Fixing a stuck drawer can be easier than you think.
I think just about everyone has encountered a drawer that sticks at some point in their lifetime. As a professional home inspector with a leading home inspection company in Buffalo and all of Western New York, I have certainly seen my fair share.
Well it doesn’t have to be that way! With a few common tools and a few minutes time, the fix might be easier than you expect.
Here’s what you will need to get started:
- A stuck drawer
- Pliers
- Drill
- Block plane
Optional tools…
- A couple of small screws
- New glides
- A bar of soap or a candle
- Glue
- A clamp
- Maybe a new handle.
Step 1
Remove the drawer
Step 2
Look at the glides, if they are bent or misshapen use the pliers to straighten them.
Step 3
Check to see if the glides are straight and parallel, if necessary remove and reinstall using small screws and taking care to ensure they are straight and even. You may also want to use new glides if warranted. Spray some lubricant or apply a couple drops of household 3 in 1 oil on the rollers.
Step 4
If the drawer doesn’t use metal glides on the side of the drawer box, but slides on a wood track on the bottom, use a bar of soap or wax candle to lubricate the track at the bottom of the drawer and the guide.
Step 5
If rubbing persists, try using the block plane or sandpaper to remove a small amount of the drawer box sides, at the top edge.
Step 6
If the drawer box is broken or separating at the joints, remove the old glue. Apply new glue and clamp in place until the glue sets and dries.
Step 7
Check the handle and replace if necessary
It’s really that simple and in most cases these few steps will solve the sticking drawer problem for years to come.
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Lawrence Watkins is a NYS Licensed Home Inspector and the President of Specsure Property Inspections. As a leading full service residential home inspection and commercial property inspection company proudly serving Buffalo, Clarence, Lewiston, Orchard Park and all of Western New York (WNY) for over 20 years, we are pleased to provide timely and simple DIY tips and hints for today’s homeowner.
For more information you can reach us at 716-881-1914 or via email at info@specsure.com