Step By Step Instructions Of Fixing A Broken Drawer Track
Simple metal guides and rollers make up mechanical drawer slides, which, when kept clean and greased (and not bent or otherwise damaged), can easily slide even a hefty drawer in and out of a cabinet. Drawer maintenance is frequently straightforward because of how easily they are put up. Of course, if the components aren't regularly cleaned or lubricated or become damaged, the drawer may catch or get stuck, which could cause more harm to the track and slides. You can fix the broken pieces if necessary.
Things You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- Wooden Matches
- Wood Glue & Hammer
- Utility Knife & Pliers
- Kitchen Cleaner Spray
- Clean Cloth & Spray Lubricant
- Bar Of Soap (Optional)
Step 1: Remove Items And Drawer
Any goods should be taken out of the drawer and set aside. The drawer should then be opened all the way out. Typically, lifting the drawer out of the track and gently pushing it out makes it simple to remove the drawer from the cabinet.
Step 2: Use Soap On Drawer Slides
If your metal drawer slides are sticking instead of sliding and everything else is functioning as it should, you might be able to solve the issue with a straightforward bar of soap. It is strongly recommended, you should run a bar of soap over narrow drawer slides. The method can be applied to noisy drawers as well as tight or squeaky doors and windows. The soap merely acts as a temporary lubricant.
Step 3: Tighten Screws And Apply Glue
Your drawer may not be sliding because the screws are unsecured. Check to see if any mounting screws on the drawer and cabinet tracks need to be tightened with a screwdriver. Remove the remaining mounting screws, pull the drawer slide out of the way, and fix the stripped hole if one or more mounting screws become loose due to the stripped hole in the wood. Wood glue is highly suggested as a repair for the stripped out screws. The stripped hole should now have a small amount of wood glue in it. Three or four wooden matchsticks should have their heads broken off. Hammer the matchsticks into the stripped hole. Use a utility knife to trim any extra matchsticks that are protruding from the hole before replacing the drawer track. The damaged screw hole should now firmly hold the screw.
Step 4: Clean The Drawer Tracks
All the drawer slides and tracks should be cleaned by spritzing some household cleanser onto a clean, dry cloth. Examine the tracks for any spots where they are out of alignment and use a pair of pliers to straighten them up.
Step 5: Inspect Drawer Rollers
Check each roller for any damage that can impede the drawer's smooth operation. The entire assembly will probably need to be replaced if any damage is discovered to any roller. Spray a tiny amount of spray lubrication onto the axle of each roller if the rollers are in good condition.
Step 6: Reposition Drawer And Items
Test the drawer's functionality after reattaching the drawer slides to the cabinet's track system. Replace the contents of the drawer if the slides are working properly.