How to Install Blum Tandem Drawer Slides

Installing high-quality drawer slides is crucial for achieving smooth, professional-grade drawer operation in your cabinetry. The Blum Tandem plus Blumotion series offers premium soft-close functionality and precise adjustability. Here’s your step-by-step guide to installing these innovative drawer slides. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the installation process step-by-step for both 563F and 563H series.

What You’ll Need

• Blum Tandem plus BLUMOTION runners (563F or 563H series)
• Locking devices (T51.1901 with side-to-side adjustment or T51.1801 without)
• #6 wood screws (606N or 606P)
• Drill with 6mm and 2.5mm bits
• TANDEM template T65.1600.01 (highly recommended)
• Measuring tape and pencil

Step 1: Select the Correct Size

Choose the appropriate runner length based on your drawer length:

• 21″ drawer requires 563F5330B or 563H5330B
• 18″ drawer requires 563F4570B or 563H4570B
• 15″ drawer requires 563F3810B or 563H3810B
• 12″ drawer requires 563F3050B or 563H3050B
• 9″ drawer requires 563F2290B10 or 563H2290B10

Step 2: Prepare Your Drawer Box

For 563F series:

• Inside drawer width must equal opening width minus 49mm (1-15/16″)
• Maximum drawer side thickness: 19mm (3/4″)

For 563H/563 series:

• Inside drawer width must equal opening width minus 42mm (1-21/32″)
• Maximum drawer side thickness: 16mm (5/8″)

For both series:

• Allow 14mm (9/16″) bottom clearance
• Ensure at least 6mm (1/4″) top clearance
• Create a 13mm (1/2″) bottom recess
• Maximum drawer height = opening height minus 20mm (25/32″)

Step 3: Prepare the Drawer Back

1. Use the TANDEM template T65.1600.01 for accurate hole placement
2. Pre-bore 6mm holes for locking devices, positioned 11mm (7/16″) from bottom edge
3. Pre-bore 2.5mm holes for rear hooks
4. Create a minimum 35mm (1-3/8″) rear notch with 13mm (1/2″) height

Step 4: Mount the Runners

For frameless cabinets:

1. Position the runner 37mm (1-15/32″) up from the bottom of the opening
2. Set the runner back 3mm (1/8″) from the cabinet face
3. Mount initially using the elongated holes for depth adjustment

For face frame cabinets:

1. Position the runner 10mm (13/32″) up from the bottom of the opening
2. Install appropriate rear mounting brackets (295.3750.02 for standard sizes or 295.3700.2x for 9″ drawer)
3. Use at least three screws for mounting brackets

Step 5: Install Locking Devices

1. Mount locking devices with #6 wood screws (606N or 606P)
2. Ensure proper orientation (right/left sides)
3. For side-to-side adjustment capability, use T51.1901 devices
4. For inset applications, consider using T51.1901.PS depth-adjustable locking devices

Step 6: Insert and Adjust Drawer

1. Extend runners fully
2. Place drawer on runners and close (locking devices will automatically engage)
3. Make adjustments as needed:

For side-to-side adjustment (T51.1901 only):

• Rotate adjustment on both locking devices equally (max 1.5mm/1/16″ each way)
• Adjust rear side-to-side to align drawer box back with front

For height adjustment:

• Press up on adjustment tab and push toward back of drawer
• Maximum 3mm (1/8″) rise of drawer front

For tilt adjustment:

• Rotate tilt adjustment lever on rear of each runner
• Maximum 5mm (3/16″) rise of drawer back

For depth adjustment:

• Loosen screws in elongated holes and adjust ±4.5mm (3/16″)
• For T51.1901.PS devices, turn adjustment screw for up to +2.5mm (3/32″) outward

Drawer Removal

1. Squeeze orange handles on locking devices
2. Pull drawer straight out and up

Pro Tips

• For inset applications, use the setback tables to calculate proper runner positioning
• Bottom mounting options are available for additional stability
• Always pre-bore holes to prevent splitting
• Use all recommended mounting points (marked with orange dots in manual)
• Verify drawer front alignment before final installation of all screws

Final Thoughts

Blum Tandem plus BLUMOTION slides offer premium drawer performance with full extension, concealed mounting, and soft-close action. While installation requires precision, the multi-directional adjustment capabilities make fine-tuning easy. Take your time with measurements and adjustments to achieve professional results that will enhance your cabinetry for years to come.

Remember that proper installation now will prevent issues later, and the features of these premium drawer slides—including the soft-close BLUMOTION technology—will provide a superior user experience.