How to Fix Desk Drawers That Are Not in Straight

How to Fix Desk Drawers That Are Not in Straight
Written By
James Clark
James Clark
Published: Aug 16, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Step 1

Pull the drawer out of the desk and tilt upward at an angle to remove.

Step 2

Redistribute some of the items in a drawer that has pulled off the slides inside the desk. Transfer some of the heavier items to other drawers, especially supplies that you do not use every day. The drawer may be overloaded, causing mechanical problems with the slide mechanism.

Step 3

Spray lubricant from a can onto the drawer slides, on either the bottom or each side of the drawer.

Step 4

Replace the drawer in the desk and move it in and out several times to work the lubricant into the slides inside the desk. If the drawer is still crooked, remove it from the desk and continue troubleshooting.

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Step 5

Tighten the screws holding the slides inside the desk walls.

Step 6

Loosen the screws holding a drawer slide on the side that is not hanging straight when the drawer is flush with the desk. For example, if the drawer tilts downward to the right, loosen the screws in the right-hand drawer slide.

Step 7

Push and hold the slide in the opposite direction of the problem position. For example, if the drawer hangs downward and to the right, push up on the right-hand slide and hold it. Drawer slides are typically made with oval loops for screw holes. This enables you to adjust the position of the slide for a better fit in the desk.

Step 8

Tighten the screws while holding the slide in the new position.

Step 9

Replace the desk drawer and push it closed.

Photo Credits

Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

James Clark

James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark…

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