Remodeling a room or simply giving your drawers a deep clean? Knowing how to remove a drawer is a crucial first step. Whether you’re dealing with kitchen drawers, dresser drawers, or any other type, understanding the proper technique can save you time, frustration, and potential damage. Our comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to ensure a smooth and successful drawer removal process.
Before you begin, gather any necessary tools, such as a screwdriver or drill. Safety should be your top priority, so wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters or sharp edges. Identify the type of drawer you have, as different mechanisms may require specific approaches. Kitchen drawers often feature slides, while dresser drawers typically slide on wooden runners. Understanding the type of drawer you’re working with will help you determine the appropriate removal method.
In many cases, drawers can be removed by simply pulling them straight out. However, if the drawer is stuck or seems difficult to remove, there are a few potential reasons. Check for any obstructions, such as items caught in the back of the drawer or debris blocking the tracks. If the drawer still won’t budge, inspect the drawer slides or runners for any damage or misalignment. Once you’ve addressed any obstacles, try applying gentle pressure while pulling the drawer towards you. If the drawer still resists, proceed to the next step of troubleshooting.
Removing Screws and Bolts
The first and most important step in removing a drawer is to identify the type of fasteners securing it. These typically include screws or bolts, which can be easily removed with the appropriate tools.
Identifying Screw Types
Screws come in a variety of types, each with a unique head shape. Common screw heads include:
- Phillips head: Featuring a cross-shaped indent.
- Flat head: As the name suggests, this screw has a flat head.
- Hex head: A hexagonal-shaped head for use with an Allen wrench.
- Torx head: A star-shaped indent requires a specialized Torx screwdriver.
Once the screw type is identified, select the correct screwdriver or wrench. Ensure the tool fits snugly into the head to avoid stripping the screw.
Removing Bolts
Bolts generally consist of a cylindrical head and a threaded shaft. They are typically secured with a nut, which must be loosened prior to removing the bolt. To do this:
- Use a wrench to grip the nut and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Once the nut is loose, remove it entirely.
- Next, using a socket wrench or Allen wrench, turn the bolt counterclockwise to unscrew it.
| Screw | Head Shape |
|---|---|
| Phillips | Cross-shaped indent |
| Flat | Flat head |
| Hex | Hexagonal-shaped head |
| Torx | Star-shaped indent |
Disengaging the Interlocking Clips
The interlocking clips, often found on the back or sides of drawers, hold the drawer securely in place. To disengage these clips and remove the drawer, follow these steps:
1. Inspect the drawer to locate the interlocking clips. They may be visible as small, spring-loaded tabs or levers.
2. Position your hand behind the drawer and gently pull it forward. As you pull, apply pressure to the interlocking clips to disengage them from their slots. Use your fingers or a small tool to push or lift the clips until they release.
3. If you encounter any resistance, inspect the interlocking clips for any obstructions or debris that may be hindering their movement. Carefully remove any obstacles and try again.
Some drawers may have additional locking mechanisms, such as screws or knobs. Check for any visible screws and remove them before attempting to disengage the interlocking clips.
Once the interlocking clips are disengaged, the drawer should slide out smoothly. If the drawer still does not come out easily, check for any other obstructions or misalignments that may be preventing it from moving.
| Interlocking Clip Type | Disengagement Method |
|---|---|
| Spring-loaded tabs | Press or lift the tabs to release |
| Levers | Push or pull the levers to disengage |
Sliding the Drawer Forward
If There’s a Safety Latch
Some drawers have a safety latch that prevents them from sliding out too far or coming out completely. To unlock the latch, look for a small button or lever on the side of the drawer. Press or slide the button/lever, which disengages the latch.
Finding and Removing Drawer Stops
Drawer stops are small plastic or metal pegs that prevent the drawer from sliding out too far. Locate the drawer stops at the back of the drawer, on either side. The stops might be screwed in or simply pushed into place. Use a screwdriver or your fingers as needed. If the stops are screwed in, remove them by turning the screws counterclockwise. If the stops are pushed in, simply pull them out.
Drawer Stop Removal Table:
| Type of Drawer Stop | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Screwed-in | Use a screwdriver to turn the screws counterclockwise. |
| Push-in | Simply pull the stop out. |
Lifting the Drawer Up
Lifting the drawer up is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. First, locate the drawer’s release lever or button. It is usually located on the side or bottom of the drawer. Once you have found the release lever, gently pull it towards you. This will disengage the drawer from the slide rails.
Next, grasp the drawer firmly and lift it straight up. Be careful not to tilt the drawer or drop it. If the drawer is heavy, you may want to use two hands to lift it.
Once the drawer is lifted up, you will be able to access the inside of the drawer and the tracks that it slides on. You can now clean or repair the drawer as needed.
Tips for Lifting a Drawer Up
- If the drawer is stuck, do not force it. You may damage the drawer or the slide rails.
- If you are having difficulty lifting the drawer up, you can try using a screwdriver or other tool to pry it loose.
