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Austin Hardware’s Front Drawer Release Systems

Our front drawer release systems include the original, patented Front Drawer Release (FDR), Drawer Release Pro (DRP), and Drawer Release Lite (DRL). They can all be used in conjunction with the Austin Hardware lock-in, lock-out 7650 series drawer slides.  

Image of front drawer release on drawers on a work truck

Why Front Drawer Release

Key features of the original, patented Front Drawer Release (FDR) system include:

  • Allows One-Handed Operation – The drawer can be unlatched and opened from the "latched closed" position; likewise, it can be unlatched and closed from the "latched open" position. A 300# rated drawer can be pulled open with a single finger.
  • Intuitive to Use - The design, location, and function make operation easy.
  • Leverage - The FDR, DRP, and DRL operate to increase the leverage applied to the triggers, making unlatching easy and minimizing the potential binding of the latch triggers.
  • Flexible – They work with lock-in, lock-out slides on both sides (for wide drawers) or with a single lock-in, lock-out slide on only one side, and a standard slide on the other.

Drawer Release Pro (DRP)

Designed to give the user a convenient one-handed operation similar to our Front Drawer Release (FDR) system. One kit, and you’re all set. This is the cost-effective, functional drawer release option you’ve been looking for.  

  • Quick Installation
  • Bolt-On
  • Zinc Plated Steel Fasteners
  • Extruded Aluminum Handle
  • One-Handed Actuation
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Drawer Release Lite (DRL)

This is the cost-effective, functional drawer release option that gives you everything you need in one kit for applications where two-handed operation is acceptable.

  • Bolt-On
  • 1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hex Head Cap Screw
  • 1/4-20 Standard Zinc Plated Steel Nyloc Nut
  • Extruded Aluminum Handle
  • Only available up to 36"
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Diagram showing the internal components of how the front drawer release works

How Front Drawer Release Works

The aluminum handle has steel pins that extend outward on each side into the covered area of the end caps. These pins are located just above the yellow trigger of the drawer slides.

When the handle is pulled outward, the pins rotate downward, simultaneously depressing the yellow triggers, which unlock the slides. The drawer opens in continuous motion.

To close the drawer from the locked-out position, pulling out on the handle depresses the triggers, unlocking the slides and allowing the user to push the drawer closed to lock it in.

Applications and Uses:

  • Fire and Rescue Vehicles
  • Drawer Packs
  • Tool Boxes
  • Display Cases
  • Medical Carts
Drawing of the front drawer release locking option

Front Drawer Release Locking Option

The optional cam lock offers the following additional features and benefits to the FDR:

  • Locks by preventing the handle from being pulled outward, which prevents the locking tabs from being compressed.
  • Secondary trigger cradles the trigger to the handle so that the trigger can't be pressed down independently.
  • Locking system can be added to any FDR style (L or T)
  • Can be done in low volume quantities (as low as ONE piece)
  • Standard key codes available are 1250, CH510, and CH545
  • key cylinder can be changed out while installed into FDR
  • Installs to the drawer face the same way as standard non-locking FDRs

Front Drawer Release Accessories

image of FDR hook on front drawer release

FDR Hooks

Used for "Lock-In Only" applications, the hooks allow the FDR to slam closed and then hold it closed. This arrangement can allow the use of standard non­locking drawer slides.

(Note: This requires a different FDR length calculation than the standard shown above).

 

Close up of strut but assembly

Strut Nut Assembly

Drawer slides mount to the Strut Nut Assembly, which slides into the strut channel. A screw at the bottom allows easy adjustment and clamping of the strut nut assembly at any position in the channel.

Contact our sales team for technical assistance with any application development needs.

 

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How to Install The Front Drawer release systems

Step 1

The centerline of the 7650 slides must be mounted 1.50” above the bottom of the drawer. This ensures that the trigger is properly located when the FDR is mounted.

side image of drawer slide

Step 2

The fasteners will be located on the thick ribs on the back surface of the extrusion. The lower rib is 1.25” above the bottom of the drawer, and the upper rib is .95” above the lower rib.

Drawing of cross section of drawer slide release system

Step 3

Pre-punching holes (or horizontal slots) in the front wall of the drawer is not required, but doing so will make installation easier and faster. Typically, drawers 30” wide or less only need four (4) fasteners. Wider drawers may require more fasteners in the middle (determined at the discretion of the installer).

Drawing of drawer slide release system

Step 4

Austin Hardware supplies a wide variety of fasteners that will work to secure the FDR to your drawer:

  • TEK Screws: A #8 or #10 x 5/8 self-drilling screws eliminate the need to pre-drill holes in the FDR ribs prior to mounting.
  • Pop Rivets: A 3/16” aluminum rivet is ideal in pre-drilled holes.
  • Machine Screws: #10 or 1/4” screws can be used if the drawer has clearance holes and the FDR ribs holes are drilled and tapped.

Step 5

1. Slide the pins of the FDR over the top of the triggers on the drawer slides.

2. As the FDR contacts the drawer face, locate the lower lip of the FDR against the bottom front corner of the drawer

3. Press/hold the back of the extrusion against the front of the drawer and secure the FDR to the drawer with your fastener of choice.

Drawing of drawer slide release system

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