Tension Lock Support

In a typical installation, a single Tension Lock controls a column of drawers.  Products with side by side drawer configurations may contain multiple Tension Locks allowing one drawer in each column to open fully.

In products with irregular drawer configurations such as 3 drawers over 2 over 2, the center drawer may not be regulated by Tension Lock.  To verify a drawer should be regulated by Tension Lock, look for a warning label inside the drawer that reads: "DO NOT remove the interlock system except for maintenance as shown.  NEVER use the unit without the Interlock installed following the instructions."

If a drawer contains the interlock warning label, the action of opening a drawer above or below it will cause it to close.  If you believe your system is not working correctly please contact us immediately.

Tension Lock regulates simultaneous drawer operation to improve product stability and reduce tip-over risk.  Use Tension Lock-equipped products like any other product with drawers.  Always follow warnings indicated on the product and always close open drawers before opening other drawers.

Tension Lock does not require regular maintenance.  If you are having issues with the Tension Lock system on your product please contact us.

Each Tension Lock regulates the combined extension of all drawers secured to it.  It allows only one drawer to extend fully, two drawers to extend halfway or three drawers to extend a third of the way.  Factories often build a small tolerance into the Tension Lock system so that one drawer can extend fully while another drawer can extend slightly.

If your system allows drawers to extend more than an inch while another drawer is fully open it may require maintenance.  Please contact us for more information. 

It is normal to hear a small tap when closing a drawer.  This is the sound of the retriever removing slack from the system.

Tension Lock is designed with smooth, abrasion-resistant, low-friction components.  It is normal to hear the cord moving through the system when opening or closing drawers.  This noise is loudest when opening a drawer before closing other drawers and may vary from drawer to drawer.  Always close open drawers before opening other drawers and follow other warnings indicated on the product.

If you have just received your item and a drawer won't open, follow these steps:

• If only the top drawer is stuck, a felt liner may be wedged between the back of the drawer and the cabinet.  If you can see into the drawer through the top drawer gap, the raised edge of the felt liner should be visible on one side.  Try tilting the item away from the side that is raised to reseat it.  If you can fit a probe into the drawer through the drawer gap, try pushing the liner away from the side that is raised.  Cycling the drawer a few times as far as the wedged liner allows may also help.
• If a single drawer other than the top drawer is stuck, the issue may be with the drawer slides.  Often the cause of a sticky slide is a loose screw jammed in the glide.  Try pulling the drawer diagonally to either side to see if you can get it open.
• If all drawers in a column are stuck, there may be an issue with your Tension Lock system.  Click the links below for additional support according to your system version.