I'm really frustrated with my push-to-open drawer slides! They lock perfectly fine when I test them out individually, but as soon as I install the drawer, they won't stay locked. I've spent hours trying to figure this out. Both sides of the installation are pretty even with just a 1/8-inch tolerance, and there aren't any screws in the way. The drawer can open and close fine, but it just won't stay locked. Even when I push it into the locked position, I can still pull it open without much resistance, which is really annoying.
I even took the cabinet section off to test the tracks alone, and they work great without it. I've remounted the drawer more times than I can count, and I really need this drawer to stay closed because it's in my camper van and it's going to hold some large pots and pans. Has anyone else dealt with this problem and have any tips or suggestions? This is my first time using these slides!
3 Answers
It sounds like you might be running into trouble because push latch drawer guides can be pretty finicky in real-world setups. Everything needs to be just perfect—square, level, and the box must be the right size. Since you're using them in a camper, those might not be the best option for moving drawers. I've had better luck with Blum Moventos and Tip On systems—they're way more reliable. Maybe consider a different way to secure your drawers, like using magnets or traditional latches.
You might want to reach out to the manufacturer directly—maybe over the phone. They could provide you with specific troubleshooting steps. Just make sure you have all your details ready when you call!
I actually tried that, but they didn’t even send instructions with the product! I had to search online for info. I did reach out to them with my question, but no response yet.
Have you checked if the weight of your drawer might be causing alignment issues with the locking mechanism? If the drawer is slightly dropping when closed, that could explain why it works without the drawer installed but not with it. Just a thought!
I had that suspicion too! I tried propping the drawer front up while closing, but it didn't really help. It's strange that it works so well without the drawer but fails with it installed.
I totally get what you mean! I initially wanted to try push locks for my large cookware drawer in the oven cabinet, but I'll be going back to magnets or latches. At least this one still slides well! I'm thinking of adding a manual latch on the side to keep it secure. Thanks for your advice!