To remove an undermount drawer, you typically need to locate and engage release levers found underneath the drawer box. Engaging these levers allows the drawer to detach from the slides mounted inside the cabinet.
Steps for Removing Undermount Drawers
Undermount drawer slides are popular for their clean look, as the hardware is hidden beneath the drawer. The removal process involves a specific action to disengage the drawer from these hidden slides.
Here's the general process based on common undermount slide mechanisms:
- Empty the Drawer: Remove all contents from the drawer to make it lighter and easier to handle.
- Extend the Drawer: Pull the drawer out completely until it stops.
- Locate the Release Levers: Look underneath your drawer and see which direction the levers are actuated. These levers are usually small plastic or metal tabs located on the underside of the drawer box, near the back or middle, often sitting on top of the slide mechanism.
- Engage the Levers: Once you've identified the direction the levers need to be moved (e.g., pressed up, pushed down, or squeezed), grab the drawer and lever and press it and pull out partially. The levers on either side usually need to be engaged simultaneously.
- Tip: Some levers might require you to push them down, while others require you to pull them up. Check both sides, as they might operate in opposite directions.
- Lift and Remove: After pressing the levers, then you should be able to lift the drawer off of the slides. The drawer should now be free from the cabinet slides. Carefully pull it the rest of the way out.
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Locate Levers | Find tabs underneath the drawer, on top of the slides. |
| Identify Actuation | Determine if levers need to be pushed up, down, or squeezed. |
| Engage Levers | Press or move levers (usually simultaneously on both sides). |
| Pull Partially | Gently pull the drawer out slightly while engaging levers. |
| Lift and Remove | Lift the front of the drawer upwards and pull it clear of the cabinet. |
This method is common for many types of modern undermount slides. If the drawer doesn't release easily, double-check the lever positions and ensure both are fully engaged. For stubborn drawers, refer to the specific manufacturer's instructions for your drawer slides, as mechanisms can vary slightly.
