic runners with over-extension.

With linear guides, the moving element, the so-called carriage, moves within a fixed and bolted rail element. If you want to install a telescopic runner, you first have to decide how far the drawer should be able to be pulled out.

How far should the rail be extendable?

The decision as to how far a drawer should be able to be pulled out is always an individual one. However, the decisive factor is always how accessible the drawer or the element to be pulled out should be in the end.

What is the difference between partial, full and over-extension?

Overextract

With an over-extension, more than 100 % can be pulled out. Sometimes even a full-extension runner is not enough. This is the case if there is an element above the pull-out itself that blocks or hinders access.

Or if the drawer itself is constructed in such a way that it protrudes. In these cases, the entire contents of the drawer cannot be reached even with a full-extension runner. Telescopic runners with covers are then used. These can be pulled out over the actual telescopic runner.

Part-extract

With a partial pull-out, up to 75% of the drawer can be pulled out. One third of the drawer remains in the cabinet. This type of system is suitable if you do not want or need to access the entire pull-out element.

It is also useful if you do not have enough space to pull out the drawer.

Full-extract

The name of a full-extension drawer gives it away. The drawer can be pulled out 100%, i.e. completely. The entire contents of the drawer can be exposed and are easily accessible.

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Areas of application for telescopic slides:

Telescopic slides are used in various areas:

Application areas of the linear guide:

Linear guideways are used for:

What advantages do pull-outs offer?

Another advantage of pull-outs, whether full-extension, partial-extension or over-extension, is that the drawers and their contents are easy to clean. You can easily wipe them out without having to contort yourself. You can also get into every nook and cranny. Even the dirt that has accumulated over months can be removed quickly and thoroughly.

There are many manufacturers on the market who offer full-extension runners with self-closing and soft-closing mechanisms. The advantage of this is that the drawer closes gently and silently when you touch it lightly. This also prevents the risk of injury, as there is no risk of trapping fingers. This can be particularly important when small children are around. In addition, pull-outs with electronic support are now also available.

Utilize every nook and cranny with pull-outs

Telescopic runners are indispensable in everyday life. They are often used in the kitchen, as many things need to be stored there. From cutlery and crockery to electrical appliances. These items are usually used every day. They therefore need to be easy to reach and you need enough space to store them. Drawers with pull-outs have the advantage that every nook and cranny can be used optimally.

Fazit

A distinction must be made between telescopic rails and linear guides. A distinction must be made depending on what is to be built and what task is to be performed. Which is more suitable always depends on the area of application. If the aim is to gain access to something, telescopic slides are suitable. If it is a question of the movement sequence and precise movement, linear guides are ideal. Both are available in specialty stores and online, so you can build your own drawer according to your wishes.