Ethan Clarke
Plastic drawer stops are a safety feature that prevents you from pulling out your drawer too far, which could cause the contents to spill or the furniture to tip over. They are usually found on drawers with wooden glides or metal runners that hook onto plastic rollers. To reinsert a plastic drawer stop, you will need to first identify the type of drawer slide mechanism and locate the stop or obstruction. Once located, the stop can be reinserted by screwing it into place at the back of the drawer or bending and rotating it back into position.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the type of drawer stop
To identify the type of drawer stop, first check if the drawer can be fully extended. If it can be, then it doesn't have a drawer stop. If it cannot be fully extended, then the drawer stop is probably built into the metal glides on the side.
Drawer stops can take a number of forms, and some manufacturers, such as Broyhill, have proprietary designs. The little plastic tabs you often find on the back or side of cabinet and dresser drawers are more generic. These plastic tabs are usually fixed with a single screw. They are often found on drawers that feature wooden glides or metal runners that hook onto plastic rollers attached to the opening in the cabinet.
Wooden drawer slides are often found on older furniture like armoires or dressers. These types of construction may include a twist-type stop to prevent the drawer from coming out. Metal glides that slide along plastic wheels are another type of drawer stop. These require you to work the wheels along the curved section at the back of the glides as you lift the front and pull.
Some drawers, such as file cabinets and desks, have built-in safety-lock stops. Manufacturers don't all employ the same stop mechanism, but a generic procedure will work for most of them.
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Remove drawers safely
Removing drawers can be done safely and easily, but the process may vary depending on the type of drawer you're working with. Here are some general steps to follow to ensure you remove drawers safely:
Prepare the Work Area:
- Clear the area around the dresser or cabinet. This will give you space to move freely and avoid accidents.
- Remove any items on top of the furniture.
- Keep children and pets away from the area.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Use a sturdy ladder if the dresser is tall to avoid straining yourself.
- Check for any loose parts that could fall during the process.
Identify the Drawer Mechanism:
- Different types of drawers have different mechanisms, such as wooden slides, metal glides, or rollers.
- Identify if there are any stopping mechanisms like stabilizer screws, anti-tip cables, or levers.
Remove the Drawers:
- Always start with the top drawer and work your way down to prevent weight imbalance and the risk of the furniture tipping over.
- Stand in front of the furniture and ensure there is enough space to pull the drawer out fully.
- Pull the drawer out as far as it will go.
- If there is a stopper, try gently raising the front of the drawer to see if it is in a track.
- If it moves, slide the drawer away at an angle.
- If it doesn't move, you may need to disengage the stopper or remove any screws holding the drawer in place.
- Once the drawer is free, lift it out of the cabinet and set it aside on a stable surface.
Repeat for Additional Drawers:
Repeat the above steps for any additional drawers you need to remove, always working from top to bottom.
Remember to be patient and gentle throughout the process to avoid damaging the drawers or the furniture.
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Loosen the screw
To reinsert the plastic stops at the bottom of a drawer, you may first need to loosen the screw holding it in place. This will allow you to rotate the stop downward and out of the way so that you can remove the drawer.
To do this, first open the drawer so that you can reach inside with a screwdriver. Locate the plastic stop and the screw that is holding it in place. You may need a flashlight to help you see the screw clearly. Once you have located the screw, use the screwdriver to loosen it. Turn the screw in the appropriate direction—either clockwise or anti-clockwise—to loosen it. Be careful not to overtighten the screw, as this could damage the plastic stop or the drawer itself.
Once the screw is sufficiently loosened, you should be able to rotate the plastic stop out of the way. If the stop won't rotate, you may need to completely remove the screw. To do this, back the screw out all the way by continuing to turn it in the same direction until it comes free. With the screw removed, you should be able to rotate or lift the plastic stop out of the way.
In some cases, the plastic stop may be broken or damaged, and it may need to be replaced. If this is the case, you can try to find a replacement stop at a hardware store or online. Alternatively, you may be able to glue the broken pieces of the plastic stop back together using a strong adhesive.
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Lift the drawer out
To lift the drawer out, start by standing in front of the piece of furniture and sliding the drawer open as far as you can, with one hand on each side. Ensure there is enough space for the drawer to fully slide out. You can also hold onto the front bottom of the drawer if that's easier, but keep your fingers away from the drawer's tracks. If the drawer is full, it's best to remove some of its contents, and ideally, the drawer should be completely empty before you attempt to lift it out.
Once you've pulled the drawer out as far as it will go, use both hands to tug the drawer out toward you as evenly as possible. As you pull, tilt the drawer upward. The drawer should then pull free from the furniture. Be careful, as the drawer will likely be heavy.
Now, lift the drawer out of the cabinet. If the 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. This may require a little extra wiggling, but the drawer can usually be removed with little effort.
Finally, make a note of any numbers marked on the side of the drawer. These numbers indicate which slot in the furniture the drawer belongs in, with smaller numbers usually indicating a higher drawer. This will make it easier when it's time to reassemble your furniture.
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Reinsert the plastic stop
To reinsert the plastic stop, you will need to locate the stop mechanism. This could be in the form of a plastic tab at the back or side of the cabinet or dresser drawer.
First, identify the type of drawer slide you have. Common types include wood-drawer slides, metal glides with plastic wheels, and telescoping glides with built-in safety-lock stops. Once you know the type of slide, you can determine the location of the stop.
If your drawer has metal glides with plastic wheels, the plastic stop is likely located at the back or side of the drawer. To reinsert the stop, place one hand under the drawer near the back to support it and use the other hand to lift the front of the drawer several inches. This will pivot the drawer box and lower the stop so that it can be reinserted into the cabinet.
For wood-drawer slides, the stop is often a twist-type mechanism. To reinsert this type of stop, locate the obstruction and use both hands to twist or rotate the drawer back into place.
If your drawer has telescoping glides with built-in safety-lock stops, you will need to release the lock mechanism before reinserting the drawer and engaging the stop. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek guidance online for releasing specific safety-lock stops.
In some cases, the plastic stop may be attached to the drawer with a screw. If the stop has broken, you can replace it by screwing a new stop into the same position at the back or front of the drawer. Ensure that the new stop is securely attached and can effectively prevent the drawer from falling out.
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Frequently asked questions
If the drawer opens almost all the way, but not completely, it likely has plastic stops.
First, locate the plastic stop. Then, bend or rotate it back into place. If the stop is broken, you may need to replace it with a new one.
You may need a screwdriver to loosen or tighten any screws holding the plastic stop in place. A flashlight can also be useful to help you locate the stop.
Typically, the plastic stop should be rotated downward and out of the way to allow the drawer to be removed or inserted. If the stop won't rotate, remove the screw completely and try again.
