To get the drawer out.
On most models there is some sort of tab or clip which has to be removed, pushed, pulled or turned to release the drawer from it's runners. On many standard type metal office cabinets, this is a small metal tab near the front end of the each rail, which will be covered with a removeable plastic or rubber sleeve, and which needs to be turned with a set of pliers so that it can pass through the slot, allowing the drawer to be lifted off the rails. Take everything out of the drawer first and remember always to start from the top drawer so that the cabinet doesn't get top heavy and fall.
Note - have a look at the anti tip mechanism, it may be important later, see below.
To replace - don't forget how it fitted together, just reverse the process. If it doesn't fit exactly right, take it out and try again, the drawers can all jam if one of the anti tip locks can't engage.
If the drawers do jam, try the key first. Then try to engage and release the anti-tip lock in the drawer, use a screwdriver to move the latch up and down. On ours, these are always in the top right side of the drawer, and are just metal bars which can be pushed up and down easily with a flat screwdriver or something similar. It's handy to have a similar working drawer to compare!
You will also need to engage the anti tip mechanism if you want to open and remove a second drawer at the same time. I would suggest you practice putting the first one back before trying this.
Toobab, May 2011
