Making wood on wood drawers slide easier often requires lubricating the surfaces that rub against each other. The simplest and most common method involves applying a lubricant directly to the wood.
Lubricating Wood Drawers for Smoother Operation
Over time, friction can cause wood drawers to stick or become difficult to open and close. Applying a suitable lubricant reduces this friction, allowing the drawer to glide more smoothly within its runners.
Using Paraffin Wax
One highly effective and readily available solution is Paraffin Wax. This type of wax is commonly found in grocery stores and is easy to apply.
Here's how to use Paraffin Wax to improve drawer sliding:
- Prepare the Drawer: Pull the drawer out completely from the chest or cabinet.
- Apply the Wax: Take a block of Paraffin Wax and rub it firmly on the sides, edges, and all surfaces where the drawer makes contact with the chest or the runners it slides on. Ensure you cover the friction points thoroughly.
- Test: Reinsert the drawer and test its movement. Apply more wax if necessary until the desired smoothness is achieved.
Rubbing Paraffin Wax onto the contact points creates a slick surface that significantly reduces the resistance between the wood components, allowing the drawer to slide open and shut with much less effort.
