1. How to Remove Drawers From a Dresser

A dresser with drawers removed
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Removing dresser drawers can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. But don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple! With a few simple steps, you can easily remove dresser drawers without damaging them or the dresser itself. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to remove dresser drawers safely and efficiently. Whether you’re moving, cleaning, or simply want to access the back of your dresser, following these steps will ensure a hassle-free experience.

To begin, gather a few basic tools that you’ll need for the job. These include a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a putty knife. Once you have your tools, start by removing any visible screws or nails that are holding the drawers in place. If the drawers are stuck, you can gently tap them with a rubber mallet to loosen them up. Once the screws or nails are removed, carefully pull the drawer straight out of the dresser. Be sure to support the bottom of the drawer as you pull it out to prevent it from falling and causing damage.

If the drawers are still stuck, there may be hidden screws or nails that are holding them in place. To find these hidden fasteners, use a putty knife to pry open the space between the drawer and the dresser frame. Once you’ve located the hidden fasteners, remove them with the appropriate tool. With the fasteners removed, you should be able to easily pull the drawer out of the dresser. Once all of the drawers are removed, you can clean the dresser frame and drawers and reassemble the dresser. Simply follow the steps in reverse order to put the dresser back together.

Assessing the Drawers’ Position and Construction

Before embarking on the task of removing drawers from a dresser, it is crucial to thoroughly assess their position and construction. This step lays the foundation for a successful and efficient removal process, ensuring that no damage is inflicted on the drawers or the dresser itself.

**Determining the Drawers’ Position:**

Front-Mounted Drawers: These drawers are attached directly to the front of the dresser using screws or nails.
Side-Mounted Drawers: These drawers are mounted on slides or guides that are attached to the sides of the dresser.

**Identifying the Construction Type:**

Dovetailed Drawers: These drawers feature interlocking dovetail joints at the corners, providing exceptional durability and strength.
Half-Blind Dovetail Drawers: Similar to dovetailed drawers, these have dovetail joints only on the front and sides, offering a compromise between strength and ease of assembly.
Butt-Joint Drawers: These drawers have simple butt joints at the corners, which are less durable but easier to construct.
Framed Drawers: These drawers have a frame around the perimeter, which enhances stability and rigidity.

Drawer Type	Construction Method	Durability
Dovetailed	Interlocking dovetail joints	Excellent
Half-Blind Dovetail	Dovetail joints on front and sides	Very Good
Butt-Joint	Simple butt joints	Good
Framed	Frame around perimeter	Excellent

Locating the Drawer Slides

The drawer slides, also known as drawer runners or guides, are the metal tracks that allow the drawer to slide in and out smoothly. To remove the drawer from a dresser, you need to first locate the 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 the dresser frame. To locate them, look for screws or clips on the sides of the drawer and the dresser frame.
Bottom-mounted drawer slides are attached to the bottom of the drawer and the bottom of the dresser frame. To locate them, look for screws or clips on the bottom of the drawer and the bottom of the dresser frame.

Once you have located the drawer slides, you can proceed to remove the drawer.

Types of Drawer Slides

Type	Location	How to Identify
Side-mounted	Sides of drawer and dresser frame	Screws or clips on sides of drawer and dresser frame
Bottom-mounted	Bottom of drawer and bottom of dresser frame	Screws or clips on bottom of drawer and bottom of dresser frame

Determining the Type of Drawer Slides

Identifying the type of drawer slides is crucial before removing drawers from a dresser. There are three main types:

Center-Mounted Drawer Slides

These slides are attached to the bottom and sides of the drawer, and they rest within a groove on each side of the cabinet. To remove a drawer with center-mounted slides:

Ensure the drawer is fully extended.
Locate the release lever on each side of the slide within the cabinet.
Squeeze the levers inward and lift the drawer straight up to detach it from the slides.

Side-Mounted Drawer Slides

Side-mounted slides are affixed to the sides of the drawer and cabinet. To remove a drawer with side-mounted slides:

Extend the drawer partially.
On each side, locate the release lever or tab near the front of the slide.
Push the lever or tab inward and simultaneously lift the drawer up to disengage it from the slides.

Under-Mounted Drawer Slides

Under-mounted slides are attached to the bottom of the drawer and sit below the cabinet. Removing a drawer with under-mounted slides requires access to the underside of the dresser. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific removal procedures, as the release mechanism may vary.

