# Lubricant for wooden drawers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 18, 2009, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807 "2009-01-18T01:37:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![BJMoose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@BJMoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BJMoose)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807/21 "2009-01-18T13:34:31Z")
> [@ntucker](#): > > Do you melt it in order to apply it, or do you just rub it on the right spots? It seems like just rubbing it on wouldn’t seal anything. If you melt it, can you give any more info about the application? No need to melt it. Fact is, rubbing is rather vigorously will soften it up. I used to work in an uncooled factory and the paraffin blocks we used became pliable at about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet another problem with graphite is that it’s impossible to put the stuff only where you want it. Save it for the door locks. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807/22 "2009-01-18T14:50:30Z")
I’ve always just used an emergency candle. Yes, they’re sold under that description, usually in camping goods. No scent, no dye, and larger than decorative candles. Also works well for screw lubricant. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807/23 "2009-01-18T14:56:53Z")
> [@Projammer](#): > > I’ve always just used an emergency candle. Yes, they’re sold under that description, usually in camping goods. No scent, no dye, and larger than decorative candles. > > Also works well for screw lubricant. Utility candles work great for lightly waxing some lines on a boat to. We use a lacing line to hold the main sail to the main mast and the wax really helps with raising and lowering the main sail. We rewax about once a month during the season. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807/24 "2009-01-18T14:58:48Z")
> [@sunstone](#): > > Try a bit of soap…from a regular bar of soap. My mother-in-law used it, my mother used it, and I’ve used it. > > Doesn’t seem to harm the wood either! This works. ---
**Author:** ![Bacon\_Salt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/65b543/32.png) [@Bacon\_Salt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bacon_Salt)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807/25 "2009-01-18T18:26:53Z")
> [@ntucker](#): > > Do you melt it in order to apply it, or do you just rub it on the right spots? It seems like just rubbing it on wouldn’t seal anything. If you melt it, can you give any more info about the application? Other people have said it, but you don’t melt it, you just rub the wax on any parts that rub against each other. And I misspoke when I said wax would seal the wood, it’s going to protect the waxed areas from losing or gaining humidity to a degree but it won’t be perfect. Augh, I’ve said the word rub too much! Rub rub rub rub. Rub. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807/26 "2009-01-18T22:46:19Z")
You might want to take a look at this product: > **[Woodworking Tools, Hardware, DIY Project Supplies & Plans - Rockler](https://www.rockler.com/?page=214)** > > Your best source for high quality & innovative woodworking tools, finishing supplies, hardware, lumber & know-how. Find everything you need to make your next project a success. Family-owned since 1954. or these: (I had to cut off the right-angle part for my application) > **[Woodworking Tools, Hardware, DIY Project Supplies & Plans - Rockler](https://www.rockler.com/?page=207)** > > Your best source for high quality & innovative woodworking tools, finishing supplies, hardware, lumber & know-how. Find everything you need to make your next project a success. Family-owned since 1954. There are also a few other products in the category: > **[Woodworking Tools, Hardware, DIY Project Supplies & Plans - Rockler](https://www.rockler.com/?Cat_ID=42)** > > Your best source for high quality & innovative woodworking tools, finishing supplies, hardware, lumber & know-how. Find everything you need to make your next project a success. Family-owned since 1954. ---
**Author:** ![sunacres](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@sunacres](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sunacres)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807/27 "2009-01-18T23:34:31Z")
old candle + wooden drawers = smooth and happy [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lubricant-for-wooden-drawers/481807.md?page=1)