It can be really frustrating when a kitchen drawer falls out every time you try to open it. Not only is it a pain to have to keep pushing it back in, but it also makes it difficult to get to the things you need. So if you feel like you’ve tried everything and your kitchen drawer is still falling out, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll show you a few ways to fix a kitchen drawer that falls out.
Types of Kitchen Drawers
Kitchens are one of the essential components of a home, and kitchen cabinetry is one of the most expensive pieces of furniture. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure that your kitchen drawers function properly. The construction of the drawers is one of the essential aspects of cabinet quality, so it’s necessary to know the type of drawers you have in your kitchen. There are 7 types of kitchen drawers:
- Dowel
- Rabbet
- Dado
- Biscuit
- Tongue-and-Groove
- Finger Joint
- Dovetail
Each type of drawer has its unique construction and its benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a closer look at each type:
🍽️Dowel
It has wooden dowels that fit into holes in the side of drawers and cabinets. This drawer type is not as strong as some of the other types, but it is a relatively easy and inexpensive type.
🍽️Rabbet
It has a groove on the sides of the drawer and cabinet. The drawer slides into this groove and is joined between the two pieces. This type of drawer is more common in Europe than in North America.
🍽️Dado
A dado drawer is similar to rabbet drawers, but grooves are cut into the drawer’s front and back rather than the sides. This type of drawer is stronger than a rabbet drawer, but it is more challenging to make and requires more precision.
🍽️Biscuit
It consists of wooden biscuits that fit into slots on the side of the drawer and cabinet. This drawer is stronger than a dowel drawer, but it is more difficult to make.
🍽️Tongue-and-Groove
A tongue-and-groove drawer has a tongue on one side of drawers and grooves on the other. The drawer slides into this groove and is the sides of the drawer and cabinet. This drawer is very strong and resistant to wear and tear, but it can be difficult to assemble.
🍽️Finger Joint
It has wooden fingers that fit into slots on the side of the drawer and cabinet. This drawer is stronger than a dowel or biscuit drawer, but it requires more precision.
🍽️Dovetail
It has dovetails on the sides of the drawer and cabinet. The drawer slides into this groove and is joined between the two pieces. This drawer is very strong and resistant to wear and tear, but it can be difficult to assemble.
Common Reason Why Kitchen Drawers Falls Out
Now that you know the different types of kitchen drawers let’s look at the most common reason they fall out: the drawer slides. The drawer slides are drawer parts that allow them to slide in and out of the cabinet. There are two types of drawer slides: Side-Mount Drawer Slides and Bottom-Mount Drawer Slides.
❗Side-Mount Drawer Slides: It is the most common type of drawer slide. They are mounted on the drawer sides and cabinet and fit into channels on the inside of the cabinet. This type of slide is easy to install and common in North America.
❗Bottom-Mount Drawer Slides: It is mounted on the bottom of the drawer and cabinet. They fit into tracks on the floor of the cabinet. This type of slide is more difficult to install, but it is more stable and less likely to fall out than side-mount drawer slides.
So here’s the reason why your kitchen drawer falls out:
- Drawer is too big for the opening, and it overhangs the front of the opening
- Drawer slides are too short
- The Drawer slides are not installed properly
- There is too much weight on the drawer
Now that you know the most common reason kitchen drawers fall out, below are a few tips on fixing the problem.
Fixing a Kitchen Drawer That Falls Out
In order to fix a kitchen drawer that falls out, you need a stop block installation. A stop block is a piece of wood attached to the cabinet above the drawer opening and blocks the drawer from overhanging the front of the opening. It will keep drawers from falling out and allow them to slide in and out of the cabinet properly.
Here’s a step by step guide on how to install a stop block:
1️. Remove the Drawer
The first step is to remove the drawer. You can pull it straight out of the cabinet, or you can use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold it in place. Remember not to force the drawer out if it’s stuck. You may need to use a screwdriver or pry bar to loosen the screws, or the drawer may be attached with magnets.
2. Make a Stop Block
The next step is to make a stop block. You can use a piece of wood or a metal bar. If you’re using a piece of wood, it should be at least 1″ x 2″ x 4″. Cut the wood to size and round the corners so that it is easy to install. If you’re using a metal bar, make sure that it is at least 1″ x 2″ x 4″.
3. Install the Stop Block
Next, you can now install the stop block. Mark the spot with a pencil and use a drill to make a hole. If you’re using a piece of wood, you can use a screwdriver to install it. If you’re using a metal bar, you will need to use screws to install it. Ensure that the pre-drilled hole is placed at the block’s bottom so that the screws will hold it in place.
4. Make a 1.5″ Cut
Make a 1.5″ cut in the stop block. It will allow the drawer to slide in and out of the cabinet properly. You can use a screwdriver to secure and tighten the stop block in place. But make it loose so that the drawer can move.
5. Place the Drawer Back
Now that you have installed the stop block, you can place the drawer back in the cabinet. Make sure that it is pushed all the way in and that it slides easily. If it doesn’t, you may need to loosen the screws or move the stop block until it fits properly.