Drawer Slide Type	Release Mechanism
Center-Mounted	Release levers on both sides of the slide within the cabinet
Side-Mounted	Release levers or tabs on both sides of the slide near the front
Under-Mounted	Varies based on manufacturer; consult instructions

Removing Side-Mounted Drawer Slides

Removing drawers with side-mounted slides involves several steps. Follow these detailed instructions for a safe and hassle-free process:

1. Clear the Drawer

Before removing the drawer, ensure it’s empty of any contents. This prevents any potential spills or damage during the process.

2. Disengage the Slide Locks

Locate the slide locks on the sides of the drawer. Depending on the type of slides, these locks may be lever-activated or have a small button that needs to be pressed. Disengage the locks, allowing the drawer to slide more easily.

3. Align the Drawer

With the locks disengaged, pull the drawer straight out until it’s fully extended.

4. Tilt and Lift

This step typically requires two people. Gently tilt the drawer upwards while simultaneously lifting it up. As you lift the drawer, the back of the drawer will disengage from the slide mechanism, allowing it to be completely removed.

Tips:
– Use a flashlight to inspect the back of the drawer for any hidden locks or latches.
– If the drawer is particularly heavy, use a dolly or furniture sliders for easier lifting.
– Be cautious not to damage the drawer or the slide mechanism during the removal process.

Removing Center-Mounted Drawer Slides

Center-mounted drawer slides are commonly found on older dressers and cabinets. To remove the drawer with this type of slide:

Locate the lever or release mechanism on the underside of the drawer. It’s typically a small metal tab or lever.
Pull the lever or tab towards you to disengage the slides from the drawer.
Tilt the front of the drawer slightly upward.
Carefully pull the drawer straight towards you, keeping it tilted slightly.
To remove the slides from the drawer, locate the screws or clips securing them to the sides of the drawer box. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove these fasteners, taking care not to damage the drawer.

Unhooking the Slide Clips

Some center-mounted drawer slides may have clips that need to be unhooked before the drawer can be removed.

Here’s a table summarizing the steps for removing the slides from the drawer with clips:

Step	Action
1	Locate the clips on the sides of the drawer box.
2	Using a screwdriver or pliers, press down on the tabs on the clips to release them.
3	Gently pull the slides away from the drawer box.

Once the clips are unhooked, you can follow the steps above to complete the drawer removal process.

Removing Drawer Guides

Drawer guides are the metal tracks that allow drawers to slide in and out of a dresser. To remove drawer guides, you will need a screwdriver and a pair of pliers.

Step 1: Open the drawer and locate the drawer guides.

Step 2: Remove the screws that are holding the drawer guides in place.

Step 3: Gently pull the drawer guides out of the dresser.

Step 4: Remove the drawer from the dresser.

Step 5: Inspect the drawer guides for any damage. If the drawer guides are damaged, you will need to replace them before you can reinstall the drawer.

Step 6: Clean the drawer guides with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the drawer guides.

Here is a table that summarizes the steps for removing drawer guides:

Step	Description
1	Open the drawer and locate the drawer guides.
2	Remove the screws that are holding the drawer guides in place.
3	Gently pull the drawer guides out of the dresser.
4	Remove the drawer from the dresser.
5	Inspect the drawer guides for any damage. If the drawer guides are damaged, you will need to replace them before you can reinstall the drawer.
6	Clean the drawer guides with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the drawer guides.

Safely Removing the Drawers

1. Identify the Drawer Type

Before removing the drawers, determine their type. Common types include full-extension, side-mount, and center-mount drawers.

2. Check for Obstructions

Inspect the drawer’s sides and bottom for any obstructions like jewelry or clothing that may prevent smooth removal.

3. Locate Hidden Tracks

Some dressers have hidden drawer tracks along the sides or underneath the drawers. Check for these tracks before pulling.

4. Hold Both Sides Evenly

When pulling out the drawer, grab it firmly on both sides to prevent it from tilting or falling.

5. Pull Straight Out

Gently pull the drawer straight out parallel to the drawer slides. Avoid twisting or rocking it.

6. Clear the Tracks

After removing the drawer, inspect the drawer tracks and slides for any debris or damage that may hinder smooth operation.

7. Handling Heavy Drawers

For heavy drawers, follow these additional steps:

Step	Action
1	Lift slightly from the bottom corners.
2	Tilt the drawer forward and pull it out carefully.

Step 1: Identify and Remove Drawer Stops

Locate the drawer stops on the inside of the dresser frame. These are typically small plastic or metal clips that prevent the drawers from being pulled out too far. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the stops up and remove them.

Step 2: Lift and Slide the Drawer Out

Tilt the dresser forward slightly. Use both hands to grip the front edge of the drawer and lift it up a few inches. While holding it up, slide the drawer out of the frame.

