Symptoms
- Drawer sticks partway in or out
- Drawer scrapes or catches on the frame
- Drawer sits crooked when open
Likely causes
- CommonWood swelling from humidityWood drawers expand in humid weather and shrink back in dry seasons.
- CommonDirt or debris built up on the slides or runnersDust and grime increase friction over time.
- PossibleBent or misaligned metal drawer slidesOverloading a drawer can bend the slide rails.
- PossibleItem inside blocking the trackSmall items can slip behind the drawer and jam the mechanism.
What to do
- Remove the drawer fully and check the runners and cabinet track for dirt, debris, or blockages.
- Wipe down wooden runners and rub a bar of paraffin wax or dry silicone spray along the contact points.
- For metal slides, vacuum out dust and check that both sides are still straight and aligned.
- Reinsert the drawer and check it slides evenly on both sides without tilting.
- If wood is swollen, sand a thin layer off the sticking edges and reseal with finish.
- Tighten any loose screws holding the slide hardware to the cabinet or drawer box.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Paraffin wax or dry lubricant
- Vacuum
Replacement drawer slide setSearch: “ball bearing drawer slides”
When to call a pro
If the drawer box itself is cracked or the cabinet frame is out of square, a furniture repair pro or carpenter can rebuild it properly.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.