Drawers sticking

Causes

Rails/runners/slides worn, bent of broken

Drawer rails/slides need lubricating

Drawers at the end of their serviceable life

Listed under: Interior, fixtures and fittings

Cause

Rails/runners/slides worn, bent of broken

Repair

  • older types of drawers often sit on wooden (or sometimes plastic) rails screwed to the inside of the cabinets. These rails have a greater tendency to stick than more modern types of slides, especially in warm humid conditions
  • metal drawer slides/runners are hardware where one part is screwed to the side of the drawer and the other part screwed into the cabinet frame. They generally have better performance than wooden rails
  • the most satisfactory results are likely to come from replacing the damaged rails or runners. Drawer runners are readily available in multiple sizes. Roller slides with nylon wheels can be side or bottom mounted and are suitable for most drawers. Where a drawer is holding very heavy items, ball bearing slides are a better option

Back to top

Cause

Drawer rails/slides need lubricating

Repair

  • rub candle wax or soap on timber or plastic rails
  • applying low-friction tape is another option that works very well
  • dry lubricants in spray cans are widely available and can be used on wood, plastic or metal. They have the advantage over oil or grease that they dry clear and are less likely to attract dirt and dust

Back to top

Cause

Drawers at the end of their serviceable life

Repair

  • contact a joiner or kitchen manufacturing specialist for quotes to have new drawers made or complete cabinet replacement. Modern cabinets can include hardware options such as soft-close, self-closing, push-to-open drawers etc.


Back to top