Step 3: Handle Drawers with Care

Be careful not to hit the drawers against any objects or drop them. The drawers can easily get damaged, so handle them gently.

Step 4: Clean the Drawer Rails

Once the drawers are removed, use a damp cloth to wipe down the drawer rails inside the dresser. This will remove any dust or debris that may interfere with the smooth operation of the drawers.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Forcing the Drawers

Avoid forcing the drawers out if they do not slide smoothly. This can damage the drawer rails or the drawers themselves. If a drawer is stuck, check if there are any obstructions or if the drawer stops are still in place.

Tipping the Dresser Too Far

When tilting the dresser forward, be careful not to tip it too far. This can cause the dresser to fall over, damaging the dresser or the drawers.

Dropping the Drawers

As mentioned earlier, drawers can easily get damaged if dropped. Always support the drawers when removing them and be careful not to drop them on the floor.

Removing Drawer Fronts

Locate the screws or nails securing the drawer front to the drawer box and remove them.

Carefully pull the drawer front straight out to detach it from the box.

Removing Drawer Slides

Identify the type of drawer slides (e.g., side-mounted, under-mounted, center-mounted).

For side-mounted slides: Unclip the drawer from the slides or remove the screws holding it in place.

For under-mounted slides: Locate the release lever or latch on the underside of the drawer and press or release it to detach the drawer.

For center-mounted slides: Locate the screws securing the slide to the drawer and remove them to detach the drawer.

Cleaning and Maintaining Drawer Components

Drawer Fronts

Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.

Touch up scratches or nicks with a wood filler and stain or paint.

Drawer Boxes

Vacuum or brush away dust and debris.

Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Reinforce joints if necessary with wood glue or corner clamps.

Drawer Slides

Apply a thin layer of silicone spray or furniture wax to the slides to reduce friction.

Tighten any loose screws or bolts.

Check for wear and replace if necessary.

Table of Drawer Slide Types

Type	Features
Side-mounted	Mounted on the sides of the drawer and slides out directly.
Under-mounted	Mounted underneath the drawer and provides a soft, gliding motion.
Center-mounted	Mounted in the center of the drawer and provides maximum stability and load capacity.

Unhooking the Drawers

Locate the metal hooks under each drawer. Push the drawer all the way in and simultaneously lift the front to unhook it. Repeat for the other drawers.

Removing the Top Drawer

Once the drawer is unhooked, lift it straight up to remove it.

Removing the Lower Drawers

Follow the same steps as for the top drawer, but be cautious not to tilt the lower drawers forward as they may fall out.

Lifting the Dresser Top

Locate the screws or nails securing the dresser top. Using a screwdriver or nail remover, carefully unscrew or pry out these fasteners.

Removing the Dresser Sides

On each side of the dresser, locate the screws or nails connecting the sides to the base. Remove these fasteners to separate the sides from the base.

Disassembling the Base

For dressers with an assembled base, follow these steps:

Remove the screws or nails connecting the front and back panels to the side panels.
Separate the panels to disassemble the base.

Disassembling the Top

For dressers with an assembled top, follow these steps:

Remove the screws or nails connecting the front and back panels to the side panels.
Separate the panels to disassemble the top.

Reassembling the Drawers and Dresser

Assembling the Drawer Tracks

Locate the drawer tracks on the dresser sides. Align the tracks on the underside of the drawer and slide it into place. Ensure the drawer is securely attached to the tracks.

Fitting the Drawers

Once the tracks are assembled, fit the drawers back into the dresser. Push them in gently until they rest against the back panel.

Reattaching the Dresser Sides

Align the dresser sides with the base and secure them using screws or nails.

Reattaching the Dresser Top

Place the dresser top on the side panels and fasten it using screws or nails.

How To Remove The Drawers From A Dresser

Dressers are a great way to store clothes and keep your room organized. But if you need to move your dresser or if you want to clean it, you may need to remove the drawers. Here are the steps on how to remove the drawers from a dresser:

Empty the drawer of all its contents.

Locate the drawer slides on the sides of the drawer. These are usually metal tracks that the drawer slides on. There may be a lever or a button on the drawer slides that you need to press to release the drawer.

If there is no lever or button, you may need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the drawer slides in place.

Once the drawer slides are released, you can pull the drawer straight out of the dresser.

To put the drawers back in, simply reverse the steps. First, insert the drawer slides into the tracks on the sides of the dresser. Then, push the drawer in until it is fully seated. Finally, secure the drawer slides with the screws or levers.