I installed some drawers about 8 years ago underneath a platform bed, with ball bearing drawer slides. Now, all of a sudden, one of the drawers won’t stay shut. Do I need to replace the slides?
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Replies
Well you need to take it apart and figure out what is wrong. It could be worn out, or in need of cleaning and lubrication, or there's a sock jammed behind the drawer.
John W.
Exactly which brand or series slides did you use ?
As John said I would look for an obstruction preventing the drawer from closing , take a look .
Every now and then the race or bearing holder ( usually black plastic ) will let loose and fail on the lower duty 100lb ball bearing slides . The other possibility is the slide is out of it's own track perhaps on one side only , if you have not yet you need to pull it out all the way the problem may be clear at that point.
I have built many large full extension drawers and what I have noticed is sometimes when a drawer is only pulled out say half way and then closed for most of it's use the slides can build up some resistance to stay shut , simply extend the drawer out all the way and an extra little tug to make sure its all out will often times clear the problem .
Depending on the brand there may also be a friction catch at the rear or the front that may be the culprit .
good luck dusty
Is there any chance your house tilted to the left? <g>
Hey, that was going to be my question!
Yes, runners can wear out - but not all at the same time. There is something else wrong.
Did something shake or move the bed recently (grin)?
You installed your drawers 8 years ago under your bed!? And now they won't stay shut?
By all means don't venture out to the mall, well, perhaps a strip mall might be OK.
:>)
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 4/8/2008 12:25 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
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