How to Unlock a Drawer Slide

Drawer slides are the thin metal rails installed on both sides of a drawer and on the interior of the cabinet, dresser or other piece of furniture into which the drawer slides. The slides fit together perfectly to make opening and closing the drawer effortless. Some drawer slides contain a safety lock that prevents the drawers from pulling out all the way, which can cause injury. If you want to remove the drawer, you must unlock the slide first.

Step 1

Grasp the handle of the drawer and slowly pull it out toward you until it stops and will no longer move.

Step 2

Look at the left side of the drawer where you see the metal slide. Identify a small tab near the front of the slide, which is typically black or white but may be another color. Keep one hand on the tab while you look at the right side of the drawer to locate the corresponding tab.

Step 3

Pull up or press down on the tabs until you feel them click, which unlocks them. Grasp the sides of the drawer with your hands and lift up slightly while pulling straight out toward you to remove the drawer completely.