If you’ve ever tired to maneuver a set of wooden drawers, you know how difficult it can be to get them to move smoothly. Whether it’s a hunk of furniture you picked up from a yard sale or a beloved chest of drawers passed on from your grandmother, you want to keep them in working condition. That’s why we’re here to help you learn how to make wood drawers slide easier. These simple and easy steps will have your drawers working better than ever, so read on to find out how!
Making Wood Drawers Slide Easier
Maintaining wooden drawers can be a tricky process, as you have to ensure that the drawers are kept clean and in proper working condition. This means understanding how to assess the condition of the drawers, clean wood slides, lubricate the glide rails, and replace/reattach them when necessary. With the proper attention and maintenance, wooden drawers can glide seamlessly to provide a smooth and pleasant experience when opening. Follow this guide to learn how to make wooden drawers slide easier.
Assessing Drawer Condition
When assessing how the drawers are sliding, start by opening the drawers one at a time. Pay attention to noise, creaks, and jerks when the drawer is being opened or closed. Look for any visible damage or signs of wear such as scratches, chips, or missing or broken parts. Feel for any unusual resistance and see if the drawer is stuck at any point when closing or opening. Take note of any sticking, sticking and squeaking, chattering, unexpected lift, or other issues. If any of these problems occur, it indicates that the drawer is not suitable for use and should be repaired.
To determine whether the issue is with the glide rails or with the drawer, tap the top of the open drawer with a hammer and listen for a thunk which means the issue is with the rail. If you hear a rattling sound, this indicates an issue with the drawer itself and you will need to further investigate.
Also check to make sure the slide supports that attach to the bottom of the cabinet or dresser are properly installed, as this can affect the movement of the drawer. The supports should be flush with the base of the cabinet and mutually perpendicular to it. If the supports are sticking out, the drawers may not have enough support.
Finally, check to make sure the drawer is not heavier than what the glide rails can support. The maximum weight of a glide rail is usually written somewhere on its housing. If the drawer is too heavy, it will make it cumbersome to open and close and the glide rails can’t support it properly.
Cleaning Wood Slides
Cleaning Wood Slides
Cleaning wood slides will help ensure they operate as smoothly as they were intended. Begin by using a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the inside of the drawers and on the surface of the slide supports. Vacuuming will pick up dirt, dust, and other debris that have collected over time.
Next, use a soft cloth and a small amount of mild cleaner to clean the exterior parts of the slides. For optimal results, try a specialized wood cleaner or a solution of soap and water. Avoid using wax cleaners or other harsh chemicals that may damage the wood slides.
Finally, use a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and debris from the glide rails. This method will help to make the glide rails more durable and reduce the amount of dust and dirt the wood drawers pick up.
- Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean inside of drawers and on the surface of slide supports.
- Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner to clean the exterior parts of the slides.
- Use a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and debris from the glide rails.
Lubricate the Glide Rails
Lubricating wood drawer slides is an important step to making them easier to open. Graphite powder, silicone spray-on lubricant, silicone oil, and petroleum-based products all make effective lubricants. It’s important to note, however, that petroleum-based lubricants should be avoided if the drawer will ever be exposed to high heat.
Spray-on lubricant is the simplest and easiest way to lubricate a slide. Just spray a light coating on the slide and wipe off any excess. Silicone oil likewise requires a light application to the slides and some of the excess wiped away. Graphite powder, however, needs to be applied more heavily and brushed in. A toothbrush is an ideal tool to reach the harder to access areas. Lastly, petroleum-based products should be applied sparingly and the residue wiped away.
Lubricating the slide rail is an essential step to making drawers slide easier. Be sure to use the right lubricant for the job, to ensure the drawer works effectively and efficiently.
Replace Glide Rails
In some cases, replacing the glide rails is the best solution to make your wood drawers slide easier. If the rails are worn out and no amount of lubrication can restore them, it’s time to replace them. Replacing a drawer’s glide rails can feel intimidating, but it is not impossible. Before purchasing any replacement parts, it is important to measure the drawer and take into account the weight it will need to carry.
To begin replacing the old glide rails, detach the drawer from the rails, unscrew the screws that hold the rails in place, and loosen the adhesive or glue at the rail ends. Once these steps are complete, it is time to install the new drawer glide rails. Prepare the new parts by checking the screws and length, and by lubricating them with a light lubricant or graphite powder before installation.
