5 Easy Steps: How to Take Drawers Out

Drawers

Drawers are an essential part of any home, providing storage for everything from clothes to kitchenware. But what do you do when you need to take a drawer out? Whether you’re replacing a broken drawer or simply want to clean it thoroughly, knowing how to remove a drawer properly is essential. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to take drawers out without damaging them or the surrounding cabinetry.

Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a screwdriver or drill, a hammer or mallet, and a pair of pliers. Once you have your tools, you can start by removing the drawer slides. Drawer slides are typically attached to the sides of the drawer and the inside of the cabinet. To remove them, simply use a screwdriver or drill to remove the screws that are holding them in place. Once the screws are removed, you can carefully pull the drawer slides out of the cabinet.

With the drawer slides removed, you can now lift the drawer out of the cabinet. Be careful not to drop the drawer, as it could damage the drawer or the cabinet. Once the drawer is out, you can clean it or replace it as needed. To reinstall the drawer, simply reverse the steps you took to remove it. First, insert the drawer slides into the cabinet and secure them with screws. Then, lift the drawer into place and push it closed. Make sure that the drawer is fully closed before using it.

Steps to Removing Drawers Safely

Assessing Drawer Type and Construction

Proper drawer removal depends on understanding its design. Examine your drawer front for visible screws or hardware that may need to be removed. Some drawers have a small cutout near the top center; if present, press a tool into it to release the drawer. Wooden drawers often have side-mounted metal rails. Plastic or composite drawers may have molded-in rails or track systems. It’s crucial to identify the type of drawer and its mechanism to avoid damaging it during removal.

Safety First

Empty the drawer of all contents before attempting to remove it.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or splinters.
If the drawer is particularly heavy, consider seeking assistance to prevent strain or injury.

Table: Common Drawer Types and Removal Methods

Identifying the Drawer Type

Before attempting to remove a drawer, it’s crucial to identify its type to determine the appropriate removal method. Here are the common types of drawers:

1. Basic Drawer

This is the simplest type of drawer, consisting of a box-shaped structure with four sides and a bottom. It slides into a frame or cabinet on rails or tracks.

2. Drawer with Center Mount

This drawer features a metal bracket or track mounted in the center of the back. It slides into a frame or cabinet by engaging with a corresponding bracket or track.

### Drawer with Center Mount Removal Instructions:

– **Safety First:** Before starting, secure the drawer by propping it open or having someone hold it.
– **Locate the Release Lever:** Look for a small lever or tab on the center mount bracket.
– **Release the Lever:** Gently pull or push the lever to release the drawer from the frame.
– **Slide the Drawer Out:** Carefully pull the drawer straight out of the frame.

3. Drawer with Side Mount

This type of drawer has brackets or tracks mounted on the sides of the back. It slides into a frame or cabinet by engaging with corresponding brackets or tracks on the sides.

4. Stacking Drawer

This drawer is designed to stack on top of another drawer, typically in a desk or filing cabinet. It has a lip or groove on the front that allows it to be stacked and slide open.

Locating Drawer Slides

To locate the drawer slides, follow these steps:

1. Open the Drawer Partially

Open the drawer to a point where you can see the bottom of it. Use one hand to hold the drawer open while using the other hand to feel for the drawer slides.

2. Look for Levers or Clips

Once you have located the drawer slides, look for any levers or clips that may be holding the drawer in place. Squeeze the levers or clips to release the drawer.

3. Identify the Type of Drawer Slides

There are two main types of drawer slides: side-mounted and bottom-mounted. Side-mounted drawer slides are attached to the sides of the drawer and cabinet, while bottom-mounted drawer slides are attached to the bottom of the drawer and cabinet.

To determine the type of drawer slides you have, look at the way the drawer is attached to the cabinet.

Removing Drawers Vertically

This method is best for vertical drawers, such as those found in most dressers and filing cabinets.

Open the drawer fully: This will allow you to see where the drawer slides rest on the tracks.
Locate the drawer slides: Drawer slides are the metal rails that allow the drawer to slide in and out of the cabinet. They’re typically located on either side of the drawer.
Release the drawer slides: There are two ways to release the drawer slides: with a lever or with a button.
If your drawer slides have a lever, simply pull the lever towards you to release the drawer.
If your drawer slides have a button, press the button to release the drawer.
Gently pull the drawer straight out: Be careful not to jerk the drawer out, as this could damage the drawer or the cabinet.
Once the drawer is fully extended, lift it up and out of the cabinet: This will completely remove the drawer from the cabinet.
To replace the drawer, simply follow these steps in reverse order: First, lift the drawer up and into the cabinet. Next, gently push the drawer straight in until it’s fully seated. Finally, release the drawer slides to lock the drawer in place.

Troubleshooting Drawer Removal Issues

1. Drawer is stuck or won’t budge

Apply gentle pressure and wiggle the drawer side to side. If it still won’t move, check for obstructions like screws or nails.

2. Drawer slides are off track

Remove the drawer and inspect the slides. If they’re off track, gently realign them by pushing them into place.

3. Drawer is too heavy

Remove some items from the drawer and try again. If it still won’t come out, you may need to seek professional help.

4. Drawer is jammed by debris

Use a vacuum cleaner or tweezers to remove any debris from the drawer slides or the surrounding area.

5. Drawer is locked

Find the key or combination for the lock and unlock it. If you don’t have the key, contact the manufacturer or a locksmith.

6. Drawer is damaged

Inspect the drawer for any damage. If it’s damaged, it may need to be replaced.

7. Drawer pulls are broken

Replace the broken drawer pulls with new ones. Make sure they fit securely into the drawer front.

8. Drawer slides are broken

Remove the drawer and inspect the slides. If they’re broken, you’ll need to replace them.

9. Drawer front is warped

Apply a warm, damp cloth to the warped area. The moisture may help to straighten it out.

10. Drawer is not the right size

Measure the drawer opening and the drawer itself. If they don’t match, you’ll need to adjust the drawer or replace it with a better fitting one. Here’s a table with additional information:

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Drawer is rattling	Loose screws	Tighten the screws
Drawer is sagging	Overloaded	Remove some items
Drawer is sticking	Dirt or debris	Clean the drawer and slides

How to Take Drawers Out

First, remove the screws that hold the drawer in place. There should be two screws on each side. Once the screws are removed, pull the drawer out straight toward you.

If the drawer is stuck, you may need to use a little force. Be careful not to damage the drawer or the cabinet.

Once the drawer is out, you can clean it or repair it.