It is a common problem in the house for cupboard, kitchen cabinet or sliding drawer to open on its own again and again. Many times, despite closing the drawer completely, it slowly starts slipping out. Due to this, there is a fear of the items kept inside falling and it also causes difficulty in daily work. In such situations, people often think of calling a carpenter. But if the drawer channel is not broken and the problem is simply a loose adjustment, then in some cases it can be fixed at home.
Follow this easy trick to repair the drawer
Step 1: Pull out the drawer
First of all, carefully take out the drawer completely. If necessary, separate it from the sliding channel. If the drawer is heavy, have someone help you handle it.
Step 2: Check the channel
Carefully check the sliding channel of the drawer. Find out if any parts are broken, bent or loose. Some channels have a rubber or plastic cover on the back, which can be removed as per need.
Step 3: Adjust the thin channel leaf
If a thin metal leaf is visible under the rubber cover at the back of the channel, first make sure that it is part of the mechanism that holds the drawer in place. If needed, it can be adjusted very slightly with the help of pliers. Do not apply too much pressure during this time, as the leaf may break or the channel may get damaged further.
Step 4: Reassemble the drawer and test
After adjustment, put the cover back on and fit the drawer correctly into the channel. Now move it slowly in and out to see whether it closes easily or not and whether it stays in place after closing or not.
When should you call a carpenter?
This method does not work for all types of drawers. The locking mechanism of different sliding channels may be different. If the channel is broken, the drawer is bent, the screws are loose or the drawer is opening on its own even after adjustment, it would be better to get it checked by a carpenter.
Keep in mind: Do not bend any metal leaf without understanding its working. If the drawer channel does not have a locking system, the problem may also be due to slope, incorrect fitting or poor slides.