Clean, sand and lubricate a sticking wooden drawer, and tighten any loose joints, in one short session.
FD-01Empty and remove the drawerTake everything out of the drawer. Pull it fully open, lift the front slightly, and slide it clear of the cabinet. If it has metal side runners, press the small release clips (usually near the back) to free it. Wipe out dust and old wax with a dry cloth so you can see the bare wood.
FD-02Find exactly where it sticksWith the drawer out, run your hand along the sides and along the runners inside the cabinet. Feel for shiny, dark or rough patches — these are the rub points causing the stick. Refit the drawer partway and work it back and forth slowly to watch where it drags.
FD-03Sand down swollen or worn woodSolid wood drawers often swell slightly with damp weather. Sand the rub points on the drawer sides and cabinet runners with fine sandpaper, working with the grain. Sand a little, refit, and test — remove only as much as needed, so the fit stays snug once it dries out again.
1 sheet · Fine sandpaper (120–180 grit) FD-04Check and tighten loose jointsGrip opposite corners of the drawer box and gently twist. Any movement means a joint has come loose, letting the drawer rack and jam as it slides. Open the joint slightly, work wood glue into the gap, then clamp or tape it square and leave it overnight to set fully before using the drawer again.
1 bottle · Wood glue (PVA) FD-05Lubricate wooden runnersIf the drawer runs on bare wood (no metal slides), rub a candle or a bar of household wax along the top and bottom edges of the drawer sides and along the cabinet runners. This is the traditional fix and works well — do not use oil, as it attracts dust and grime over time.
1 each · Candle or wax bar FD-06Lubricate and check metal or plastic runnersIf the drawer has metal or plastic side runners, do not use wax — it gums them up. Wipe them clean and spray a light coat of dry PTFE or silicone lubricant instead. While you're there, check the runner screws are tight and the runner isn't bent; a bent runner needs straightening or replacing, not just lubricating.
1 can · PTFE or silicone lubricant spray FD-07Refit and test the drawerSlide the drawer back onto its runners and push it fully home, then pull it fully open several times. It should move smoothly with no catching or scraping. If it still sticks in one spot, go back and sand or lubricate that exact point again.
FD-08Tidy upVacuum or wipe up any sawdust from inside the cabinet and off the floor. Put the drawer's contents back in. Wash your hands, as fine wood dust can irritate skin.
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