How to Fix Sticky Drawers

Drawers get stuck. It happens to all of us. Sooner or later your cabinet drawers lose their lubrication, warp or get some obstruction in their sliders that keep it from opening as smoothly as before. This problem becomes more frequent as the drawer ages, its lubricant dries out, its panels get damaged or it just undergoes regular wear and tear.

Handyman Connection of Lincoln explains how to fix this issue quickly.

Common Causes

Sometimes, the reason is simply the season. High humidity levels in the summer causes wood to swell. Normally, the swelling is small enough to be negligible at first. In the winter, the opposite happens. The cold weather shrinks the wood a little bit. This constant expansion and contraction distorts the wood and can cause your drawers to get stuck (among other problems).

So what do you do when you experience this tiny inconvenience? Well, the answer depends mostly on what caused the issue in the first place.

Lubrication Dries Out

To check if the sliders are well-lubricated, remove the drawer itself and run your fingers on the tracks. Manufacturers leave these parts lubricated, but after some time, it eventually dries out and causes friction.

Solving this problem is pretty simple. Once you’ve removed the drawers, use a damp cloth and clean the sliders on both inside the tracks and on the drawer itself. Make sure all parts are dry before applying the lubricant. For spray lubrication, use short bursts to gradually cover all track surfaces while keeping the nozzle as close as possible to the runner. If you’re using squeeze lubrication, carefully ensure that the runners are sufficiently covered.

Wooden Drawer-Slides

For wood-on-wood drawer slides, the problem is solved much easier. You can use spray-dry lubrication, silicone-tape or even candle wax to keep the wood sliding easily. In a pinch, you can even use a sheet of wax paper. Make sure to apply the lubricant on both the slider and the track to ensure proper lubrication. These types of lubrication can even be used on plastic or metal drawers, although a lithium grease strip is usually recommended.

Find everything you need to keep your drawers sliding smoothly at Handyman Connection of Lincoln. We can help you achieve your dream home. Fill out a form or call (402) 867-6990 to schedule an estimate.