TIL an old cabinetmaker told me to stop sanding drawer slides and start waxing them instead

I spent 2 years sanding every drawer slide smooth until a guy at a shop in Portland said waxing works better and lasts longer, so I tried it on a set of 12 kitchen drawers last month and now I'm debating if sanding was a waste of time or if it depends on the wood species - what do you all think?

2 comments

2 Comments

mary_schmidt1mo ago

You sanded for two years thinking you were doing it right, but waxing is just a shortcut that hides problems. Sanding actually removes material and creates a true smooth surface, while wax only fills the low spots and wears off in a few months. I rebuilt a set of drawers for a client three years ago, sanded every slide down to 220 grit, and they're still sliding like new. Waxed stuff feels nice for a week then gets gummy when dust sticks to it. Plus if you ever need to refinish a waxed drawer, you have to strip that junk off first. Sanding is the real work, waxing is for people who don't want to do the job right.

blakecampbell1mo ago

HOLD UP you sanded for TWO YEARS straight without ever trying wax?