Handyman

Drawer Repair: Fixing Sticky and Broken Drawers

July 5, 2025
Handyman Team
5 min read
Drawer Repair: Fixing Sticky and Broken Drawers

A drawer that sticks, wobbles, or won't close properly is a daily frustration. Most drawer problems are caused by issues with the slides, runners, or simple misalignments. Troubleshooting and fixing these common issues is often a simple repair that can restore your furniture to perfect working order.

🔧 Problem: A Sticky Wooden Drawer

For classic wood-on-wood drawers, friction is the enemy, especially in humid weather.

1
Empty and Clean: Remove the drawer completely and wipe down the wooden slides on both the drawer and the cabinet to remove any dust or grime.
2
Sand Smooth: If the wood feels rough, lightly sand the sliding surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper.
3
Lubricate: Rub a dry lubricant on all contact surfaces. Good options include a block of paraffin wax, a bar of soap, or a specialized drawer lubricant wax stick. This will allow the drawer to glide smoothly.

⚙️ Problem: Issues with Metal Drawer Slides

Modern drawers use metal slides with rollers or ball bearings. Problems here are usually due to debris or damage.

🔍
Inspect and Clean: Remove the drawer and inspect the metal slides for any obvious bends, damage, or debris caught in the track. Clean the tracks thoroughly.
🔩
Tighten Screws: Check and tighten all the screws that hold the slide hardware to both the drawer and the cabinet frame. A loose slide is a common cause of misalignment.
grease
Lubricate: Apply a small amount of white lithium grease to the ball bearings or rollers to ensure they move freely.
🔄
Replace Damaged Slides: If a slide is bent or the bearings are broken, it will need to be replaced. Take the old slide to a hardware store to find an exact match.

🧱 Problem: A Broken or Loose Drawer Bottom

If the bottom of your drawer is sagging or has popped out of its groove, it can be repaired.

Remove the drawer, take out the back panel if possible, and apply wood glue into the grooves that hold the drawer bottom. Slide the bottom panel back in place, ensure the drawer box is square, and clamp it or use small nails to hold it together while the glue dries.

Don't put up with dysfunctional furniture. For complex drawer repairs, custom cabinetry work, or any other home maintenance needs, the skilled handymen at The Box Advantage Group are ready to help. Contact us for a repair estimate.

Drawer RepairSticky DrawersSlidesRunners
The Box Advantage Group - Professional Service Solutions