DIY Keyboard drawer installation

Completion Date: May 24, 2020

Work from home has given me chance to use my DIY table (35cm*50cm) ever more than before.  I feel great, but I realize the fact that I don’t have enough space if I want to work on my iPad at the same time.  I bought this mini drawer tracks so I can create this space.

Material: 

- 10 inch (25cm) keyboard drawer tracks, 1 pair (Taobao, RMB12.5)

- 24*36cm wooden board (left over I have at home)

Steps:

1.  Stretch the keyboard tracks to full extent.  Fit the wooden board to the end of the track and mark the holes with pencil.

2. This is 2.5mm drill bit.  Drill pilot holes to the marked holes.  Do the same for the other side.

3. Take my table top out and flip upside down.  Fit the keyboard drawer and trace the outline and mark the holes with pencil.  Re-verify the keyboard outer edge aligns in parallel with the table top’s outer edge.

4. Drill the holes and screws in to fix the keyboard drawer.  The screws should be installed to keep the tracks from expanding outwards.  

5. Put back the table and it’s done.

Remark: My choice of 10-inch track is perfect. Given that my table already has other installations underneath I could only install the tracks in the middle of the table, causing the table not able to pull out fully at 24cm.  However, this is still good for my situation, because behind my drawer is my electric piano.  My electric piano would push the drawer out a little, so that the drawer edge aligns with the table top.

I am glad this worked out.  I was a bit skeptical if the tracks could install easily, and now end up I didn’t have to change any existing installations.  Phew!  I could prefer 38cm length, but the board I have is only 36 cm.