Why the drawer sticks, and five fixes to try in order
Start with the cheapest fix and stop when it slides. Most drawers need the first or second.
Fix it before you replace it.
The Long Shelf is a free letter every Sunday about repairing, caring for and choosing the things in your home, so fewer of them end up in the bin.
Latest letter · 12 October 2026
Why the drawer sticks, and five fixes to try in order
Start with the cheapest fix and stop as soon as the drawer slides. Most drawers only ever need the first or second.
Latest letters
Each one is a single job you can do in an evening, or one decision explained properly.
The ten-minute monthly check for a washing machine
The filter, the door seal and the drawer. What to look for and what to leave to a repairer.
Buying a kettle you won't replace in two years
What fails first in a kettle, and the three things to check in the shop before you buy.
Six tools that cover most small repairs
A short list for a first toolbox, and what each one is for. No power tools needed.
What you get on Sundays
One letter, about one thing. It is written to be read in five minutes and used later, with the steps, the tools and the point where you should stop and call someone.
There are no sponsored picks and no affiliate links. When a letter names a product, it's because it was bought and used, and the letter says so.
- A repair you can do in an evening, or one decision about what to buy
- What you need, and what you can skip
- When to stop and call a professional
- Corrections, printed at the top of the next letter
Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. Every letter is free to read here and by email. If you want to support it, the about page says how.
How often will you email me?
Once a week, on Sunday morning. Nothing else, unless you write to me first.
Can I read old letters?
All of them are in the archive, newest first.
I tried a fix and it didn't work. Can I ask?
Please do, through the contact form. I can't promise to answer every question, but I read them all, and the common ones become letters.
Get the next letter
Free, once a week, about one thing you can fix or keep for longer.