Hold In/Out vs. Lock-In/Out: Which is the ideal solution for your needs?

Accuride offers a wide range of slides with Hold-In and Hold-Out or Lock-In and Lock-Out systems, aimed at increasing the safety of applications as well as their accessibility and security. These are the most popular slides, used in a vast array of environments and industries. But what are the differences between these systems? And which linear guide is ideal for your next project?

What is the difference between Hold-In/Out and Lock-In/Out systems?

Slides with the Hold-In and Hold-Out system use a rubber component at the back of the mechanism to keep the slide in place when not open, requiring a certain force to open the drawer, shelf, or door. When these slides are open, they maintain their position through a retaining element that helps ensure they do not close when in use.

In contrast, slides with the Lock-In and Lock-Out system lock the slide in position, requiring a specific action to be opened or closed. Slides with this system feature a small lever or spring that must be pushed for the slide to open. This means that simply pulling or pushing the drawer will not cause it to move, making it extremely secure for many applications.

In what situations is it ideal to use slides with Hold-In and Hold-Out systems?

Slides with the Hold-In and Hold-Out system are ideal for enhancing convenience and accessibility in domestic and commercial applications that experience frequent daily use.

In environments where stability is crucial, such as the medical industry, Hold-In and Hold-Out slides help improve productivity and precision. These Accuride solutions have previously been used in medical research workstations, where trays need to be moved in and out of the vacuum chamber while remaining completely stable during operation.

This system is also ideal for applications with bidirectional movement, helping to ensure that they move only in the intended direction of travel, as well as for heavy-duty applications that require additional support to increase productivity and efficiency.

In what situations is it ideal to use slides with Lock-In and Lock-Out systems?

Slides with Lock-In and Lock-Out systems help enhance functionality and overall safety in critical applications across various sectors. These slides are commonly used in vehicles, where the risk of opening and closing when not in use—and the danger that comes with it—is higher. From emergency vehicles and warships to caravans and storage compartments, these slides are employed to increase the safety of various transportation applications.

This type of system is also ideal for applications that may require extensive or regular maintenance work. In environments where downtime can cost valuable time and money, being able to access the interior of a machine easily and safely using a Lock-In and Lock-Out slide helps minimise any disruptions.