How to Fix a Broken Drawer

A broken drawer — whether the front has come off, the box has split, or the bottom has fallen out — is one of the most common furniture repairs. Most drawer problems are very fixable with basic tools and wood glue. Here's how to diagnose and repair the most common drawer failures.

What You'll Need

• Wood glue: Titebond II Premium Wood Glue
• Clamps: WORKPRO Bar Clamps Set, 6-Pack
• Dowel pins: ALBO Wooden Dowel Pins, 1/4 x 1-1/4", 200-Pack
• Wood filler: Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, 16 oz
• Screwdriver set: CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, 8-Piece
• Power drill: BLACK+DECKER 12V Drill & Home Tool Kit
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set
• Rubber mallet: YIYITOOLS Rubber Mallet, 24 oz
• Putty knife: Rerdeim 5-Piece Putty Knife Set

Common Drawer Problems and Fixes

Problem 1: Drawer Front Has Come Off

The drawer front is usually attached to the drawer box with screws from inside. If it's come loose, reposition it carefully and drive new screws through the inside of the drawer box into the back of the front panel. For a stronger repair, also apply Titebond wood glue to the joint before screwing. If the screw holes have stripped, fill them with wood glue and a toothpick, let cure, then re-drill and screw.

Problem 2: Drawer Box Joint Has Split

Drawer boxes are typically joined at the corners with dovetail, box, or rabbet joints. When these fail, the corner opens up. Remove all old dried glue with sandpaper. Apply fresh Titebond wood glue to both surfaces, press together, and clamp with bar clamps for 24 hours. For extra strength, drill a small hole through the corner and insert a dowel pin coated in glue.

Problem 3: Drawer Bottom Has Fallen Out

Drawer bottoms typically sit in a groove routed into the drawer sides. They're often not glued — they're meant to float to allow for wood movement. If the bottom has fallen out, simply slide it back into the groove. If the groove is damaged, apply a thin bead of wood glue along the groove and reinsert the bottom. Clamp or tape until dry.

Problem 4: Drawer Side Has Split or Cracked

Work Titebond wood glue into the crack with a toothpick or thin putty knife. Clamp firmly and wipe away excess glue. Let cure 24 hours. For a crack that has removed material, fill with Gorilla Wood Filler after gluing, sand smooth, and touch up the finish.

Problem 5: Drawer Runner or Guide Has Broken

Older furniture uses wooden runners and guides instead of metal slides. If a wooden runner has broken, cut a new one from scrap wood of the same dimensions and glue and screw it in place. If the guide (the strip that keeps the drawer centered) has broken, replace it similarly.

Pro Tips

• Always remove all old glue before regluing — fresh glue won't bond to old glue.
• Check the drawer box for square after clamping — measure diagonals to ensure it hasn't dried twisted.
• Wax the drawer sides and runners after repair for smoother operation.
• For drawers that stick after repair, lightly sand the sides until they slide smoothly, then seal with topcoat to prevent future swelling.