Quck answer
To remove drawers with plastic stops, follow these steps:
1. Open the drawer fully.
2. Locate the plastic stops on either side of the drawer.
3. Use a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to push down on the plastic stops.
4. While pushing down on the stops, pull the drawer towards you.
5. Continue pulling until the drawer is completely removed from its tracks.
6. To reinsert the drawer, align it with the tracks and push it back in until the plastic stops click into place.
Remember to be gentle when removing or inserting the drawer to avoid damaging the plastic stops.
The small plastic stops on your kitchen and bathroom cabinet drawers, and bedroom dresser drawers are there for your safety. Without the stops, you can accidentally pull out a full drawer too far, causing the contents to spill on the floor. Worse still, if the drawer is at the bottom of a dresser, the weight shift can cause the dresser to tip over.
Plastic stops prevent drawers from being pulled out too far and spilling their contents.
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Ovis
Drawer stops can come in different forms, and some manufacturers, like Broyhill, have their own designs. However, the little plastic tabs that you typically find on the back or side of cabinet and dresser drawers are more generic. These plastic tabs might not be sturdy, but they are effective in preventing the drawer from being removed. You will usually find these on drawers that have wooden glides or metal runners that attach to plastic rollers on the cabinet opening.
Removing drawers that have plastic stops is generally an easy process that does not require tools. However, in some cases, a screwdriver might be necessary to loosen or remove the stops to take out the drawer.
Steps for Removing the Drawer
Tilt the front of the drawer up to release the stops, then pull out the drawer.
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sirawit99/iStock/GettyImages
Start by confirming that the drawer has plastic stops. You can tell by attempting to open the drawer almost all the way, but not quite. If the drawer only opens three-quarters of the way, then the stops are likely integrated into the metal glides on the side.
Step 1: Lighten the Load
If the drawer is full, remove some of its contents. Ideally, the drawer should be completely empty, but a partially full drawer can also be removed.
Step 2: Begin from the Top
If you are removing all the drawers from a cabinet or dresser, start with the top one and work your way down to prevent tipping and weight imbalance.
Step 3: Pull the Drawer Out as Far as It Will Go
The stop will prevent you from pulling the drawer past a certain point. Do not try to force the drawer past this point. You might succeed in getting it out, but you will break the stop.
Step 4: Move the Drawer Back and Raise the Front
Release the stop from whatever it is bumping into by moving the drawer back slightly. After that, lift the front of the drawer several inches, which will pivot the drawer box enough to lower the stop slightly so that it can clear the cabinet facing.
Step 5: Support the Back of the Drawer and Pull
Position one hand under the drawer near the back to support it, then pull gently. Once the stop clears the facing, and the drawer is free, transfer both hands to the sides of the drawer and lift it out of the cabinet.
Advice
In case the drawer has metal glides with plastic wheels, you will need to move the wheels along the curved section at the back of the glides while lifting the front and pulling it. Although it may require a little extra effort, you can usually remove the drawer without much difficulty.
You Might Need to Loosen or Eliminate the Stops
Older dresser and cabinet drawers may not come with stops, and it’s not uncommon for enthusiastic DIYers to add them later. In such cases, the stops are typically screwed to the back of the drawer and extend upwards to hit the backside of the cabinet facing, preventing the drawer from falling out. Sometimes, these are installed while the drawer is in the cabinet, so the only way to remove the drawer may be to move the stops out of the way or remove them altogether.
The best way to deal with flexible stops is to rotate them in the opposite direction.
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Swisco
To do this, open the drawer enough to enable you to reach inside with a screwdriver. Find each stop using a flashlight or your sense of touch, then try bending or rotating it. You may need to unscrew the screw holding it to the drawer. There may be one or two stops per drawer, and each one is typically held by a single screw. When you loosen the screw enough, you can usually rotate the stop downward and out of the way to remove the drawer. If the stop won’t rotate, back the screw out entirely and remove the stop.
Removing Cabinet Drawers with Safety Locks
You release telescoping drawer glides by depressing the tabs.
Image Credit:
CS Hardware Blog
Telescoping glides on some drawers, such as file cabinets and desks, come with built-in safety-lock stops, and it’s almost impossible to remove the drawer unless you know how to release them. Manufacturers don’t all use the same stop mechanism, but a generic procedure will work for most of them.
- Open the drawer as far as it goes.
- Slide one hand along the glide on each side of the drawer until you feel the lock lever at the junction of the drawer glide and the cabinet runner. You should feel a movable tab at each junction.
- Depress both tabs simultaneously while pulling the drawer forward. It should pass the lever, and you can then lift it away from the cabinet.
Advice
It’s crucial to depress both tabs simultaneously. If you press one and not the other, the drawer may tip over and spill its contents.
FAQ
1. How do I remove drawers with plastic stops?
To remove drawers with plastic stops, start by pulling the drawer out as far as it will go. Then, look for the plastic stops located on each side of the drawer. These stops prevent the drawer from being pulled out completely. To remove the drawer, you will need to release these stops. Depending on the design, you may need to press down on the stops or squeeze them together. Once the stops are released, you should be able to pull the drawer out completely.
2. Can I remove drawers with plastic stops without any tools?
Yes, it is possible to remove drawers with plastic stops without using any tools. Most drawers with plastic stops can be removed by simply pulling the drawer out and releasing the stops manually. However, if the stops are difficult to release, you can use a flathead screwdriver or a pair of pliers to help you press down or squeeze the stops together. Just be careful not to damage the plastic stops or the drawer while doing so.
3. Are there any precautions I should take when removing drawers with plastic stops?
When removing drawers with plastic stops, it is important to take a few precautions to avoid any damage. First, make sure to empty the drawer completely before attempting to remove it. This will prevent any items from falling out and potentially getting damaged. Additionally, be gentle when releasing the plastic stops to avoid breaking them. If the stops are difficult to release, try applying a small amount of lubricant to make the process easier.
4. Can I reuse the plastic stops after removing the drawers?
Yes, in most cases, you can reuse the plastic stops after removing the drawers. These stops are designed to be easily installed and removed, so they can typically be reused without any issues. However, it is always a good idea to inspect the stops for any signs of damage or wear before reinstalling them. If the stops appear to be damaged or worn out, it is recommended to replace them with new ones to ensure proper functionality.
5. What should I do if the plastic stops are broken?
If the plastic stops on your drawers are broken, you will need to replace them. Fortunately, plastic stops are relatively inexpensive and can be easily found at hardware stores or online. To replace the broken stops, remove the remaining pieces from the drawer and clean the area where the stops are installed. Then, simply install the new stops according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important to choose stops that are compatible with your specific drawer model to ensure a proper fit.
6. Are there any alternative methods for removing drawers with plastic stops?
While the most common method for removing drawers with plastic stops is by manually releasing the stops, there may be alternative methods depending on the design of the drawer. Some drawers may have a release lever or button that allows for easy removal. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or search for specific guides for your drawer model to explore any alternative methods that may be available.
7. Can I remove the plastic stops permanently?
Yes, if you no longer wish to have the plastic stops on your drawers, you can remove them permanently. However, it is important to note that removing the stops may affect the stability and functionality of the drawers. The stops are designed to prevent the drawers from being pulled out completely, which can help prevent accidents and ensure proper alignment. If you choose to remove the stops permanently, make sure to take extra caution when pulling the drawers out to prevent them from accidentally falling out or becoming misaligned.