Jim Caudill
Member
I recently acquired an older Snap-On box set (KRA2055 & KRA2007) in the Lime Green color. As I was cleaning the box up, I noticed that little pieces of black rubber/plastic were everywhere. I also noticed that as I moved the box around, the top chest drawers would walk right out. Online investigation revealed that those pieces of rubber/plastic were originally on each of the ball-bearing slides. Further research right here on the Garage Journal revealed that some participants had been able to get these from their tool man after displaying proof that they were the original purchaser of the box. Others were willing to buy them, but found them somewhat expensive (from Snap-On? Who'd a thunk it?). Later postings said the pieces were no longer available and new slides would have to be purchased. Now the game was afoot. I knew Snap-On did not make their own slides, so who did make them. Many posters said to contact Accuride, but I couldn't find my exact slide by looking on their website. I believe I have the 120 pound ball-bearing slides, but I couldn't seem to find the slides with the method of attachment that Snap-On uses. Accuride did provide me with some enlightenment on what the different components of slides are called, and from that, I determined that I needed "detents -close". A little help from Google and selection of the "images" tab allowed me to search for a match. Kennedy Manufacturing uses the same detents on some of their slides. They also sell them, in packs of 4, for $5.48! I placed an order for 7 packs (I ordered a spare pack) and eagerly awaited their arrival. When they arrived, they were gray (as opposed to black) and seemed rather firm, or hard. I installed the first detent by placing it on the tab and then used a rubber-tipped hammer to set it home. I then decided to use the wife's 4 cup Pyrex measuring thingy to microwave some water until I didn't want to stick my finger in there. I placed the remaining detents in the hot water and carried the mess out to the garage. I used medical forceps to fish them out one at a time and easily pushed them on the tabs with no concern about breaking them. They work perfectly, but they are a little firm right now. I might spray a little silicone on them later, what do you think? Shipping was reasonable at $8.39, so for less than $50 I got the drawer slide detents replaced. The URL for the Kennedy parts is: https://buykennedy.com/product/detents/ I hope this information will prove beneficial and save some folks a bit of time and frustration.
