If you own a Howdens kitchen, you will agree that it’s not only functional but also aesthetic. However, like any other kitchen, maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of its components. One of the common issues that you might encounter is drawer malfunctioning. Whether it is repairing or cleaning, learning how to remove a Howdens kitchen drawer is essential. In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process required to remove different types of drawers from your cabinets.
Check Your Tools and Safety Equipment
Before removing the drawer, ensure that you have all the necessary tools at hand. These tools include a screwdriver and pliers for removing screws and bolts. You might also need replacement parts in case some are damaged during removal or inspection.
Safety equipment is also a must-have. Wear protective gloves and goggles while handling sharp objects or hazardous materials found under old utensils.
Types of Drawers Used in Howdens Kitchens
Howdens kitchens come with various types of drawers made from quality materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Here are some types of drawers that we commonly find in Howdens kitchens:
Standard Box Drawers
Standard box drawers are simple to use and available in sizes suitable for different cabinets. They usually consist of two side panels commonly made of metal or wood, while the base is often covered with plastic or plywood.
Deep Pan Drawers
Deep pan drawers are larger than standard box drawers since they provide more space for holding pots and pans. Like standard box drawers, deep pan drawers feature metallic side panels and a wooden base panel.
Cutlery/Tray Drawers
These specialized cutlery/tray drawers keep items such as cutting boards organized by providing slots or compartments that can be accessed easily.
Step-by-step Guide to Remove a Drawer from Your Kitchen Cabinet
Step one: Emptying The Drawer
The first step is to empty the contents of your drawer before removing it. Once the drawer is empty, remove any liner or padding used to prevent scratching. If you have a cutlery/tray drawer, take out all of the utensils.
Step two: Removing The Front Panel
Inspect your drawer and identify how the front panel is attached; you can either find clips that are holding it or screws in some cases. Remove these screws using a screwdriver or pliers.
Push down on the bottom part of the front panel until it detaches from its rails or clips gently. You may need to use some force but do not apply too much pressure because this could damage the panel.
Step three: Releasing The Drawer Slides
Now, turn your attention to the drawer slides. Locate their position under your cabinet at both sides, then remove any screws or bolts holding them together.
Find a suitable tool that will allow you to release both sides at once since one side may still be holding onto the side-rail instead of sliding off evenly.
Step Four: Detaching The Drawer
Once you have released both sides of the slides, carefully lift out your drawer resting on two runners (the headpiece also known as front runner and back runner). When lifting out, make sure to hold onto each end separately and be mindful in case anything falls inside the cabinet while removing it from its place.
Professional Tips & Tricks for Working with Difficult Drawers
If you encounter stubborn drawers during removal, here are some professional tips and tricks that could come in handy:
- Apply Dry Lubrication: Sometimes there might be friction between parts due to tightness leading to difficulty when pulling out or pushing in your drawers. Applying dry lubrication goes a long way in easing movement of these parts.
- Use A Hammer: Try tapping gently on an area around where there is difficulty either closing or pulling out and forth (only if necessary and with caution). This helps let your drawer slide smoothly.
- Clean The Slides: Dirt and debris can build up on tracks or slides over time and make movement challenging. Use a clean cloth or brush to remove any debris that might be causing the issue.
Care & Maintenance After Removal
After successfully removing your kitchen cabinet drawer, it is essential to take a few more steps. Cleaning, inspecting worn-out parts, replacing anything that has significantly deteriorated are all necessary precautions before putting the drawer back in.
If it is just maintenance cleaning required, ensure you wash using mild detergents and less water than usual to avoid wood swelling or rotting. Ensure that you keep the cabinet dry before reattaching the drawer.
Additionally, always pay attention when opening drawers; if too much pressure is applied while pulling out or pushing in an open drawer, this could disrupt the motion of your drawers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to remove a Howdens kitchen drawer thoroughly is a critical part of taking care of your kitchen cabinet system. Identifying its type aids quick replacement/repair as well as saves one money completely having to replace them due to incorrect fixation leading to damage caused by neglect.
Always have your safety equipment ready, identify issues early before they become stubborn problems, follow these steps carefully when removing your drawers gently so that nothing else goes wrong in the process.
Q&A
Q1: How do I remove a Howdens kitchen drawer without damaging it? To remove a Howdens kitchen drawer, you need to locate the locking mechanism underneath the drawer. Once you find it, gently push it up or down (depending on the model) and lift the drawer out. Be very careful when handling the drawer to avoid damaging it.
Q2: Can I remove a Howdens kitchen drawer if it’s stuck or jammed? Yes, but you’ll need to use some extra force. Start by inspecting the tracks to see if there’s anything blocking them. If so, remove the obstacle and try pulling out the drawer again. If this doesn’t work, use a screwdriver or pry bar to gently free the sides from their runners.
Q3: Do I need any special tools to remove a Howdens kitchen drawer? No, not really. All you need is your hands and maybe a flashlight if you’re working in low light conditions. However, having some pliers or tweezers handy may come in handy if you drop any screws or small pieces during disassembly.
Q4: Is it difficult to reassemble a Howdens kitchen drawer after removing it? Not at all! Simply align the runners with the edges of the drawers and push them back into place until they click into position. Make sure everything is lined up properly before closing the cabinet doors. Voila- Your job is done!
