How to Repair a Desk Drawer

Don't buy a new desk because of a broken drawer. Repair it instead.

Instead of replacing a desk drawer, repair it. This ensures the desk drawer matches any existing drawers and the desk. If the bottom fell out of your desk drawer, don't fret. Repairing a desk drawer saves you money and prevents you from purchasing another drawer. You do not need any special skills or tools to repair a desk drawer.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• Hammer
• Drawer bottom
• Finishing nails
• Putty knife
• Wood glue
• Tape measure
• Clamps
• Screw

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Instructions

Replace Drawer Bottom

1. Pry back the edge from your desk drawer with your pry bar. Pull out the nails with your hammer and remove the old desk drawer bottom. Measure the length and width of the drawer bottom with your tape measure.

2. Purchase a new desk drawer bottom at a home improvement center. Bring your measurements with you so you buy the exact size you need. A home improvement center can cut the bottom to your specific measurements.

3. Slide your new desk drawer bottom in place and nail the new bottom onto the desk drawer with your hammer and finishing nails. Reinsert the repaired desk drawer in your desk.

Repair Joints

1. Disassemble your desk drawer carefully by knocking it apart with your hammer. Remove old glue on the drawer with a putty knife. Glue the drawer back together with wood glue and reassemble the drawer. Measure the drawer from side to side and front to back with your tape measure to verify it is even.

2. Clamp the drawer in place with clamps and allow the wood glue to dry approximately 1 hour. Check the desk drawer during the drying process to verify the joints remain even.

3. Replace the desk drawer when the glue dries.

Loose Knob

1. Tighten the desk drawer's loose handle or knob by turning the screw---located on the back of the handle, inside the drawer---with your screwdriver.

2. Replace the screw if you cannot tighten the handle or knob. The screw may be stripped. Select a new screw, one size larger than the original. Place the screw in its designated spot and turn until the handle or knob tightens.

3. Replace the desk drawer and test the handle or knob by pulling the drawer out.

References

• Reader's Digest: 1001 Do-It-Yourself Hints and Tips: Repairing a Desk Drawer