Level the cabinet, fix loose runners, square the drawer box, then lubricate so it glides straight again.
FD-01Clear the drawer and workspaceTake everything out of the drawer. Pull the drawer fully out of the cabinet and put it on a flat, clear surface. Wipe out any dust or debris from inside the drawer and the cabinet opening so you can see what's going on.
FD-02Check the cabinet is standing level and squareA cabinet that rocks or leans is the most common cause of a sticking drawer. Put a spirit level on top of the cabinet and down one side. If it's out of level, adjust the feet or pack underneath with card or thin wood until it reads level both ways, then try the drawer again.
FD-03Inspect the runners for damage or debrisLook along both drawer runners for dust, bent metal, or cracked plastic clips. Wipe them clean with a dry cloth. Bent metal or cracked plastic runners can't be straightened out - if you find damage, you'll need a replacement runner set before the drawer will run properly.
FD-04Tighten or repair loose runner screwsA loose screw lets the runner tilt, which throws the whole drawer off line. Tighten every screw on both runners with a screwdriver. If a hole has worn and the screw just spins, take it out, push a little wood glue and a cocktail stick or matchstick into the hole, snap it off flush, and leave it 10 minutes to dry before re-driving the screw.
FD-05Check the drawer box itself is squareStand the drawer on a flat surface and measure diagonally from corner to corner, both ways - the two measurements should match. If they don't, the back panel has usually come loose or the drawer has racked. Re-glue or re-screw the back panel square before refitting the drawer.
FD-06Realign the runner clipsMost flatpack drawers clip onto their runners with a plastic tab, and this can shift sideways. Check the clip on both the cabinet side and the drawer side is centred and pushed fully home. Press it back into place until it clicks.
FD-07Lubricate the runnersRub a household candle, a bar of soap, or a spray silicone lubricant along both runner rails. This cuts friction so the drawer glides instead of catching or pulling to one side.
1 each · Candle wax, soap bar, or silicone spray lubricant
FD-08Refit the drawer and testSlide the drawer back in, making sure it seats evenly on both runners at the same time - don't force one side in first. Push it in and pull it out a few times to check it runs smoothly and closes level. If one side still catches, loosen and slightly re-tighten that side's runner screws.
FD-09Tidy upPut the drawer's contents back in. Wipe away any dust or glue residue from the cabinet and drawer. Put your tools away.
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