You may have heard that it is almost impossible or very difficult to remove the drawers of a piece of furniture with drawers that have metal glides but do not have visible levers. But is it really so hard? The answer is “no”!!
If you have some patience and learn the right techniques, you can certainly remove and even replace drawers as required!! In this brief article, we are going to tell you exactly what you have to do to get rid of drawers with metal glides and no lever.
Tools and Materials Needed:
● A flashlight
● A flathead screwdriver
● A pair of pliers
● A rubber mallet
Step 1: Inspect the Drawers and Glides
You need to always start with the top drawers. Before you start removing the drawers, take a close look at them to see how they are attached to the glides. Use a flashlight to get a good view of the glides and any other parts that may be involved in securing the drawer.
Locating the track levers is necessary and they have to be pressed with hands.
Step 2: Release the Drawer Stops
Many drawers with metal glides have drawer stops that prevent the drawer from being pulled out too far. Look for small plastic or metal tabs located on the underside of the drawer. Gently push or pry these tabs up with a flathead screwdriver to release the drawer stops.
Step 3: Remove the Drawer
Once the drawer stops have been released, gently pull the drawer straight out of the piece of furniture. If the drawer doesn’t slide out easily, try wiggling it back and forth while pulling gently.
If the drawer still won’t come out, inspect the glides for any obstructions or debris that may be preventing the drawer from sliding out.
Step 4: Inspect the Glides
With the drawer removed, take a closer look at the glides. Check for any damage, such as bent metal or broken plastic parts. If the glides are damaged, they may need to be replaced.
Step 5: Remove the Glides (Optional)
If you need to replace the glides, use a pair of pliers to gently pry them off the sides of the drawer. Be careful not to damage the drawer or the glides.
Step 6: Install New Glides (Optional)
If you are replacing the glides, install the new glides onto the sides of the drawer. Make sure they are securely in place before reinserting the drawer.
Step 7: Reinsert the Drawer
To reinsert the drawer, align the glides on the sides of the drawer with the corresponding glides on the furniture. Gently slide the drawer back into place until it clicks or locks into position. If the drawer still doesn’t slide in smoothly, use a rubber mallet to tap it into place.
Conclusion
Initially, you may not feel confident about removing drawers with metal glides and no levers, but if you follow the aforementioned step-by-step procedure, you will easily be able to remove and even replace them!
The steps that we mentioned above are quite simple. This procedure will allow you to maintain your furniture in proper working order and make any necessary replacements or repairs whenever it is deemed necessary.
