Fix for Drooping Drawers

Source List:
Mini Kreg Jig or Regular Kreg Jig | 1″ x 2″ Lumber

While fixing up some old furniture including the dresser for my little one’s room and an armoire we are using as a coat closet, I thought that I would also fix the drawers that not only fall out (here’s my quick DIY drawer stop fix), but also drop down.  Yuck.

The best way to fix this is by installing a board in the frame of the drawer that will keep the back of the drawer from coming up.  Doesn’t that sound like tons of fun to install?  Actually, it is, with the help of a Kreg Jig pocket hole system.  Pocket holes are the kind in the photo below where you can screw into a piece of wood at an angle.  They are used frequently in cabinet making.

I’ve always wanted a Kreg pocket hole tool.  There’s a full kit for around $140, a regular kit for around $100, and a “Jr” kit for around $40.  These are all great options if you’re going to use this tool a ton.  If you’re like me and will only use this tool every once and a while, those are all pretty expensive options.  Finally, there’s a mini Kreg for under $20.  You will still need at least one clamp.  Fortunately, we had some on hand.

It’s really a pretty simple project and using a tool like this will make you feel like a pro since it makes the job so easy (and aren’t those neat holes a little pretty? OK, maybe it’s just me).  Since I’m using it on 6+ drawers at 4 holes per drawer, it definitely feels like a great buy.  I’ve wanted one before for other projects so I know it will get more use later down the line.

Measure the space on the inside of the cabinet/dresser/etc where the board will go.  I used 1×2 trim boards which fit the space perfectly.  Remember, boards are actually smaller than their “nominal size” because they start out at 1″ x 2″ before they are completely milled and sanded.  1″ trim boards are about 3/4″ wide.

Drill the pocket holes at opposite ends on the same side of the cut board.  I drilled 2 pocket holes on each side for stability.  With only one screw on each side, the board would have been allowed to rotate.  No bueño.  Two gives everything stability in every direction.  Just make sure that your screws aren’t too long or they may go all the way through and out to the outside of the furniture.

All better!  I have to do these things because I’m type-A, but it’s nice when these things work easily for the little ones as well.

Source List:
Mini Kreg Jig or Regular Kreg Jig | 1″ x 2″ Lumber