How To Remove A Drawer With Metal Slides

Kitchen cabinet drawers and desk drawers use metal slides to enable the drawer to move in and out freely. These slides incorporate either ball bearings or rollers for smooth operation. When the drawer is difficult to open or something has fallen behind the drawer cavity, it is necessary to pull the drawer out. Removing a drawer with metal slides depends on the type of slide your drawer uses. Some slides are simple designs with two stationary tracks with a roller on each side of the drawer. Other slides are extensions that allow for the drawer to open further. These types of slides usually are two stationary pieces with a center rail that moves with the drawer.

Step 1

Open the drawer as normal. Remove all the contents from the drawer. This lightens the drawer weight and also helps prevent dropping the contents onto the floor.

Step 2

Pull the drawer out all the way. Look at the side of the drawer to determine what type of metal slide you have.

Step 3

Grab the drawer on both sides near the back of the drawer, if you have a single stationary slide on the drawer sides. Lift the back of the drawer and pull it toward you to remove the drawer from the cabinet.

Step 4

Search for a lever or push tab on the movable slide, if you have slides that move with the drawer. Push the tabs in with your fingers or raise the levers while pulling the drawer from the cabinet.