5 Easy Steps to Remove a Drawer From a Dresser

Drawer Removal from Dresser

Drawer removal from a dresser is a fundamental task in home maintenance that might arise for various reasons such as cleaning, repairs, or reconfigurations. Nevertheless, it can be a daunting undertaking if you lack the necessary knowledge and skills. This article aims to guide you through the process of removing a drawer from a dresser with ease and confidence

Initially, assess the type of drawer mechanism employed in your dresser. Drawers can be mounted on either wooden slides or metal rails. To determine the mechanism, gently pull out the drawer until it stops. If it glides smoothly without resistance, it’s likely mounted on metal rails. Conversely, if it requires some force to open and exhibits friction, it’s most likely supported by wooden slides

After identifying the drawer mechanism, proceed with the appropriate removal technique. For drawers mounted on wooden slides, locate the small screws or nails securing the slides to the drawer sides. Carefully remove these fasteners using a screwdriver or hammer and nail puller. Once the slides are detached, gently lift the drawer straight up and out of the dresser frame. For drawers on metal rails, first locate the release levers situated on the sides or underneath the drawer. Press or pull these levers to disengage the drawer from the rails, then lift it straight up and out

Identifying the Drawer Type

Before attempting to remove a drawer, it is crucial to identify its type. Dressers typically feature various drawer designs, each with its own unique removal process.

Roller Drawers

Roller drawers are identified by their small, grooved wheels that fit into tracks on the drawer sides. These wheels allow the drawer to glide smoothly open and closed. To identify roller drawers, check the sides of the drawer and look for the presence of wheel grooves. Additionally, the drawer bottom may have a metal track that supports the wheels.

Dovetail Drawers

Dovetail drawers are characterized by their interlocking joints, which consist of pins on one drawer side fitting into corresponding tails on the opposing side. This intricate joint ensures a strong and durable drawer construction. To recognize dovetail drawers, examine the corners of the drawer box and look for the wedge-shaped pins and tails.

Nail-In Drawers

Nail-in drawers are the simplest type of drawer and are typically found in older furniture. They are constructed with a simple frame of wood or particleboard and have a bottom that is nailed or stapled to the frame. The lack of wheels or dovetail joints makes nail-in drawers easy to spot.

Disengaging the Drawer Slides

There are two main types of drawer slides: side-mounted and center-mounted. Side-mounted slides are attached to the sides of the drawer and the inside of the dresser frame. Center-mounted slides are attached to the bottom of the drawer and the center of the dresser frame. To disengage side-mounted slides, follow these steps:

1. Open the drawer fully.
2. Locate the release lever on the side of the slide. It is usually a small, plastic lever that is located near the front of the slide.
3. Push the release lever inward and lift the drawer up and out of the frame.

To disengage center-mounted slides, follow these steps:

1. Open the drawer fully.
2. Locate the release lever on the bottom of the slide. It is usually a small, metal lever that is located near the back of the slide.
3. Pull the release lever forward and lift the drawer up and out of the frame.

Some drawers may have a locking mechanism that prevents them from being removed. If this is the case, you will need to disengage the locking mechanism before you can remove the drawer. The locking mechanism is usually located on the back of the drawer or on the inside of the dresser frame. Consult your dresser’s user manual for specific instructions on how to disengage the locking mechanism.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for disengaging drawer slides:

Drawer Slide Type Release Lever Location Disengagement Steps
Side-mounted Side of slide, near front Push lever inward, lift drawer up
Center-mounted Bottom of slide, near back Pull lever forward, lift drawer up

Removing the Drawer from the Frame

To remove the drawer from the frame, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the type of drawer slides. There are two main types of drawer slides: side-mounted and center-mounted. Side-mounted slides are attached to the sides of the drawer, while center-mounted slides are attached to the bottom of the drawer.
  2. Disconnect the drawer slides. For side-mounted slides, locate the release levers on the sides of the slides and push them in. This will release the drawer from the slides.
  3. If the drawer has center-mounted slides, you will need to first remove the drawer stop. The drawer stop is a small piece of metal or plastic that prevents the drawer from being pulled out too far. To remove the drawer stop, locate the screws that hold it in place and remove them.
  4. Once the drawer stop is removed, you can disconnect the drawer slides. To do this, locate the release levers on the slides and push them in. This will release the drawer from the slides.
  5. Pull the drawer straight out of the frame. Be careful not to pull the drawer out at an angle, as this could damage the drawer or the frame.

