Sofia Martinez
Plastic storage drawers are convenient for storing items and can be easily assembled and disassembled. However, certain types of plastic drawers, such as those with stopping mechanisms or plastic stops, may require specific techniques to dismantle. This can include identifying the type of stopping mechanism, using the appropriate tools, and applying the correct amount of force or angle when removing the drawers. In some cases, modifications may be necessary to make the drawers removable. Overall, understanding the specific features of the plastic storage drawers is crucial for successful dismantling.
How to dismantle plastic storage drawers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | No tools are required to dismantle Sterilite plastic drawers. However, a screwdriver or a knife may be needed to remove other types of plastic drawers. A hair dryer may also be useful to warm up and loosen snap locks. |
| Process | To dismantle Sterilite drawers, pull out all the drawers from the frame. Press the tab on each inside top corner of the drawers and the frame to unlock the parts. Pull apart the plastic drawer panels and the frame unit for each drawer. |
| Stoppers | Plastic stops on drawers are safety features to prevent accidental removal and spillage. They can take the form of plastic tabs or rollers attached to the opening in the cabinet. |
| Removal process | To remove drawers with plastic stops, locate the stoppers and try to bend or rotate them. Loosen or remove any screws holding the stoppers in place. Work the wheels along the curved section at the back of the glides as you lift the front and pull. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of plastic storage drawers
Plastic storage drawers are a great way to store and organise various items, from clothes and school supplies to small hardware components. They come in a variety of sizes, with different features, and are made from different types of plastic. Here are some tips to identify the type of plastic storage drawers:
Number of Drawers
The number of drawers in a plastic storage unit can vary, with options ranging from single drawers to sets of four or more. Some units offer multiple drawers in a single unit, such as three or twelve drawers in one cart or chest.
Stackability
Some plastic storage drawers are designed to be stackable, allowing you to create storage towers of varying heights. These drawers usually have a self-contained design, with each drawer having its own base and lid, and they stack on top of each other securely. Stackable drawers provide flexibility in organising your space.
Frame and Drawer Material
Plastic storage drawers can have frames made of different materials, such as metal or plastic. Metal frames often feature a chrome finish, providing a sleek and modern look. The drawers themselves are typically made of plastic, with some varieties being transparent, semi-transparent, or having a frosted finish. This allows you to easily identify the contents of each drawer.
Special Features
Plastic storage drawers may also include special features such as casters or wheels, making them easy to move around. Some drawers have built-in stops to prevent them from falling out when opened. Others may have cutout handles or button knobs for easy opening and closing. Silicone feet are another feature that helps stacked drawers stay in place.
Size and Portability
Plastic storage drawers come in various sizes, from slim designs that fit under a sink to larger units for clothing or craft supplies. Consider the amount of space you have available and choose drawers that are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre if portability is important.
By considering these factors, you can identify the type of plastic storage drawers that best suit your needs and space constraints.
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Locate and remove stopping mechanisms
To locate and remove stopping mechanisms from plastic storage drawers, follow these steps:
First, identify if your plastic storage drawers have plastic stops or tabs. These are usually found on the back or side of the drawers and prevent them from being removed. If the drawers open only about three-quarters of the way, the stops are likely built into the metal glides on the side.
Next, try to locate the specific type of stopping mechanism. This could be a twist-type stop, a built-in safety lock, levers, stabilizer screws, anti-tip cables, or a small raised lip on the front side of the interior track.
To remove plastic stops or tabs, you may need a screwdriver to loosen or remove them. Open the drawer far enough to reach the stop with a screwdriver. Locate each stop and try bending or rotating it. If it is held by a screw, loosen or remove the screw. If the stop won't rotate, take the stop off by backing the screw out all the way.
For drawers with levers, identify the track levers along the outer walls. You should see a lever on each side of the drawer, usually around the centre of the track. These levers can be straight or slightly curved. To remove the drawer, push down or push up on both levers simultaneously while gently pulling the drawer towards you.
If your drawers have a small raised lip on the front side of the interior track, tilt the front of the drawer downward and push down on the sides. This will raise the back end slightly, allowing you to pull the drawer out past the stopper.
For drawers with stabilizer screws, locate a pair of screws, one on each side, and remove them before pulling the drawer out.
