How do I unstick a drawer in an antique oak dresser?

Question

I have an antique serpentine dresser that was stored in a basement. I think the wood has swelled. One of the top drawers is stuck. I've tried everything I can think of, jiggling, from underneath, and even tapping it. It is totally jammed.

Leanore · Answer

I had a similar problem and someone suggested using a very little spray of DW-40 with the little red straw thing. I let that sit for about 5 minutes and the drawer gave way. Once unstuck I was told to coat the runners on the side and the bottom with candle wax. It worked like magic but I have to refresh the wax every 6 to 8 months or so. Hope this works for you.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I would reccomend letting the furniture totally dry out so the swelling goes down Then try to open the draw. It has worked for me in the past.

Chris Leckington · Answer

I have used BeesWax on all the furniture that I have had with this problem. Just give it a good rub and whalaa, no more sticking. You might have to do it again later, but I keep a big chunk around all the time for things like this.

1728226 · Answer

Get some ski wax and rub on it

Terry McMullen · Answer

My husband does a lot of repairs on antiques, and he uses paraffin (like wax used for canning vegetables) on the bottom of the drawers. It works great to get them to glide. Also, you might make sure that the board that the drawer slides on is not broken.

266335 · Answer

If swelling is not the problem, try removing the back panel carefully, make sure there is nothing stuck in the drawer. Once the panel is off you can check to see if anything is broken that may need to be repaired. Then wax the runners

Redcatcec · Answer

Use WD40 to loosen it, also candle wax. Also, if you can get it freed up somewhat, there may be something in the drawer that is sticking up, run a flat blade to clear that obstacle.

Annie · Answer

This video might help! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8eJAkE2f5w

Adrienne Carrie Hubbard | Crafty Little Gnome · Answer

Drawers that stick in vintage furniture may be caused by the wood's tendency to gradually swell with dampness. You can quickly get your drawer sliding in and out again, though, if you use some furniture oil or wax.

Betsy · Answer

Hi Melody: You can try sticking your hair dryer inside of the drawer, pointing at the sides to dry out the wood. Then, when you can slide the drawer out, rub chalk on it and put the drawer back into the desk and remove it. Where the chalk is rubbed off is where the wood is high. You can sand those areas down. Do this a few times to be sure you have all of the high areas level and then rub the drawer tops with wax or soap to assist with sliding in and out. Do this every month or so.

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Use a Dehumidifier to draw the damp out!

Deb K · Answer

Hi Melody, hope this helps. Try rubbing regular bar soap, wax paper, dry lubricant with Teflon. If these steps don't solve the problem, it's possible the wood has shifted in such a way that the drawer no longer fits properly in the dresser. In this case, check to see where friction is leaving wear marks on the drawer.

How do I unstick a drawer in an antique oak dresser?

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How do I unstick a drawer in an antique oak dresser?

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