Hey folks, I’m working on a DIY project to automate a hidden compartment in my kitchen cabinetry — basically a small drawer that slides open when I push a button. I don’t need a powerful actuator, just something compact, quiet, and reliable enough to handle light loads. I’ve been scrolling through options online, but I’m getting overwhelmed. Anyone here tackled something similar? Would love to hear what actuators you ended up using.
top of page
The LASR Forum
Welcome to the LASR User Forum. Here you find valuable information, whether you are new to LASRm dryfire or an experienced pro.
You can sign up (it's free) to share your posts, ask or answer questions, or just say hello!
New to the LASR Forum? Check out our Forum Guide to get started.
bottom of page
Yep, been there! I did something pretty similar for a motorized spice rack inside a wall cabinet. You’d be surprised how often I use it now. I ended up going with a micro linear actuator that had around a 15 lb force and a short stroke of 2 inches — perfect for compact spaces like cabinetry and drawers. One thing I realized early is that stroke length matters a lot more than you think. Too long, and it won’t fit. Too short, and it doesn’t open fully.
I got mine from this site electric actuator: electric actuator They’ve got a really solid variety of compact actuators, and their product pages usually include the dimensions and wiring info, which helped a lot when planning. Their PA-07 and PA-14 mini models are a great place to start for home automation stuff like hidden drawers, pop-up outlets, or even small TV lifts.