What's the best way to repair this broken edge of a kitchen cabinet drawer?
Hi @bazzyboy,
I’d start by tidying up the damaged seam and removing any loose or splintered material so the two sections can sit together cleanly. This will involve scoring back the edge with a utility knife to remove any of the paint or gap filler that was previously applied over the seam. Remember to wear gloves and long protective clothing while doing this to reduce the risk of lacerations.
Apply wood glue along the joint, clamp it in position, then secure it with a few brad nails while the glue dries. You can hire a finish nailer for the job. It should sink the nails below the surface of the timber, but if not, use a hammer and a nail punch to drive them just below the surface of the timber.
Once repaired, cover the damaged area, use No More Gaps to smooth the seam and Spakfilla to cover the nail heads, then sand, prime and paint the drawer front to blend everything together.
Allow me to tag @Nailbag, @R4addZ and @Dave-1 to see if they have any alternative methods they can think of.
Let me know if you have any further questions about this method.
Jacob
Hi @bazzyboy
I would first try pulling it all back together with a clamp (if you don't have a clamp then use a tie down strap or two to pull it tightly together) If the finish of the front doesn't look too bad when together, release it and glue with wood glue and then clamp it all back tightly while it dries. Then drill pilot holes from the inside of the drawer diagonally into the end piece of the face of the drawer, being careful not to go all the way through. Then with suitable length screws, screw it together. Doing this from the inside will minimise restoration work on the front. Take the drawer to bunnings and they can use it to colour match the finish so you can just patch up the front using filler if really necessary and use any leftover paint to touch up any other blemishes on the cupboards. Just a note that to tighten the strapping if you don't have a clamp, once it is tight , you can either insert wedges to pull it tighter or use a long screwdriver to twist it tighter.
Good Evening @bazzyboy
Id be tempted to remove the faceplate and clean up the two sides as @JacobZ has suggested. Then regluing plus maybe some dowel joins in from the side. Or using sash clamps (I think thats the right name or long clamps if its not) hold the two pieces together so the glue sets nicely. If there are gaps/cracks left then I would putty and sand the join after it has dried.
Dave
I would follow along the lines of @Dave-1 and see if you can unscrew the front facia board. Doing so will make it easier to clamp the two sections without the drawer in the way and without buying one off sash-clamps to suit that width. That said you should still be able to clamp the separation if you cant remove it.
Next glue and glamp using tie downs that you possibly already have all a friend will have. Otherwise basic ones like these will work fine using PVA wood glue. Apply a liberal amount then wipe the excess with a damp cloth once clamped. Leave overnight and you're ready to light sand and repaint.
Nailbag
Thank you so much for all your responses - very helpful!
It's almost done. Yet to paint it, but it's a better repair than the property agent's handyman who had used liquid nails.
1. Scrape off old glue
2. Sandpaper
3. Clean dust, vacuum and blow
4. Apply recommended adhesive and hold together
5. Drive in nails to secure. The ones in the photo were not long enough, so I used a few more thin long ones.
Hello @bazzyboy
Thank you very much for the update. A fresh coat of paint should leave it looking as good as new.
Eric
