How to Install Wood Drawer Glides

Remove everything from the drawer. To remove the drawer from the glide, try pulling the drawer fully out, lifting the front of the drawer up, and pulling gently toward you. The glide on the drawer portion should lift out of the corresponding glide attached to the cabinet. Some glides have latches to prevent accidentally removing the drawer; if you feel resistance, look for a small latch covering the slot where the two glides come together.

Unscrew the existing glides in both the cabinet and the drawer. Be sure to note where the damaged or missing screws were located, as the wood in that area may be ragged. The drawer box should be in good repair. Tighten any loose screws.

Take your existing glides to the hardware store to be sure you purchase the right type and length. There are many kinds, and it is easy to make an error if you don't have the original glides with you.

Install the left cabinet glide so that the bottom rail is even with drawer opening and level. The front of the glide should be aligned with the face of the cabinet. Screw a 1/4-inch screw through the glide into the cabinet. Screw a second screw along the rail at any of the holes from the midpoint back. This will allow you to avoid any areas of the wood that were damaged by the first set of glides. Repeat with the right cabinet glide.

Install the glides to the drawer box. There is a lip along the bottom of the glide that the bottom edge of the drawer will rest against. The wheel of the glide goes toward the rear; the front of the glide will be at or near the back of the drawer face. Screw the glide in place. Repeat for the other side.

Install the drawer by tipping the front of the drawer sightly up and sliding the drawer into the opening until the wheel goes into the lower glide slot. Lower the drawer to level, and it should open and close smoothly.