How to Remove a Dado Rail Which Is Fixed With No More Nails

A sharp chisel is essential when cleaning a dado.

Dado rails were a popular mechanism for drawer runners in cabinets and dressers before the advent of roller and slide mechanisms made the effort of fitting, nailing and gluing rails less cost-effective than their factory-made alternatives. One disadvantage to fitting a rail support into a dado slot is the necessity of removing a worn rail for replacement. The traditional method of attaching the rail is to glue and nail it in place. In older furniture, wood dries and shrinks as it ages, making nail removal a simple task. The presence of glue or a tight joint complicates the job.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp chisel
• Mallet

Instructions

1. Choose a chisel with a blade width that is slightly narrower than the dado slot. A sharp chisel is essential for this operation. Using a chisel with a dull or damaged blade can cause splintering and excess damage to the interior of the dado.

2. Insert the chisel, with the bevel facing up, between the bottom of the rail and the dado.

3. Tap the butt of the chisel two or three times with a mallet. When the blade of the chisel is at least 1/8-inch into the joint, push the chisel handle down to lift the rail. If paint or glue make it difficult to determine the exact location of the joint, start with the chisel level with the top of the dado and work down into the channel until the bottom of the dado is reached.

4. Lower the chisel handle until the blade is flat and in line with the bottom of the dado then tap it two or three more times with the mallet.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the rail is free of the dado channel.

Tips & Warnings

• If the inside of the furniture has been painted, use a utility knife to cut the paint along each side of the rail to remove it.

• Always wear eye protection when working with a chisel and mallet.

References

• Wood Magazine: "Chisels"; Larry Johnson; 2011