How to Repair a Broken Kitchen Drawer

Empty the cabinet drawer and remove the drawer from the cabinet. Usually you can tilt the drawer and separate the slide to lift the drawer out.

Unscrew the existing slides from both the drawer box and inside the cabinet. Note where the slide failed and make sure the wood in those locations is still sturdy enough to hold the new slides.

Take an old slide to the store with you and purchase the correct type of replacement slide. Buy new slides for both sides of the drawer and replace both at the same time.

Attach the slides inside the cabinet. Place the left slide so that the bottom of the rail rests on the bottom of the drawer opening. The front should line up with the face of the cabinet. Screw a 1/4-inch screw through the rail and into the side of the cabinet. Use a level to check that the rail is level. Screw a second screw into the rail near the back of the cabinet. Avoid any damaged wood areas. Repeat with the right side slide.

Attach the slides to the drawer box. Place the left slide so that the wheel is to the rear. There is a ledge along the bottom of the slide that sits against the bottom side of the drawer box. The front of the slide should be even with the drawer box front and touching the inside of the drawer face. Screw the slide into place. Repeat with the right side.

Insert the drawer by dropping the wheels of the drawer slides into the slots of the cabinets slides. Lower the drawer until it is level and slide the slides together. They should move easily in and out.