DIY Drawer Sliders

Remove the drawers and existing sliders from inside your unit.

Measure and mark your cabinet or dresser unit to decide the location of your sliders. Determine the spacing of the sliders by measuring the height of your drawers and adding 1 inch. You need two sliders for each drawer, one slider on the left and one slider on the right of each drawer. Use a pencil to mark the location of your sliders inside your unit. Indicate the location for your sliders at the front and back of both sides of your unit.

Use a laser beam leveler to ensure your marks are equidistant across the front open space of your unit. The sliders need to be level to hold the drawer properly.

Select a 2-by-1-inch hardwood for a drawer slider. The top and bottom of the slider is 1 inch and the sides are 2 inches.

Measure the depth of your cabinet or dresser to determine the length of your slider. Calculate the length of your slider by subtracting 1 inch from your unit's depth. Cut your hardwood to the desired length, using a table saw.

Treat the tops of your sliders with wax to increase the slipperiness of the slider. Your drawer will rest directly on top of the slider, and the wax decreases friction between the two. Simply rub a white, non-scented candle onto the tops of your sliders.

Apply wood glue to one side of your slider. Press the slider firmly into your unit, using your marked slider location points. Glue another slider to the opposite wall of your unit. Allow your slider to dry completely.

Reinforce the wood glue by shooting 1-inch brads with a brad nailer. Hold the brad nailer at an angle to strike both the wood slider and the unit.

Slide the drawer into place on top of the slider.