When a drawer is not working properly, it can be a simple fix for most homeowners. Follow our step-by-step guide to fix your broken drawer.
Step 1. Inspect The Drawer
As a general rule, most common drawers will break down in three ways:
- The hardware and/or front panel becomes loose or damaged.
- Gaps are created on the drawer’s inside panel.
- The sliders wear out over time.
Prior to starting any DIY repair, thoroughly inspect the empty drawer by removing it altogether. It’s possible that your drawer requires the simplest fix which is to tighten any loose screws. Make this repair first and see what happens when you re-insert the drawer.
Next, completely remove the drawer from the frame by pulling this forward and tipping the front portion downward. Do this at about a 30-degree angle to push the wheels off the drawer slides.
Step 2. Fix The Broken Drawer Front
If the front panel appears ready to fall off, remove the solid piece of the drawer. Do this by taking out the screws using a drill or screwdriver. Next, set the screws aside in a small bowl to stay organized. Discard any broken drawer pieces at this time.
- The drawer front needs new and firmer anchoring spaces for when you need to put the screws back to the drawer box.
- Drill new holes into the box frame (not the front piece) to the side of where the old and worn holes used to be.
- Use a 3/16-inch drill bit attached to the drill for this task.
- Brush away debris that’s created by the drilling with a rag or brush.
- Screw the drawer front back onto its drawer box through the new holes using the same screws that were originally removed.
- If the old staples are sticking out, you can remove them with a pair of plyers and replace them with a staple gun and the correct size staples as the drawer is being reassembled.
- Save one of your staples to know which size to purchase in case newer ones are needed.
- Make sure to wear appropriate work gloves when removing the staples.
Step 3. Fix Drawer Inner Panels
You might notice bulging and gaps on the inner bottom panel when you pull out the drawer to inspect it. A bulging panel could be preventing the drawer from sliding easily into a frame.
- The fastest fix to this issue is to press the panel back into the grooves/slots they were supposed to fit into.
- You could also staple in a new panel.
- If the panel happens to fit back into the grooves properly, secure it firmly using glue prior to replacing the drawer.
- Make a continuous thread of wood glue all around your drawer panel at either the groove or slot.
- Let the glue dry completely before returning the drawer to the frame.
- If the bottom panel is too warped at this time, try flattening it using the following method.
- Place the panel on wet grass with the curved area on the grass with the other side exposed to sunlight.
- As the sun dries the top side, the board will unwarp itself.
- If the drawer’s bottom piece seems permanently damaged, you will need to buy and cut new pieces of plywood to replace them.
- Now, staple on a new panel or glue the bottom panel piece into their slots once they have been fitted.
Step 4. Fix Broken Sliders
Take your broken drawer out and inspect the sliders and gliders. Sliders have been known to wear out over time, ultimately becoming loose and wobbly.
- Tighten all screws if the sliders are not too damaged yet only wobbling from their screws.
- If the screws hole of the slider itself appears worn out, inspect the slider.
- Screw the slider back on through the new slider hole.
- Use the new hole on an existing slider to keep the slider portion of the drawer firmly in place.
- Replace the slider if it’s completely worn out.
- Contact your manufacturer for further assistance if you have any questions regarding specific materials.
Step 5. Gather All Necessary Tools
An easy fix with a screwdriver won’t call for more than this tool. However, if a more complex repair is needed, have the following tools nearby:
- Screwdriver or drill.
- Pliers.
- Hammer.
- Staple gun.
- 3/16-inch drill bit.
- Clamps.
- Wood glue.
- New sliders, if necessary.
- Rag or paper towels.
- Safety glasses.
- Soft brush.
Conclusion
Once you have fixed your drawer, you will be able to easily open and close it once again. With the proper tools and procedures, you can have your drawer fixed in no time at all.
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