- Be careful not to drop the drawer. This could damage the drawer or the floor.
- If you are not sure how to lift the drawer up, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Table of Common Drawer Release Mechanism Types
| Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Push-to-Open | Drawer opens with a gentle push | IKEA drawers |
| Release Lever | Drawer opens when a lever is pulled | Most kitchen drawers |
| Slide-Out Tray | Drawer slides out from under a cabinet | Under-sink drawers |
Removing the Drawer Completely
To remove the drawer completely, follow the steps below.
- Pull the drawer out as far as it will go.
- Locate the clips or screws that hold the drawer in place at the back of the case.
- If there are clips, squeeze them together and pull the drawer straight out.
- If there are screws, remove them using a screwdriver.
- Once the clips or screws are removed, lift the front of the drawer slightly and pull it straight out of the case.
Note: Some drawers may have a locking mechanism that prevents them from being removed. If you encounter this, you will need to release the lock before you can remove the drawer.
Safety Precautions
Before undertaking any drawer-removal task, prioritize safety by adhering to these precautions:
1. Clear the Drawer
Empty the drawer of all contents, including fragile items, to prevent damage or injury.
2. Disconnect Electrical Appliances
If the drawer houses electrical appliances, disconnect them from the power source to avoid electrical shock.
3. Wear Gloves
Protect your hands from sharp edges or splinters by wearing work gloves.
4. Secure Heavy Drawers
If the drawer is particularly heavy, seek assistance from someone to hold it steady during removal.
5. Use Proper Tools
Employ the correct tools for the type of drawer you’re removing. For instance, use a screwdriver for screws or a hammer for nails.
6. Identify Drawer Mounting System
Determine the mechanism by which your drawer is attached to the cabinet or dresser. Common mounting systems include:
| Mounting System | Identification |
|---|---|
| Side-mounted | Drawer slides run along the sides of the cabinet or dresser. |
| Center-mounted | Drawer slides attach to the center of the cabinet or dresser. |
| Under-mounted | Drawer slides are mounted beneath the cabinet or dresser. |
| Full-extension | Drawer can be pulled out completely, revealing its full depth. |
| Self-closing | Drawer closes automatically when pushed past a certain point. |
Replacing the Drawer
Once you have removed the drawer from the cabinet, you can begin replacing it. To do this:
- Align the drawer glides: Make sure that the drawer glides are properly aligned on both sides of the drawer. The glides should fit snugly into the tracks on the sides of the cabinet.
- Insert the drawer: Carefully lift the drawer and insert it into the cabinet, making sure that the glides slide smoothly into the tracks. You may need to gently push the drawer in until it clicks into place.
- Secure the drawer: Once the drawer is in place, secure it by tightening the screws that hold the glides in place. Be sure to not overtighten the screws, as this could damage the glides or the cabinet.
- Check the drawer’s operation: Open and close the drawer several times to make sure that it operates smoothly and that it does not bind or stick.
- Adjust the drawer height (optional): If desired, you can adjust the drawer height by loosening the screws that attach the drawer glides to the sides of the cabinet. Once the screws are loosened, you can slide the drawer up or down to adjust its height. Be sure to tighten the screws again once the drawer is at the desired height.
- Install the drawer front (if applicable): If the drawer has a separate drawer front, you will need to install it now. The drawer front is typically attached to the drawer using screws or nails.
- Install the drawer knob or handle: The final step is to install the drawer knob or handle. This is typically done by inserting the knob or handle into the hole that has been pre-drilled in the drawer front. You may need to tighten the screw or bolt that secures the knob or handle in place.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Align the drawer glides on both sides of the drawer |
| 2 | Insert the drawer into the cabinet, ensuring the glides fit into the tracks |
| 3 | Secure the drawer by tightening the screws holding the glides in place |
| 4 | Check the drawer’s operation by opening and closing it several times |
| 5 | Adjust the drawer height by loosening the screws attaching the glides to the cabinet, then sliding the drawer up or down |
| 6 | Install the drawer front (if applicable) using screws or nails |
| 7 | Attach the drawer knob or handle by inserting it into the pre-drilled hole and securing it with a screw or bolt |
Dealing with Stuck Drawers
If your drawer is stuck, there are a few things you can try to get it moving again:
1. Check for obstructions.
Make sure that there are no objects blocking the drawer from opening, such as toys, clothes, or food.
2. Apply pressure.
Gently push or pull on the drawer to see if you can get it to budge. If it doesn’t move, try applying more pressure.
3. Use a lubricant.
Apply a lubricant, such as WD-40 or olive oil, to the tracks of the drawer. This can help to reduce friction and make it easier to open.
4. Remove the drawer.
If the drawer is still stuck, you may need to remove it from the cabinet. To do this, first locate the screws that hold the drawer in place. Once you have found the screws, remove them and carefully lift the drawer out of the cabinet.
5. Clean the tracks.
Once the drawer is removed, clean the tracks with a cloth or brush. Remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be causing the drawer to stick.
