Fix a Sticky Drawer

A drawer that won't glide is usually two issues — wood-on-wood friction OR worn slides. Identify which, then fix in 10 minutes.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 15 min Cost: $0–$25

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Tools

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Paraffin wax block or paste wax
For wood runners
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Silicone spray
For metal slides — NOT WD-40
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Replacement drawer slides (if worn out)
Common sizes: 12", 14", 16", 18" — measure your existing

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1

Wood-on-wood runners — rub with wax or pencil

Pull the drawer out. Rub a paraffin wax block (or a regular #2 pencil — graphite is a dry lubricant) along the wood runners on both the drawer and the cabinet. Slide a few times to work it in.
2

Metal slides — spray and roll

Spray silicone or apply a small amount of grease to the ball bearings on each side. Open and close the drawer several times.
3

Slides are bent or worn — replace

Remove the drawer. Unscrew slides from drawer side and cabinet side. Buy matching length and style (side-mount ball-bearing slides are most common). Install per the package — typically 6 screws.
4

Drawer fronts hitting the cabinet

Sometimes the issue isn't the slides — it's that the drawer front rubs the face frame. Adjust slides with the small screws (most have vertical and horizontal adjustment slots) until the gap is even all around.