Fit new drawer runners so a chest of drawers slides smoothly again, working from removal to final testing.
DR-01Clear and set up your workspaceEmpty the drawer fully and set the contents aside. Lay an old sheet or towel on your work surface to protect it and catch screws. Get a pozidriv screwdriver, pencil, tape measure and torch ready before you start.
DR-02Work out what type of runner you haveLook at the old runner closely: a plastic wheel on a metal track is a roller runner, a smooth metal box section is a ball-bearing runner, and two wooden strips sliding against each other are a wooden runner. Take a clear photo before removing anything so you can match the new set exactly. Runners are almost always sold in pairs and must match on both sides.
DR-03Remove the drawerPull the drawer out as far as it will go. Most runners have a small plastic release clip or tab on each side near the back — press it and lift the drawer slightly to free it. If it will not lift out, check for a locking lever underneath the runner first.
DR-04Unscrew the old runner from the drawer sideUndo the screws holding the runner to the side of the drawer, usually two to four pozidriv screws. Keep the screws to one side in case they are reused. Note the hole positions so you can decide later whether to reuse or offset them.
DR-05Unscrew the old runner from the cabinet frameWith the drawer out, reach into the cabinet and undo the screws holding the matching runner to the inside frame. Wiggle the runner gently side to side if it is stuck with old wax or dust. Repeat for the other side of the chest.
DR-06Measure up and buy a matching pairMeasure the full length of the old runner and the depth of the drawer opening in mm. Buy the same runner type and length as a matching pair — mixing types or lengths will make the drawer stick or run unevenly. Ball-bearing runners cost more but run smoother and last longer than plastic roller types.
DR-07Fit the new runner to the cabinet frameHold the new runner in position against the cabinet frame, level and square to the drawer opening. Screw it in using the original holes if they still grip firmly. If a hole has worn loose, drill a fresh 2mm pilot hole offset by about 10mm from the old one so the screw bites into solid timber.
DR-08Fit the new runner to the drawer sideScrew the matching runner section to the drawer side, keeping it level with the front edge as marked on the old runner or your reference photo. Do the same on the other side of the drawer.
DR-09Test fit before final tighteningSlide the drawer back into the cabinet on the new runners without fully tightening the screws yet. Push it in and out a few times to check it runs smoothly and does not rub or drop at one side. Loosen and nudge the runner slightly if it binds, then tighten all screws fully once it moves freely.
DR-10Lubricate, refill and tidy upWipe a little furniture wax or a light spray of silicone lubricant along the runners to keep them running smoothly. Put the drawer contents back in, sweep up any dust or old screws, and dispose of the worn-out runners.
1 each · Silicone lubricant spray or furniture wax