Here is a table summarizing the steps for removing a drawer from the frame:

Step Description
1 Identify the type of drawer slides.
2 Disconnect the drawer slides.
3 Remove the drawer stop (for center-mounted slides only).
4 Pull the drawer straight out of the frame.

Handling Pull-Out Drawers

Removing a pull-out drawer is similar to taking out a box drawer, but with some added steps to disconnect the drawer’s extension glides or slides. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Open the Drawer Fully

Pull the drawer out as far as it will go to expose the glides or slides.

2. Locate the Release Levers or Tabs

Look at the sides of the drawer, usually along the top or bottom edges. You should see one or two levers or tabs that you can squeeze or push to release the drawer from the glides.

3. Squeeze or Push the Levers or Tabs

With one hand, squeeze or push the release levers or tabs on both sides of the drawer simultaneously. Keep them pressed in as you proceed to the next step.

4. Disconnect the Drawer from the Glides

While holding the release levers or tabs depressed, gently lift the front of the drawer upward about one inch. At this point, the drawer will come completely free from the glides. Note that some drawers may require you to simultaneously tilt the front down while lifting up to detach them. Refer to the table below for variations in glide systems and their disconnection methods:

Glide System Disconnection Method
Ball-Bearing Glides Lift the drawer up by 1-2 inches while squeezing the release levers.
Roller-Wheel Glides Lift the drawer up by 1-2 inches while simultaneously tilting the front down slightly.
Epoxy-Coated Glides Press down on the release tab at the front of the drawer and lift upward.

Releasing Dovetail-Connected Drawers

Dovetail joints are a type of woodworking joint that is often used to connect the drawers of a dresser. These joints are created by cutting a series of interlocking pins and tails on the sides of the drawer and the dresser frame. To release a dovetail-connected drawer, you will need to:

  1. Open the drawer slightly.
  2. Locate the pins on the sides of the drawer.
  3. Use a small screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently pry the pins out of the tails.
  4. Once the pins are released, you should be able to pull the drawer straight out of the dresser frame.

If you are having trouble releasing the pins, you may need to use a hammer to gently tap them out. Be careful not to hit the pins too hard, as this could damage the drawer or the dresser frame. You can also use a sharp knife to score around the pins to weaken them before trying to pry them out.

Here are some additional tips for releasing dovetail-connected drawers without damaging the furniture:

  • Use a soft cloth to protect the finish of the drawer and dresser frame.
  • Take your time and be gentle with the pins.
  • If you are having trouble releasing the pins, ask for help from a friend or family member.

How To Take Out A Drawer From A Dresser

Dresser drawers are designed to be easily removed for cleaning or repairs. Here are the steps on how to take out a drawer from a dresser:

  1. Open the drawer fully.
  2. Locate the drawer slides on either side of the drawer. The drawer slides are typically metal tracks that allow the drawer to slide in and out of the dresser.
  3. Press the release lever or tab on the drawer slides. This will disengage the drawer from the slides.
  4. Carefully pull the drawer straight out of the dresser.

People Also Ask About

How do I know if my dresser drawers are removable?

Most dresser drawers are removable. However, some older dressers may have drawers that are fixed in place. To check if your dresser drawers are removable, try to gently pull them out. If they don’t move, they are probably fixed in place.

Why can’t I get my dresser drawer out?

There are a few reasons why you may not be able to get your dresser drawer out. The drawer slides may be stuck, the release lever or tab may be broken, or the drawer may be jammed. If you can’t get the drawer out, you can try to use a screwdriver to gently pry the drawer slides apart. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a furniture repair person.

How do I put a dresser drawer back in?

To put a dresser drawer back in, simply follow the steps in reverse order:

  1. Align the drawer slides on the drawer with the drawer slides in the dresser.
  2. Push the drawer straight into the dresser until it is fully seated.
  3. Press the release lever or tab on the drawer slides to lock the drawer in place.