how do you fix drawers that have warped sides?

[cheekymonuk]

Since moving my 5 drawer, the sides have started to bend outwards. Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

thanks all.

[andy-hughes]

Have you moved it to an area with more air moisture? It sounds like the wood has swollen - try moving it back and see if it dries out, an the wood shrinks back to its normal dimensions again.

[logman]

If the sides of the drawers are bulging outwards, you could try screwing some "eye hooks" on the insides of the drawers where warping is at its worst, string some wire acrss and adjust the tension if nessessary by inserting a scewdriver in the eyes.

[cheekymonuk]

hi guys,

thanks for the response.

I like your answer logman, you are spot on; the sides are bending outwards. 'eye hooks'-i'm not a DIY guy so will nip into the famous DIY orange store and have a look.

I take it by your answer that the physical draws will have to be taken out until warping is fixed?

[Tweed]

Swap the sides so they are bulging inwards instead.

[cheekymonuk]

im not able to swap the sides around as there are holes already in place. If i swap them around then the holes would need to be drilled in the same place creating a through hole. (if you see what I mean?).

[logman]

Sorry i did'nt get back sooner. I think its something you may have to experiment with. it might be possible to solve the problem in situ, or you could try removing the drawers, give them some steam treatment with a kettle or wallpaper steamer to soften the sides and then stand them close to a radiator to dry and hopefully set! Also if you rub some candle wax on the runners, this should help the drawers to slide more smoothly. Good Luck..

[cheekymonuk]

Hi logman,

thanks for the reply.

its actually the physical outer panes of wood holding the drawers in that are flexing outwards. At the moment the top and bottom drawers are still in but the middle set have been taken out as the sliding drawer is not sitting in place due to the sides bending outwards.

I should have made myself clear but i think the same principles will apply to the outer sides.

=)