Fixing a stuck drawer first means diagnosing why it is sticking, learn some simple fixes.
Common causes of stiff drawers are:
*High humidity in the house is causing the drawers to swell.
*A loose nail or crack compromises the drawer assembly.
*The drawer is overfilled.
*Item is new and needs to be worn in.
*Floor beneath is uneven.
Simple fixes for loosening stiff, stuck drawers:
After diagnosing the cause of the problem, assemble what tools and / or accessories you might need. Possible items could include a hammer, sandpaper, WD40 or similar product, level, screwdrivers, and wax.
Alternatively, if the first issue, high humidity causes the problem, take whatever steps are necessary to remedy the humidity. A small dehumidifier placed in the same room as the item whose drawers are sticking will most likely help that particular item, but keep in mind the rest of your house. If the humidity level is so high, that furniture throughout the house is affected, you will most likely need a dehumidifier large enough for several rooms, or one that works in conjunction with the households cooling /heating system. .
If the drawer is sticking, either because of a loose nail on the drawer, or on the section of the dresser or desk that the drawer slides, start by emptying the drawer of its contents. Remove the drawer, and remove and replace the bent nail. If you can just pound in the existing nail, that is recommended.
Often, the drawer simply needs to be "˜worn' in. One way to help a drawer that is sticking because it is new is too lightly sandpaper the drawer edge or runner, if the runner is wood, or you can also try a rubbing of wax. Canning wax, sold in the grocery store, works well. If the runner is metal on metal, a quick spray of WD40 or a similar product will often be all that is necessary.
If the drawer is tight because the floor beneath is uneven, check with a level to judge how far off the desk is. This can be accomplished by placing the level on the desk or dresser top, or on the surrounding floor itself. Place a shimmy of some sort beneath one leg until the desk or dresser is level.
An overly full drawer can often not only make a drawer stick, but can even break a drawer. If you have crammed a drawer full to the point that it has broken out the bottom, start by completely emptying the drawer. Take the drawer apart, keeping track of how it was assembled.
If the bottom has actually cracked, you will need to replace it. Measure the thickness and overall size and head to any building center for a replacement. Reassemble it exactly as the original was assembled. Do not add extra nails, etc., as you can easily run into problems with the drawer not fitting if the assembly is altered.