6. Reinstall the drawer.
Once the tracks are clean, reinstall the drawer by sliding it back into the cabinet. Make sure to align the drawer with the tracks and tighten the screws.
7. Test the drawer.
Open and close the drawer several times to make sure that it is working properly. If the drawer is still sticking, you may need to repeat the above steps.
8. Additional tips for dealing with stuck drawers
Here are some additional tips that may help you to deal with stuck drawers:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a hair dryer | Heating the drawer with a hair dryer can help to loosen up any stuck parts. |
| Tap the drawer | Gently tapping the drawer with a hammer or mallet can help to loosen it up. |
| Use a pry bar | If the drawer is really stuck, you can try using a pry bar to gently pry it open. |
How to Take a Drawer Out
Step 1: Identify the Drawer Type
Drawer types include front-mount, side-mount, and bottom-mount. Front-mount drawers slide on tracks aligned with the front of the cabinet. Side-mount drawers have side-mounted tracks that slide into the cabinet. Bottom-mount drawers hang from tracks attached to the bottom of the cabinet.
Step 2: Remove the Drawer Stop
Drawer stops prevent the drawer from sliding out too far. Locate the stops at the back of the drawer and disengage them by pushing or pulling the lever or tab.
Step 3: Push the Drawer Open
With the drawer stop disengaged, firmly push against the center of the drawer front to open it slightly. Do not pull directly on the drawer front.
Step 4: Tilt the Drawer Up
Once the drawer is partially open, gently tilt it upward. This action will engage the tracks and allow you to pull the drawer out.
Step 5: Remove the Drawer Completely
Pull the drawer out completely by sliding it forward along the tracks. Avoid pulling too hard, as you may damage the tracks or the drawer.
Step 6: Disconnect the Drawer
If necessary, disconnect the drawer from any attached hardware, such as slides or hinges.
Troubleshooting Common Drawer Removal Problems
Drawer Won’t Open
Check the following:
- Is the drawer stop engaged? Disengage it.
- Are the tracks obstructed? Remove any debris or obstructions.
- Is the drawer overloaded? Remove some items to lighten the load.
Drawer Is Stuck
Check the following:
- Are the tracks aligned properly? Adjust them if necessary.
- Is there a foreign object lodged in the tracks? Remove it.
- Are the tracks bent or damaged? Replace them if needed.
Drawer Won’t Close Fully
Check the following:
- Is the drawer properly aligned with the tracks? Realign it.
- Are the tracks clogged with debris? Clean them.
- Is the drawer overloaded? Remove some items.
- Are the drawer stops damaged or misaligned? Replace or adjust them.
How to Take a Drawer Out
– Step 1: Open the Drawer
– Step 2: Locate the Drawer Slides
– Step 3: Disengage the Drawer Slides
– Step 4: Pull the Drawer Out
– Step 5: Clean the Drawer Slides
– Step 6: Lubricate the Drawer Slides
– Step 7: Reinstall the Drawer
– Step 8: Test the Drawer
Tips for Drawer Maintenance
To keep your drawers functioning smoothly, follow these maintenance tips:
– Clean the drawer slides regularly to remove dirt and debris.
– Lubricate the drawer slides with a dry lubricant to reduce friction.
– Check the drawer slides for wear and tear and replace them if necessary.
Additional Tips for Smooth Drawer Operation
– Overloading drawers can put strain on the slides and cause them to wear out prematurely.
– Avoid jerking or forcing drawers open or closed as this can damage the slides.
– If a drawer is difficult to open or close, check for obstructions or misaligned slides.
– Use drawer liners or glides to reduce friction and make drawers easier to open and close.
– Keep drawers organized to prevent items from shifting and causing jamming.
– If you are unsure about how to repair or maintain your drawers, consult a professional.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean drawer slides | Every 6 months |
| Lubricate drawer slides | Every 12 months |
| Inspect drawer slides | Annually |
How To Take A Drawer Out
Drawer removal is a common task that can be accomplished with a few simple steps. Follow these steps to safely remove a drawer:
- Open the drawer completely.
- Locate the drawer slides, which are typically located on either side of the drawer.
- Push in on both drawer slides simultaneously.
- While pushing in on the drawer slides, gently pull the drawer towards you.
- Once the drawer is clear of the slides, lift it up and out.
People Also Ask About How To Take A Drawer Out
How do I remove a drawer that is stuck?
If a drawer is stuck, you can try the following steps to remove it:
- Apply a lubricant, such as WD-40, to the drawer slides.
- Gently tap the drawer with a hammer or mallet.
- Use a pry bar to gently pry the drawer open.
- If all else fails, you can call a professional.
How do I remove a drawer without removing the slides?
You can remove a drawer without removing the slides by following these steps:
- Open the drawer completely.
- Locate the drawer stop, which is typically located at the back of the drawer.
- Push in on the drawer stop to release the drawer from the slides.
- Gently pull the drawer towards you to remove it.
