Drawers That Stick

Dirty Glides and Rollers

• Most modern drawers have plastic or rubber rollers that move along glides -- plastic or metal runners that guide the drawer in the cabinet frame. Often, when a drawer is sticking,the glides just need a good cleaning. Start by pulling the drawer completely out of the cabinet. Empty any contents from the drawer, then turn it over and remove any buildup on the glides and rollers. If that doesn't work, try using a lubricant. Look for a silicone lubricant spray that can be used on rubber, metal and plastic.
  
  

Broken Hardware

• When a drawer is overstuffed or is bearing too much weight, damage can occur. A glide can bend or a roller can become loose or broken. Straighten out any bent areas of a metal glide using pliers, and tighten loose rollers by tightening the hold screws with a screwdriver. If a roller or glide is damaged beyond repair, though, you may have to buy a new set. Use the broken hardware to help you determine what size to purchase and how to install the new glides. Some new glides may also come prepackaged with instructions.
  
  

Sliding Wooden Drawers

• Many older homes and dressers have wooden drawers without separate runners or attachments.Instead, the drawers may simply slide into indented areas built into the frame, or directly into the frame. If you have cleaned the sides of the drawers and frame and have also determined there's no structural damage, the drawer may be sticking due to moisture. Humid conditions can cause the wood to swell, making the drawer fit more tightly than usual. A lifetime of opening and closing can also create dents in the wood, which can catch. Both issues can be fixed by applying a hard wax, like paraffin, to the edges of the drawer; some people even use bar soap. Wood can occasionally splinter; if that happens, use a low-grade sandpaper to smooth out any rough areas.
  
  

Sagging or Rotten Drawers

• If a drawer bottom gets wet, it may warp, sag or rot. Another issue is that many drawer bottoms just can't endure the weight they must hold over time and eventually sag. When this happens, the area can catch or scrape along the base of the cabinet, causing it to pull jauntily or not open at all. To fix a drawer that sags only at the edges, purchase two 'L' brackets and short screws and mount the brackets to the bottom and sides of the inner drawer to hold the loose sections up and out of the way. If the drawer's damage is too great, the brackets won't solve the problem. In this case, remove the damaged wood and purchase another piece with the same dimensions. Install the new wood piece in the same fashion as the original.