Expert: Jamie Yocono - 5/9/2008

Question
Custom built-in desk unit in den.  On drawer opens by itself.  I close and reclose, but it still slowly slides to an open position.  Can you help?

Answer
Linda,

What a weird thing! I think your drawer was installed with the slides slanted forward. That would mean that the weight of the drawer wants to naturally pull the thing out.

You can try adjusting the drawer slide - you'll need to remove the drawer completely and look at the part of the drawer slides that is mounted inside your desk. If you're lucky, it'll be mounted with a few screws, and if you're even luckier, those screws will be positioned in slots. Loosen a screw and adjust the slide's location in the slot, try moving them both (the left and the right slide) in the same direction, like down or up. Then tighten the screws and reinstall the drawer. If it still does it, try the other direction.

Two things to think about - repositioning the slides will make the face of the drawer hang differently. So it may not line up correctly with the other drawers. Also, repositioning the slides may not be enough to correct the problem. You may have to completely take them out and install them in new screw holes. But doing this will (once again) make the drawer hang differently. So be aware that solving one problem (the drawer "self" opening) MIGHT create another problem (the drawer hanging in the wrong place)... if you correct one, can you also correct the other?

Here's a little different suggestion... it's not the perfect one, but it might work. What about installing a magnetic catch to hold the drawer in place? It's not the best solution, but it could work, with a heck of a lot less hassle. Here's a link to a catch - to see a picture of one. http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10199&filter=magnetic%20catch

You can probably buy a catch locally, at your local hardware store. You will have to think outside the box in order to install this, but I can think of several ways to mount this catch to a drawer.

Good luck, write back if you have more questions or need more help.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com