How to Fix a Sticking Kitchen Drawer

Written By: Kevin Jervis
  • Comments: 6
How to Fix a Sticking Kitchen Drawer

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

9

Time Required

10 - 20 minutes

Introduction

Learn to repair that avoided sticky or stuck kitchen cabinet drawer.

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    • Empty the drawer so nothing gets lost or in the way.

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    • Remove the drawer. Pull straight out until it locks, then lift up at 30 degrees to disconnect the wheel track from the drawer.

    • This particular drawer has a press-down latch that releases the drawer.

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    • Remove the slide tracks from the cabinet by unscrewing all screws and then detatching.

    • Keep all of the screws together.

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    • Now that the slides are removed, diagnose whether they are broken or just need lubrication. If they are broken, replace with a new set.

    • If buying a new slide/wheel, make sure it is the same dimensions.

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    • Make sure the track is straight by measuring the height of the screw holes. If the front and back screw holes are more than a half inch apart, see guide for drilling new holes.

    • This only works if the height of the drawer doesn't change.

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    • Make sure the height of the wheel tracks matches up with the height of the guide tracks by measuring down from a shared point between the drawer and cabinet.

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    • Lubricate the tracks/wheel by spraying directly with lubricant.

    • Recommended: WD-40.

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    • Re-attach the wheel tracks with a screwdriver and screws.

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    • Insert drawer in the same way it was taken out and then test to make sure it works.

    • The drawer should now slide along the rollers without any problems. If this is the case, you're all done!

Author

Kevin Jervis

Member since: 24/02/15

311 Reputation

6 comments

What about wooden drawers, ie without metal runners, as used for millions of years (approx.)!

The kind littered all over my home, being an old man as I am. Or don`t you know (he he!)

Andrew MacArthur -

For wooden drawers without metal runners, I would rub the sliding parts with some soap. The glycerin with help with the friction. Good luck!

Bill -

I don't think that WD40 is a good idea for long term lubrication. It surely cleans the tracks and the rollers but it evaporates quickly. I would suggest cleaning rollers with WD40, then wipe out any WD40 remains with a kitchen paper towel and finally spray some white grease or general light oil lubricant such as the one for sowing machines.

Bill -

A tip from a cabinet maker is to lubricate wooden drawer runners with an ordinary candle. The wax will remain slippery for years!

trevorjdowling -

For wooden drawers the best way to fix is to rub the sliding parts with candlewax or parrafine. Your drawers will slide like if you were on ice.

Pieter van Ham -

Thanks for great guide! Fixing a Sticking Kitchen Drawer can be a Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes. Therefore, We should choose high quality, innovative fixings to create long lasting functional kitchen drawers. From ball bearing and soft close drawer runners to aesthetically pleasing drawer handles, I recommend the essential drawer fixings at SCF Hardware for the professional drawer manufacturer.

alice Gray -