Symptoms
- One side of the drawer sticks out further than the other
- Drawer front doesn't sit flush when closed
- Drawer scrapes on one side only
Likely causes
- CommonUneven wear between left and right drawer runnersOne side often takes more stress if the drawer is regularly pulled off-center.
- CommonLoose screws on one side's slide mechanismA loosened screw lets that side drop or shift slightly.
- PossibleWarped drawer boxHumidity or age can warp the drawer itself unevenly.
What to do
- Remove the drawer and inspect both slide rails or wood runners for differences in wear or looseness.
- Tighten all mounting screws on both sides evenly.
- Check that both slide rails inside the cabinet are mounted at the same height and depth.
- If one wood runner is worn down more than the other, add a thin strip of hardwood or a nylon glide to build it back up.
- Reinsert the drawer and test that it sits flush and level when closed.
- Wax both runners evenly to keep future wear consistent on both sides.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Paraffin wax
Drawer slide glide/runner stripSearch: “drawer runner glide strip”
When to call a pro
If the drawer box is visibly warped or twisted, a furniture repair professional can assess whether it's worth rebuilding.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.