How To Open a Stuck Drawer

Introduction

Dirt, dust and old lubricant (or lack of it) can make drawers hard to open and shut. Cleaning gummed-up guides will help; so does the right lubricant.

Loosening a Sticky Roller or Guide

Instead of fighting to open a stuck drawer, take about two minutes per drawer to clean and lubricate them so they’ll glide in and out with the touch of a finger. It might feel like a tedious chore, but in reality it’s a fairly quick fix that will make your day run much smoother. Simply check what kind of drawer you have and then grab the appropriate lubricant.

For drawers fitted with rollers and guides, wipe them clean and spray the rollers with a drying-type silicone lubricant that doesn’t attract dust. Look for the type that can be sprayed on plastic and rubber as well as metal.

Most dresser drawers don’t have rollers and guides. To renew their smooth action, use a rag to clean out old dust and wax. Then rub hard wax (candle or paraffin) along the drawer edges and center guide.