Easy-Close vs Self-Close: Which is the ideal solution for your needs?

Accuride offers a wide range of linear guiding solutions including self close and easy close (or as it is often called soft close) linear slides solutions. These two types of systems are ideal for applications where drawers must be closed properly and remain closed until they are purposely opened. But what are the differences between these two types of linear slides systems? And which one is right for your application?

What is the difference between linear slides with Easy-Close and Self-Close systems?

Some of Accuride's linear slides with easy-close and self-close systems share several common features, such as full extension, front disassembly, retention features, and high load capacity. However, there is a main difference between the slides of the easy-close and self-close systems. A self-close slide uses a spring mechanism to close a drawer, closing it quickly when the spring is activated. In contrast, easy-close slides have a damping mechanism in addition to a spring, closing the drawer smoothly and quietly.

What are the benefits of linear slides with an easy-close (soft-close) system?

The most well-known benefit of linear slides with an easy-close (soft-close) system is their ability to close slowly and smoothly, as implied by their name. This not only makes them more pleasant for sound-sensitive environments, such as hospitals, but also safer for home applications that may be used by children, such as kitchen drawers.

Easy-close slides are also ideal for applications involving delicate items, such as archive drawers. By using an easy-close slide, easily damaged items are less likely to be bumped and broken when a drawer is opened or closed, even if a reasonable amount of force is applied.

What are the benefits of linear slides with a self-close system?

As the initial predecessor of easy-close slides, there are still many benefits to using a self-close slide in a variety of applications.

The mechanism used to close self-close slides can be somewhat smaller than the damping mechanism found in easy-close slides, allowing it to be used in shorter slides. This makes self-close slides ideal for applications with shorter strokes, such as medical drawers or innovative sanitizer boxes.

Additionally, while the air inside the damping mechanism of easy-close slides makes them sensitive to temperature, self-close slides are resistant to extreme temperatures, both high and low, which means they are perfect for a wide range of applications in the commercial and medical sectors.

If you’re looking for a slide that ensures your drawers are fully closed in an application that doesn’t require a quiet or smooth closing, such as trash bins, a self-close slide is an excellent and more cost-effective alternative to soft-close, while still providing durability and reliability. Accuride's self-close slides are also suitable for use with optional snap-on brackets, offering different mounting options and making them even more versatile for your specifications.