To make wooden drawers slide easier, first check that the drawer and runners are sound. Wipe dust from the contact surfaces, apply enough Glideator to thoroughly cover the areas where wood rubs against wood, then slide the drawer back and forth to spread it. If the drawer is swollen, crooked, or damaged, address the fit or repair before adding more lubricant.
Doug and Jesse developed Glideator through their furniture restoration work. We use it on furniture in our own store. This guide covers wooden runners and contact surfaces, rather than metal drawer slide mechanisms.
Find where the drawer is rubbing
Empty the drawer and move it slowly. Notice whether it drags throughout its travel, catches in one place, or drops to one side. Look for dust, polished rub marks, loose runners, and objects catching behind the drawer. Do not force a drawer that is jammed.
| What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|
| Steady drag on sound wooden runners | Clean the runners, then lubricate the contact surfaces. |
| A catch in one position | Check for debris, a raised edge, damage, or a tight spot. |
| One side drops or the drawer sits crooked | Check runner support, alignment, and loose or broken parts. |
| A drawer becomes tighter during damp weather | Consider wood movement and moisture before changing the fit. |
Apply Glideator to the wooden contact surfaces
- Wipe accessible slides and runners with a dry cloth. If the drawer can be removed safely, follow the furniture’s removal method to reach the runners.
- Test Glideator in a hidden area first, especially on antiques or valuable furniture. Read the product label before use.
- Use a dry cloth to apply enough Glideator to thoroughly cover the surfaces that rub together. Focus on the runners and matching contact areas, rather than coating the entire drawer.
- Slide the drawer back and forth several times to distribute the lubricant.
- Check the movement. Add more as needed where coverage is incomplete. If it still catches in the same place, inspect the fit and condition.
Watch a wooden drawer demonstration
The demonstration shows applying Glideator to a sticking wooden drawer and working the drawer to distribute it. The condition and fit of your furniture affect the result.
Use the Glide Injector for tight areas
The empty Glide Injector can be filled from your jar to reach grooves and narrow contact areas that a cloth cannot easily reach. The Glideator Starter Kit includes a 4 ounce jar and an empty injector.
When the drawer needs repair
Lubrication reduces friction. It cannot straighten warped wood, replace a cracked runner, or secure a loose joint. Avoid sanding valuable furniture before identifying the cause of the tight fit. For a drawer that remains tight, use our guide to drawers that still stick after lubricating.
Choose your jar
Glideator Drawer Lubricant comes in 4 ounce and 8 ounce jars with the same formula. Choose based on your projects and frequency of use. Shipping is free to USA addresses. For another common furniture problem, see how to silence squeaky wooden furniture joints.