How to Remove Dresser Drawer with Center Metal Slides?

There can be many reasons for you to get the drawer out from a dresser or cabinet. Maybe you want to move the furniture to some other place. And so, you need to make it a bit lighter before by getting the drawers out. Or it could be for a more serious repair related issue. No matter what is your reason, removing drawers out should be the first step eventually.

Usually, the process is way simpler and needs no worrying at all. Except when you have a drawer that uses complicated types of slide such as center metal slide. If that’s the case, you need to figure out the right method on how to remove dresser drawer with center metal slide.

How to Remove Dresser Drawer with Center Metal Slides All by Yourself?

The most common piece of furniture that uses a center metal slide is a dresser. And so, let me demonstrate this process how to remove dresser drawer particularly. Keep on Reading …

Checking the Release Mechanism.

Now usually there is no particular locking mechanism when a center mount metal slide is in use. These are common with side mount ball-bearing slides. However, it’s best to test beforehand to confirm the thing. Also, you want to be sure that the slide is center mount slide. Here are some pointers that can be helpful meanwhile:

1. If there are two slides of metal on any one side of the drawer, then this means it’s an under-mount drawer slide. And this should have two simple push release levers.
2. While the drawer is completely extending, if it comes out very easily by merely lifting, then slides must be bottom mount epoxy type.
3. With a fully extending drawer, if you notice two visible release levers, then this must be a side mount ball bearing slide drawer. It usually needs a simple push one side up while keeping another side down and pulling to come out.

Find the Pull-Out Guard.

Certain types of drawers include a specific plastic piece. This helps to prevent drawer from coming out all the way. There can be one of two types to notice commonly. The first type is inverted speed bump style.

It should look semi-circular in shape. And the other version looks like a plastic flap. It usually hits the drawer’s bottom back when extended completely. Also, this type is usually noticeable from inside the cabinet. And so, rather than seeing it, you are more likely to hear the sound it makes.

If there’s one of these two types available with your dresser’s drawer, then you need to do this simple thing. Just be very careful and steadily apply some opening force frequently on the drawer while not pinching your fingers. This will make it pull freely from the plastic piece.

The Right Pressure for Pulling.

Now your dresser drawer can be quite old by age. And so, you can end up breaking the drawer by forcing a pull. So, it’s important that you apply the right pressure to pull and not be unreasonable with it. Usually, this forceful pull ends up breaking the guide if there are any.

You don’t want to slam or pinch the drawer by any means. It can cause personal injury otherwise. Drawers that do not have dovetail joinery can also damage due to excessive force.

Simply put gentle force for opening the drawer and check whether it is facing an obstacle or not. You can jiggle it from time to time while applying pressure. So that it can move across any area that might be broken. Also, try using a helper to put some opening force on the sides of your drawer. Especially for the ones without a dovetail.

Trying the Other Drawers.

If you find yourself stuck with a drawer that is not coming out no matter what, then attempt to open another one. It can be possible that the drawer you are trying to get out has broken parts. And so, you can see how it feels or seems to get drawers out from that’s specific dresser through another target.

So that you have an idea that the drawer is not coming out because it’s actually broken. And that’s the reason why your efforts are not working. This will avoid confusion and wasting time.

Checking the Slide.

Once you get the drawers out, have a look at slides. There could be broken parts or anything creating a hard block. Usually with drawers inside, it’s hard to check the slides. So, take the chance and look for any broken signs to go for a repair if necessary.

You want the drawer slide to be fully open on track. Then use a putty knife to test it. If the drawer you were trying to get out is broken, then also you can use this step. Once you get another drawer out, check the slide of it. And then compare it to the broken drawer’s slide.

You may be able to find out the reason. Also, you can try removing the drawer slide if back is accessible. And if nothing works, then maybe applying excessive pressure to forcefully get broken drawer out is the only option. Of course, you will need to go through a repair for that drawer later.

Conclusion.

And that’s all for today! Apply this method and tips on how to remove dresser drawer with center metal slide.And hopefully, you’ll be able to get those drawers out safely in no time. Let’s Meet on Another Fun Topic Soon, Goodbye!