Once the new parts are ready to go, attach them to the drawers with screws, and reattach the drawer to the rails. Make sure to use self-tapping screws, as they will grip the material better than standard screws. To finish up the job, use high temperature glue or adhesive to secure the connection, adding a few drops of activator. This will make sure the rails are held in place on the drawer.
Tools Needed:
- Screwdriver
- High Temperature Glue/Adhesive
- Activator
- Self-Tapping Screws
- Lubricant
Before putting the drawer back in its place, conduct a few tests to make sure it is functioning correctly. Open and close the drawer several times to check if it slides smoothly. If all goes well, the drawer is ready to be reinstalled and enjoyed.
Reattach Glide Rails
Reattaching or installing glide rails is an important part of making wood drawers slide easier. To start, make sure to have gloves, screwdrivers, and high temperature glue or adhesive. Begin by taking all screws out that secure the rails to the drawers, then separate the rails from the drawer. Clean the rails with rubbing alcohol and lubricate with the applying the desired lubricant. Next, attach the rails to the drawers and make sure all screws are in securely. Finally, add a drop of high temperature adhesive or glue to make sure the rails stay secure. Once all parts are firmly secured, test the drawers to make sure they’re closed properly. With correct installation and maintenance, you should be able to make wood drawers slide easily.
Maintenance & Storing Drawersl
Maintaining wooden drawers is important to keep them in good condition and make them slide easier. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth, waxing of sliding surfaces, and periodic lubrication is important to keep them in the best condition.
When storing wooden drawers, make it a point to wipe down the rubber glides and lubricate the slides so that the drawer opens and closes easily when needed. Additionally, storing drawers in a dry environment will help prevent potential damage from water, which can cause swelling and sticking.
Finally, check for damage regularly and replace or repair glides if necessary. Faulty glides can cause sticking, squeaking, and jamming, all of which can impede drawer performance. Evaluating the drawer’s condition and taking the necessary steps to make wood drawers slide easier ensures that furniture is easy to use and attractive for years to come.
FAQ
How can I make my wooden drawer slide better?
You can improve the performance of your wooden drawer by lubricating the slides. You should use a silicone spray or a household lubricant like WD-40. Spray the lubricant on both the top and bottom moving parts of the drawer, as well as on the tracks inside the drawer, and let it sit for a few minutes. This will help smooth out any rough spots and make the drawer slide better.
How do you lubricate wood drawer slides?
To lubricate wood drawer slides, first use a vacuum to get any dirt or dust off the tracks. Then, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly, or a specialty wood drawer slide lubricant, along the pine or wood drawer tracks. Be sure to get in the grooves. If the drawer slides are very stiff, use silicone spray lubricant. Make sure you apply a small amount and use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess lubricant.
How do I make my drawer slides smoother?
1. Clean the surfaces of both the drawer and the slide before beginning.
2. Apply a wax such as beeswax or silicone wax to the slide and also apply a little to the inside of the drawer.
3. To lubricate the slides, you can use a lubricant such as lubricating oil, graphite or even a dry lubricant such as a talcum powder or white lithium grease.
4. Insert the drawer into the slide and slide the drawer back and forth a few times to help the wax and lubricant to spread evenly.
5. Once the lubrication is spread, open and close the drawer several times – this will help to further distribute the lubricant and to break-in the drawer slides.
6. Wipe down the surfaces of both the drawer and the slide with a dry cloth to remove any excess lubricant.
How do you keep wooden drawers from sticking?
To keep wooden drawers from sticking, first make sure that the drawer is clean, since dirt and dust can make the drawer stick. It’s also important to make sure that the wood is evenly sanded and painted, as too little or too much paint can cause the drawer to stick. You can also try applying wax, or a product like silicone spray, to the drawer runners to reduce friction. Finally, make sure to lubricate the drawer glides with a light oil, such as mineral oil. This will help to reduce friction and keep the drawer from sticking.
Last Words
In conclusion, making wood drawers slide easier takes more than just a few lubrications and a quick cleaning. After assessing the condition of the drawers and glides, cleaning and lubricating the slides is important. Replacing old glide rails or even reattaching them are also necessary if the drawers need to function properly. Lastly, proper maintenance of the drawers is key – regular cleaning, waxing, and lubrication is important to ensure drawers last and slide easily. Following these steps can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience when opening and closing those wooden drawers.
