Adelaida “Ady” M. Artime, P.A., Berkshire Hathaway EWM Realty.Phone: (786) 512-2467
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash
They just don't make furniture like they used to. But even well-made drawers can break from time to time. And when they do, the best thing you can do is fix the drawer joint quickly rather than tugging on a loose panel, causing warping damage.
Here's the simplest way to get that drawer working properly.
The best-made furniture has a dovetail joint. This is a triangle-shaped interlocking piece of wood that connects the sides of the drawer together as well as the front panel. Pieces slide together like a puzzle.
In economically-priced furniture, the drawer is secured together with wooden pegs and wood glue. This kind is much more likely to give you problems. Each time you slam it shut, those pegs jostle lose slightly until you have a gap. The solutions below will help you repair
Remove any part of the drawer that isn't fully connected. For example, the face of the drawer may be loose while the back joints are intact. Don't undo what's still working. Pegs may fit firmly in one side of the wood. You don't have to remove them unless they're loose.
Now, you're ready to take one of the two approaches.
Very carefully use the drywall knife to peel away any glue on the surfaces. Place a strip of glue across the surface where two pieces come together. Wood glue works well. But epoxy is even better.
Then re-insert pegs on the opposite side, hammering down half-way if needed. Press the wood together firmly until flush. Hold together while wiping away any glue that squeezes out. *Pro tip* Use the rubber mallet to hammer the two pieces together if the pegs won't go in completely. This won't damage the wood.
If the furniture has broken dovetails, you need to get creative. Drill two to four holes slightly smaller than furniture pegs. Insert new pegs. And then complete step three.
If the drawer is in a high traffic area, you might need to strengthen the drawer. So alternatively, place corner braces inside the drawer. After taking the drawer apart, position the braces in the inside of the drawer and use a pencil to mark where to drill. Drill holes for the braces and screw them in.
And that's how to fix a broken drawer joint. For more fun DIY home fixes, follow our blog.
In her role as a real estate and relocation specialist in South Florida and Northern Virginia, Ady Artime prides herself on providing the highest level of service, confidentiality and professionalism to her clients. Based on her own experience as a government liaison, Ady is in familiar territory working with high powered individuals. She possesses a discreet and confidential work ethic, and her keen eye, attention to detail, and experience with multi-million dollar properties have earned her a high-profile, loyal clientele that expect the best from their realtor.
Known for her expertise and strong background in interior design, she stands out from other real estate agents. When a satisfied client says that Ady knows real estate "inside and out", the statement is to be taken literally. Over the course of her career, she has received recognition as an award-winning interior designer. She has designed and implemented interiors for countless luxury projects throughout the United States, and Europe. Her extensive knowledge of all facets of design, including working with architects and construction teams, led to a natural progression into the real estate arena and gives her a definite edge over the competition in serving her clients.
As and agent in South Florida and North Virginia, Ady lends her real estate expertise and design savvy to buyers and sellers. Ady's mission is to develop a faithful, repeat clientele by providing them with superior service and value. She is passionate about her work and takes the time to understand each client's needs and goals to accurately assess the options she provides. From overseeing the staging of a listed property in order to fetch the highest possible price to analyzing a potential purchase from a design and architectural perspective.