6. Test It Out
Now that you have installed the stop block, you can test it out. Push the drawer in and pull it out to make sure it slides in and out properly. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the stop block.
Purchase Metal Drawer or Premade Plastic Stops
If you’re not comfortable installing a wooden stop block or if you don’t have the tools to do so, you can purchase a metal drawer stop or a premade plastic stop. You can buy them online or at your local hardware store. Just make sure that it is the right size for your kitchen drawer.
Here’s how to install a metal drawer/premade plastic stops:
1. Remove the Drawer
Remove all the things from the drawer and set them aside. Then, pull it straight out, or you can use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold it in place. Do not force the drawer out if it’s stuck; use a screwdriver or pry bar to loosen the screws. You can also use nylon tape or paraffin wax to lubricate the drawer slides.
2. Make the Screw Tighter
Tighten drawer runners that might have been loosening by the screws by using a screwdriver. If possible, make it reach the back of the runner. Be careful not to use too much force and strip the screws or damage the drawer runners. You can also replace the screws if it becomes too damaged.
3. Replace Worn Out or Broken Slides
If the screws are too damaged and can’t be tightened, or if any of the drawer runners are broken, replace them. To do this, remove the screws on the bottom that hold the runner in place. Lift it off and replace it with a new one making sure that it is in the same position as the old one. Then, replace the screws.
4. Install the Metal Drawer Stop
Measure and mark the spot on the cabinet with a pencil where you want to install the metal drawer stop. Drill a hole in the cabinet and use screws to install it. Make sure that it is installed at the bottom of the hole so that the screws will hold it in place.
5. Fit Back the Rollers
Fit the rollers back onto the drawer. If it is difficult to fit them back in, you can use some pressure, and they will snap into place. Be careful not to pinch your fingers in the process.
6. Slide the Drawer Back In
Slide the drawer back into the cabinet. It should fit snugly and without any problems. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the screws or the stop block until it fits properly.
7. Secure the Drawer
If you have a screwdriver, use it to secure and tighten the screws that hold the drawer in place. If you don’t have a screwdriver, you can use a hammer to tap them into place. Just make sure that they are tight so that the drawer doesn’t move around.
These are some easy ways to install a wooden stop block or metal drawer/premade plastic stops in your kitchen drawer. You can also use these tips to replace worn-out or broken drawer runners.
Now that you have installed the stop block, you can test it out. Push the drawer in and pull it out to make sure it slides in and out properly. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the stop block.
How to Prevent Kitchen Drawer from Falling Out
After installing a stop block, you can do preventive measures so you won’t have to worry about the drawer falling out again. Here are tips you can do at home :
- Gently close the drawer: Use your hands to apply gentle pressure when closing the drawer. It will help keep it in place.
- Add weight to the drawer: You can add a few books or magazines to the drawer to keep it in place.
- Install a catch: A catch will help keep the drawer from opening too far and falling out.
- Use a cabinet stopper: You can install a cabinet stopper at the back of the cabinet to prevent the drawer from sliding all the way out.
The Benefits of a Kitchen Drawer That Stays in Place
There are many benefits of having a kitchen drawer that stays in place. Here are some of them:
- Save time and energy: You won’t have to spend time and energy trying to push the drawer back in every time it falls out.
- Prevent injuries: A drawer that falls out can easily cause injuries. With a stop block, you can prevent this from happening.
- Keep your kitchen organized: A drawer that falls out can easily cause items to scatter all over the place. It can be frustrating and time-consuming to clean up. With a stop block, you can keep your kitchen organized and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my kitchen drawer fall out?
There are many reasons why a kitchen drawer might fall out. It could be that the screws are loose and need to be tightened, the drawer runners are worn out and need to be replaced, or something is blocking the drawer from sliding in properly.
Q: How do you make a drawer more durable?
You can do a few things to make your drawer more durable. You can install a stop block, you can also use the carpenter’s glue to help keep the joints together, and you can use a sealant to protect the wood from moisture.
Q: How can I make my kitchen drawers more useful?
In order to make your kitchen drawers more useful. You can install drawer dividers to help organize your items, or you can add a roll-out tray to give you extra storage space.
Q: Do I need a screwdriver to install a stop block?
No, you do not need a screwdriver to install a stop block. You can use a hammer to tap the screws into place. Just make sure that they are tight so that the drawer doesn’t move around. However, you might need a screwdriver to tighten the screws that hold the drawer in place.
Q: How much is a metal/plastic drawer stop?
You can find metal and plastic drawer stops online and in hardware stores for a few dollars. However, the price may vary depending on the size and brand of the stop block. But, in general, they are affordable.
Q: Can I use a stop block to replace worn-out drawer runners?
Yes, you can use a stop block to replace worn-out drawer runners. You can follow the same steps described in this article to install it. Just make sure that the measurements are correct so that the stop block fits properly.
Final Thoughts
A kitchen drawer that falls out can be frustrating and dangerous. With a stop block, you can prevent the drawer from falling out and keep your kitchen organized and safe. I hope you found this article helpful.
If you have any questions about installing a stop block, please comment below.