What's the best way to make wooden drawers move smoothly again?

Question

I have an old bedroom set that I am going to strip, refinish, and sell. The wood under about 40 years of paint is beautiful. Its in great condition (no dings or scratches) except for the fact that some of the wooden drawers don't slide as smoothly as they once did. What's a good (inexpensive) way to fix these drawers?

Is there a preferred wax candle or just any plain unscented one?

Also, there are no metal parts in the drawers. Would the wax still work well?

Answer 1

Try the soap idea and sand the sides of the drawers or track to help it slide. Wood has a tendency to expand and contract due to climate and age.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Wooden Drawers

Answer 4

Wax on the runners.

EDIT: Yes - the wax is being suggested for the wood, not metal parts. Any kind of wax will do; as some have said you might want to be careful of strong colours or scents, but the purpose is simple. Rubbing the wood with wax, a candle, soap, or anything similar leaves a residue behind that is smooth-surfaced so that there is no friction between the wooden parts. It may be that you need to sand them down a little first though, because the wood may have expanded so as it no longer fits the gap so well.

Answer 5

Hi
You could used a candle to rub on the runner and under the edge of the drawer for smooth operation
make sure you do the front underneath the drawers to.
But i used Belt dressing stick sold at an auto part for fan belt.
Present sticking.
Reason it will not gum up on the long run and make the drawer sticky

good luck

30 yrs master carpenter

Answer 6

First of all check and see what kind of guide the drawers have. If they are very old they probably glide on a center guide wood to wood. Probably the wood has been chipped on the guide itself. Or plastic piece on the bottom of drawer is broke. I did not read your detail they sell paraffin cheep just for that kind of stuff

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I would suggest using wax. This works great on moving items and also on things like zipper and, in your case, drawers. If you can't find wax you can use crayons just be careful when selecting your colors.

Answer 9

Rub candle wax on the parts which come in contact with each other, works as a great lubricant.

Use a non-colored candle in order to avoid staining the wood, as the dyes in candles can be fairly strong.

Answer 10

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