DIY Stuck Drawer

The runners underneath your drawer are often the culprit if it sticks.

A stuck drawer is frustrating, especially when it keeps sticking and refuses to open. No matter how much you pull or tug on it, the drawer stubbornly stays in place. Whether you are dealing with a dresser or cabinet drawer, you need do-it-yourself remedies. The solution may be as simple as fixing the runner underneath the drawer, but it may involve a little more work to free it up.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Paraffin wax
• Thumbtacks (2)

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Instructions

1. Grab the handle of the drawer and lift up slightly, pulling the drawer up from the runner. Slide the end of a putty knife under the drawer and feel around for the runner. Push on the edge of the drawer with the blade until you pop the drawer back onto the runner.

2. Pull the drawer out and examine the runner. If the runners are made of wood, look for swollen or shiny areas in the wood. Sand down the areas with fine-grit sandpaper. Slide the drawer back in place and test it. Sand the runners more if the drawer still sticks.

3. Rub a thin layer of paraffin wax on the runners if they're made of metal then slide the drawer back in place. The wax lubricates the runners and keeps the drawer from sticking.

4. Check the gliders underneath the drawers, looking for any damage or signs of wear. If you see any damage, pull the drawer out. Press thumbtacks into the wood, one on each side of the drawer. Press the thumbtacks down until they sit flush with the wood then push the drawer back inside. The thumbtacks keep the drawer from rubbing against the bottom.

5. Turn the dresser or cabinet around to access the back of the drawer if it won't open at all. Hit the back of the drawer firmly with your hand while pulling the handle from the front. Sometimes exerting pressure forces the drawer open, allowing you to repair the interior problem.

Tips & Warnings

• If the drawers stick because of excessive humidity, causing swelling in the wood, wait for a cool and relatively humidity-free day before performing any repairs.

References

• Accurate Building: How To Loosen Stuck Wooden Drawer (PDF)
• Home Tips: How to Repair Cabinet Drawers
• The Basics of Anything: How to Fix Stuck Drawers