Ikea ALEX drawer unit – full extension hack

This is based on an idea by youtuber bbrendon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pThAC41fd4). I’ve added some more details and pictures of the process.

Here is the original drawer fully opened. Only 37 cm of the total 52 cm depth extends outside the cabinet.

First remove the two screws securing the drawer to the sliders. Open the drawer and continue pulling until it is as far out as you want. I left a couple of centimetres inside the cabinet. The metal slides will retract from the front of the drawer as you pull.

Mark the position of the screw hole on the drawer side (make sure you use the hole where the screw was fixed originally. It has a raised lip)

Cut a slot in the drawer sides from the original screw hole to the marked position. I used a 5mm router bit for this but a jig saw could be used. Be careful when cutting as the “wood” is lined with a plastic coating which is liable to tear. Sand/file as needed to neaten up the slots.

Re-install the drawer on to the slides and replace the screw on each side. Don’t fully tighten the screw but add a small drop of Loctite or glue on the thread to stop it coming loose.

Here is a short video of the drawer in operation.

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