From Stuck to Smooth: How to Replace a Broken Drawer Slide
A drawer that sticks, tilts, or falls off track can turn a normal day into a frustrating one. The good news? Replacing a broken drawer slide is much easier than it sounds. You don’t need special skills or fancy tools. Just a little time and patience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing a drawer slide. If you can use a screwdriver, you can handle this repair.
What Is a Drawer Slide and Why It Breaks
Drawer slides are the metal tracks that let a drawer open and close smoothly. Over time, they can wear out, bend, or break completely.
Common reasons drawer slides fail include:
- Too much weight in the drawer
- Slamming drawers shut
- Loose screws
- Old hardware
Once a slide is damaged, the drawer won’t sit right. Replacing it is usually better than trying to bend it back into shape.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, grab these basics:
- A screwdriver (or drill with a screwdriver bit)
- Replacement drawer slides (match the length of the old ones)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level (helpful, but not required)
Most hardware stores carry drawer slides, and they’re usually inexpensive.
Step 1: Remove the Drawer
Pull the drawer out as far as it will go. Most drawers will lift up and slide out. Some have small release tabs on the sides. If you feel resistance, look closely and don’t force it.
Set the drawer aside on a flat surface.
Step 2: Remove the Old Drawer Slides
You’ll see part of the slide attached to the drawer and part attached to the cabinet.
Use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding the slides in place. Keep the screws if they’re still in good shape. If they’re stripped or bent, toss them.
Once removed, take the old slide with you to the store if you haven’t bought replacements yet. Matching the size matters.
Step 3: Install the New Slides in the Cabinet
Hold the new slide against the inside of the cabinet where the old one was mounted.
Use a pencil to mark the screw holes. Ensure the slide is level before tightening any components. A crooked slide will cause problems later.
Attach the slide loosely at first. Once it’s straight, tighten the screws fully.
Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Attach the Slides to the Drawer
Now attach the matching slide pieces to each side of the drawer.
Line them up with the original screw holes if possible. This saves time and keeps everything aligned.
Tighten the screws, but don’t overdo it. You want them snug, not stripped.
Step 5: Put the Drawer Back In
Line up the drawer slides with the cabinet slides and gently push the drawer in.
You may need to lift slightly or wiggle it a bit. Once it’s in, slide it in and out a few times to check how it feels.
If it sticks or tilts, pull it out and check alignment. Small adjustments make a big difference.
Quick Tips for a Smooth Fix
- Replace both slides, even if only one is broken
- Don’t rush the alignment step
- Test the drawer before loading it back up
- Avoid overloading the drawer once repaired
When to Replace the Drawer Instead
If the drawer itself is cracked, warped, or falling apart, new slides won’t fix the problem. In that case, replacing the drawer may be the better option.
Final Thoughts
A broken drawer slide looks like a big problem, but it’s one of the easiest home fixes you can do. With a few tools and about 15 minutes, your drawer can slide like new again.
Next time a drawer starts acting up, you’ll know exactly what to do — and you won’t have to live with it half-open ever again.