Remember, the process of dismantling plastic storage drawers may vary depending on the specific design and manufacturer. Always handle the drawers with care to avoid damage or injury.
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Remove drawers from the frame
To remove drawers from the frame of a plastic storage unit, you'll first want to pull the drawer out as far as it will go. If there is no stopper, the drawer should come right out. If it doesn't, you may need to move the drawer around a little to work it free.
If your drawer does have a stopper, you'll need to locate it and determine whether it's a plastic stop or a metal glide with a built-in safety-lock. You can usually find plastic stops on the back or side of the drawer. Metal glides with safety-locks are found on some drawers, like file cabinets and desks. If your drawer has metal glides that slide along plastic wheels, you'll need to work the wheels along the curved section at the back of the glides as you lift the front and pull.
If your drawer has plastic stops, you'll need to bend or rotate them to remove the drawer. They are usually held by a single screw, so you may need to use a screwdriver to loosen or remove them. If the stop won't rotate, you can back the screw out all the way and take the stop off.
If your drawer has a built-in safety-lock, you'll need to open the drawer as far as it will go and slide your hand along the glide on each side until you feel the lock lever. You can then push in at the lock to depress the plastic lock and unsnap it. You may need to use a screwdriver to depress the lock, or you can try warming the snap lock with a hair dryer to make it more pliable.
If your plastic storage drawers have drawer catch tabs, you can use a hot knife or utility knife to cut them. If the drawer catches are on the bottom of the drawers, you'll need to empty the cart, flip it over, and remove the bottom catches first.
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Depress plastic locks
To dismantle plastic storage drawers, you must first identify the type of lock or stop mechanism that is in place. This could be plastic tabs, metal glides, or wheels, and sometimes, there may be no stop mechanism at all.
If the drawer has plastic tabs, you will need to depress the tabs to release the lock. These plastic tabs are usually found on the back or side of the drawers. To do this, slide your hand along the glide on each side of the drawer until you feel the lock lever at the junction of the drawer glide and the cabinet runner. You should feel a movable tab at each junction. Depress both tabs simultaneously while pulling the drawer forward. This should allow the drawer to slip past the lever, and you can then lift it away from the cabinet. It is important to remember to depress both tabs at the same time to avoid the drawer tipping and spilling its contents.
For drawers with metal glides that slide along plastic wheels, you will need to work the wheels along the curved section at the back of the glides while lifting the front of the drawer and pulling it out. This may require some wiggling, but the drawer should come out with minimal effort.
In some cases, the drawers may have been fitted with stops after their initial manufacture. These stops are usually screwed to the back of the drawer and extend upward to prevent the drawer from falling out. To remove the drawer, you will need to use a screwdriver to loosen or remove the stops. Open the drawer enough to reach inside, then use the screwdriver to loosen the screw holding the stop in place. Once the screw is sufficiently loose, you can rotate the stop downward and out of the way, allowing you to remove the drawer.
Additionally, some drawers may have no stop mechanism at all. In this case, simply pull the drawer out with a little force or tilt it at the right angle to remove it.
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Use a knife to cut through plastic
To cut through plastic storage drawers with a knife, it is best to use a hobby knife or a utility knife, also known as a box cutter. Using a hot knife to cut through plastic is not advisable due to the risk of burning yourself, and the plastic could also catch fire.
Before cutting with a knife, it is recommended to first drill small holes in the plastic. This will weaken the structure of the plastic and make it easier to cut. Choose a drill bit that is no larger than 1/8 inch (0.32 cm) in diameter and drill at least six holes in the section of plastic you want to cut through. Make these holes as close to one another as possible.
Once the holes are drilled, use the hobby knife to cut through the plastic between the holes. This method will make it easier to cut through thick plastic and will help maintain the integrity of the plastic. Cut slowly and deliberately to avoid cracking or breaking the plastic.
If you are cutting plexiglass, you can use a box cutter or Exacto knife. Make sure to use a sharp blade and score the plexiglass several times along the same line to create a clean break. After scoring, bend the plexiglass along the scored line to snap it. Sand the edges after cutting to smooth out any rough edges.
It is important to note that cutting plastic with a knife can be challenging, and there is a risk of cracking or breaking the plastic. Fine-toothed saws, such as a jigsaw or hacksaw, are alternative tools that can be used to cut through plastic with less risk of cracking.
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