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Sticking drawers are a common problem in older wooden dressers. This video from The Honest Carpenter will show you 5 EASY FIXES to get your wooden drawers sliding smoothly again!
(Keep in mind that these methods are for what we typically call "web frame" drawers--drawer boxes slide on wooden components inside the dresser. With the exception of #5, these methods won't work on sliding metal hardware or more modern components with bearings and tracks.)
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The action of wood-on-wood components sliding across one another produces a lot of friction, which results in the drawer "sticking" or dragging. In many cases, the key to fixing this problem is ELIMINATING FRICTION.
5 EASY FIXES FOR WOODEN DRAWERS STICKING (HOW-TO):
1) SANDPAPER: Use 180-grit sandpaper to lightly sand down components that may be rubbing against each other too harshly. Look for abrasion points where components are catching one another. Consider lightly sanding these spots to reshape them a bit. (Note: this method won't work for every dresser, but for ones that have experienced some warpage, it can be helpful.)
2) BAR SOAP: Use common bar soap to lubricate the components that are rubbing against each other. Simply rub the bar soap across these surfaces--but don't leave too much gunk or residue. Focus especially on the underside of the drawer box, and the top of the wooden web frame pieces inside the dresser.
3) BEESWAX: Use beeswax in a similar fashion to coat or lubricate wooden components in drawers, particularly the center slide (if one is present). You can also use: paraffin wax, or even common household candles, though it may be wise to avoid anything scented.
4) WAX PAPER: Fold pieces of wax paper into pads and rub them against components. The thin layer of wax on the paper will be transferred to the wooden components without creating too much residue. BUT, be careful not to pull up any wood splinters!
5) DRY LUBE: Use dry lubricant to spray the web frame components. Graphite and teflon are two common forms of dry lubricant--I prefer teflon. A tube applicator can help to direct the flow of the lubricant to problem areas. Lubricant will go on wet but soon dry out, leaving a slick layer. This is the most effective method, and dry lube can also be used on metal, plastics, and rope!
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