How to Remove Drawers
Metal Glide with Lever
Most furnishings come equipped with metal glide drawers, and luckily it’s pretty simple to remove them. First, always make sure you remove the top drawer first—no matter what kind of drawers you have—so your nightstand or chest of drawers doesn’t tip over due to being top heavy. Position yourself in front of the furniture before sliding the drawer out as far as possible.
Feel around for the track levers, which you’ll find in the middle of each track on both sides. Then press both levers down at the same time while you pull the drawer toward yourself. It should lift out quite easily.
Wood Glide Slides
If you have older wood furniture, you might find wood glide slides on the drawers. These don’t tend to have levers you can push, but all it takes to open them is a good pull.
Basically, just pull the drawer of your nightstand or dresser out as far as possible, and then once it stops, be prepared to pull with a little force using both hands. The drawer should pop out after a quick tug.
Stabilizer Screws
If your drawers have stabilizer screws, it will take a few more minutes to remove them, but it will still be pretty easy. Just as with the other types of drawers, stand in front of your dresser, chest of drawers or nightstand and pull the drawer with one hand on each side. Keep pulling until the drawer is fully extended.
Once you can’t pull the drawer out anymore, feel around for stabilizer screws on the inside of the drawer. When you find them, use a screwdriver to remove them, and then locate the catch tabs on each side of the drawer. Release them while you pull up on the catch tab devices, since this will release the drawer from the tracks. You should be able to pull it out straight toward you.
Common Questions About Drawer Removal
How do I safely detach a drawer from its cabinet or dresser?
To safely remove a drawer, first, you'll want to identify the type of drawer slides. Most modern furniture uses metal glides with a release lever or tab that you'll need to press or lift while gently pulling the drawer out. For older or simpler wooden runners, you might need to lift the front of the drawer slightly while pulling it forward to disengage it from the cabinet.
What's the best way to get a stuck drawer out without damaging it or the furniture?
If a drawer is stuck, avoid forceful pulling. Check for any obstructions like loose items inside or misaligned slides, and gently try to wiggle it free. Sometimes, a light tap on the front of the drawer with a rubber mallet or the palm of your hand can help it release from its runners. If it's still resistant, examine the slides more closely for bent metal or debris.
Are there different methods for removing drawers depending on the furniture material?
The primary difference in drawer removal methods relates to the type of slide mechanism rather than the furniture material itself. Whether your dresser is made of solid wood, veneer, or MDF, the process of releasing it from metal ball-bearing glides or wooden runners will be similar. The key is always to understand how the drawer is attached to the cabinet.
How can I reinsert a drawer after I've removed it for cleaning or repair?
Reinserting a drawer is usually the reverse of removal. Align the drawer with its corresponding glides or runners, ensuring they are properly seated. For glides with release levers, you might need to push the lever back into its original position as you slide the drawer in, then push until you hear or feel it click into place.
What tools might I need if the standard removal method doesn't work for my drawers?
Typically, drawer removal requires no special tools, relying on the slide mechanism's design. However, if you encounter significant resistance or a damaged glide, a flathead screwdriver might be useful for gently prying or manipulating release tabs. A rubber mallet can also be helpful for gently tapping stubborn drawers back into place or encouraging them to disengage.