Sticky sortainer drawer latches

[downtheroad]

Just picked up 3 back-ordered Tanos sortainers from Woodcraft using their 25% off sale last week. When I got them home, I realized 6 of the 7 medium drawers have latches that are very sticky and will not latch the drawers closed. Don't know why its just the medium drawers as the large and small drawers are fine. Seems like this is an issue others have probably had. Has anyone done a DIY fix that was successful, maybe lubrication or removing material for clearance?

Thanks for any input.

 

[semenza]

Do the latches have good up/ down spring when the drawer is open?

Seth

 

[downtheroad]

Do the latches have good up/ down spring when the drawer is open?

No, they stay stuck in the up position and I have to manually pull them down.

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Probably just dirty. Hit them with air gun and spray alittle armor-all into them.

 

[downtheroad]

The problem with these was due to not having enough clearance between the housing and the latch. I can see future problems occurring with very little dirt/dust buildup. Keeping them clean and using ArmorAll is a good idea. Thanks. I used Seth's post at TalkFestoolSeth's post at TalkFestool on removing the latches and his method worked well. Thanks Seth.

I ended up filing very little at 2 locations on the latches to gain clearance. Testing the fit frequently until good. They now operate well.

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View of latch from bottom

Next 2 images show where I used pliers simultaneously to remove the latches.

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pull up and slightly to rear

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squeeze sawtooth shaped "ears" until they clear the sides of housing

Next 2 show where I removed material

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[semenza]

Glad you found my tF post about the latches.  I  had meant to add a link.

Seth