A small display crate rocks on the counter, so the tempting fix is to sand the corner that seems too long. Pause before taking wood off. A crumb under a runner, an uneven pad or a dip in the counter can look like a badly built box, and sanding will not fix the real problem.
Empty the crate and turn it over on a protected surface. Brush away loose grit and check the runners, feet and pads. Look for a partly peeled pad, a projecting fastener or a loose joint. Do not slide exposed metal across a finished counter, and set aside a crate with a split or loose support for repair rather than hiding the fault with a shim.
Next, place the empty crate on a clean surface you have checked for flatness. Flat and level are different: a sloping but flat surface can support all the feet, while a level counter can still have a local hollow. A straightedge checked in several directions can help reveal gaps, although a known-flat reference is better than another untested workbench.
Press lightly over alternate corners and note where the gap opens. Turn the crate around and repeat, then try another spot. If the rocking changes with its position, investigate the supporting surface. If the same crate corner stays clear across the checked spots, inspect the crate more closely. This is a useful comparison, not proof that one particular foot needs shortening.
A thin slip of card under a low corner can help identify the contact point during this empty test. Keep it temporary. For a finished display, deal with the cause: replace a damaged pad with one of matching thickness, repair a loose support, or address the counter. A twisted box or uneven runner deserves a closer look before material is removed; do not use a stack of loose scraps as a permanent display support.
Practical takeaway: clean, compare and mark the problem before sanding. Once repaired, check the crate again where it will actually sit, and keep it out of service if it still rocks or has a damaged joint. A steady empty crate is a starting check, not evidence of a safe carrying or stacking capacity.
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