My wife has an antique (18th/19th century?) chest-on-chest that she grew up with, and recently her parents shipped it to us, from Wisconsin to Colorado. We didn’t actually try opening all the drawers for a couple of weeks, and when we did we discovered that the bottom drawer (of the bottom unit) is stuck. It feels like it’s just too tight, not that something is blocking it. With wiggling and pulling I can get it maybe an inch out (detail photo shows as far as I get it). Once it gets stuck I can move the face up and down, but not side-to-side, and it goes back in with as much difficulty as it comes out. It feels like the problem is coming from the back of the drawer.
The construction is solid wood, but I’m having trouble imagining how a drier climate would cause this particular problem. (Also, I’m not sure anybody has opened this drawer for years, so it may not be a new problem.). Or maybe in transit a small piece of wood broke off and is now wedged in there?
I tried taking out the drawer above it, but no luck: there are solid dividers between each drawer. And everything is snug enough that I can’t see anything by trying to peer in with a flashlight.
Any ideas of what to try, or what to look for?
Replies
Can you remove the drawer above, and post some pictures of the drawer sides and back, and the inside of the drawer box? Construction details would help diagnose the trouble.
Also, a couple of pictures of the back of the piece. If it's as old as you think, the back will be wide boards simply nailed on. It could be easy to pull a back board and get at the drawer from behind.
A photo of the back & bottom of another drawer will help also.
I was thinking the same thing.
Remove the drawer(s) above is the easy way to see what is going on.
Removing the back may be the only solution. If you don't want to do that an endoscope would let you see what is happening inside. Most plumbers and many contractors and mechanics have one if you know any or you can buy one on Amazon that works with your cell phone for less than $50 they are handy things to have sometimes. This is a perfect chance to get a new tool that the wife probably wouldn't object to. This is a brand I've used in the past with good luck.
DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope, IP67 Waterproof WiFi Borescope Inspection 2.0 Megapixels HD Snake Camera for Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, iPad, Samsung -Black(11.5) $39.95
The only way I see forward is remove the back, unless the bottom can be removed.
Waxing up the sides after you get the back off would be a good idea.
Tap it in line with the sides (not the bottom) with a length of wood.
Be very careful the sides don't damage the case.
Thanks everybody for the feedback. It's non-trivial to move away from the wall, but I'll do that and post photos. I peeked behind it, and sure enough the back panels are nailed on, although there's some kind of vertical rib in the center. So I'm hoping it's two separate panels separated by the rib, and not one panel underneath the rib.
I'll try to get it moved soon and add more photos. Thanks again.
Post some pictures before you take anything apart. Pictures of the back, and the drawer and drawer cavity of the unit above the one that is stuck.
If the drawer is wide enough, they often mortised the back rail or a runner in the middle through the back board. That central rib might be structural. It would be good to get more insight before you take it apart. And pictures always help in reassembly.
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