If you’ve ever hastily opened a drawer only to have it fall out tossing its contents to your feet, you know how frustrating it can be to not have drawer stops. This tip should save you some from that frustration.

How to Make a Homemade Drawer Stop:

  1. Cut an oblong or oval shaped piece of wood (1/4″ to 3/8″ thick plywood works well), and drill a small hole near one end.
  2. Attach the piece of wood with a screw, through the hole, to the inside of the back of the drawer.
  3. Mount it in the center far enough from the top edge so it’s flush when the piece is turned sideways but sticks up an inch or so when turned vertically.

This will keep the drawer in the chest (or cabinet) when you want it there, but will also allow you to remove it if you need to. This trick will also work with a large toggle nut from a toggle bolt.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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