ᐅ How smoothly do IKEA Brimnes drawers operate after assembly?

Hello everyone,

I recently assembled an IKEA Brimnes chest of drawers set and came across an issue that bothers me a bit: How smoothly do the drawers of the Brimnes model run right after assembly?

I am asking mainly because the slides and mechanisms don’t seem very high quality, but maybe they wear in and become smoother over time. What are your experiences regarding the friction resistance when opening and closing right after assembly?

- Did you experience any sticking or catching at the beginning?
- Do the drawers become easier to operate with use?
- Does correct installation have a significant impact?

I just want to know if I have to live with the current slightly scratchy and somewhat stiff movement or if it’s worth double-checking whether I did something wrong.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

The Brimnes drawers were quite stiff to operate after assembly. This improved only after a few weeks of use. It is important that the runners are securely fastened, otherwise they tend to catch. Simply lubricating them with oil or silicone spray usually helps quickly.

Dustin schrieb:
That improved only after a few weeks of use.

That’s interesting, but how exactly do you define “a few weeks”? I think it would be helpful to specify a clearer timeframe, since “running-in” is a technical process that also depends on the material.

Likewise, the question arises whether the friction resistance primarily depends on the installation or if the material used for the drawer slides is fundamentally a weak point. My research suggests that IKEA often uses simple rollers and plastic slides, which in the long run do not offer the smooth operation that high-quality metal slides provide. It would be interesting to know if anyone here has observed a systematic improvement or if some users still experience persistent issues with sticking drawers.

Hello Cyrille3 and all readers,

From my own experience, I can confirm that the Brimnes drawers can be a bit stiff at first; this is not an isolated case. This often relates to the installation—especially if the sliding rails are not aligned perfectly straight, the drawer may stick.

My tips:
- Check if the screws on the rails are evenly tightened and secure.
- Make sure the drawer is not too tight between the side panels.
- A small drop of furniture oil on the sliding rails can significantly improve the movement.

And yes, over time, the plastic parts wear slightly against each other, making the sliding easier. So it is quite normal for the drawers to feel a bit “rough” initially. However, if they remain very stiff after some time, it is worth checking the installation and possibly replacing the rails.

Josefane schrieb:
That’s interesting, but how exactly do you define “a couple of weeks”?

That’s a valid question. The term “breaking in” is indeed too vague in this context and is often used as a general answer without any clarification. I also suspect the term is overused to simply mask poor material and manufacturing quality.

On the topic: The sliding rails in the Brimnes are basic plastic guides that do slightly adjust over time due to friction and deformation, but the perceived difference is much more likely due to improper tolerances or assembly.

Therefore, I find the claim that the drawers “slide more smoothly over time” somewhat misleading. If this happens, it should be a side effect of correct installation—not an inherent feature of the furniture.

My recommendation: If smooth sliding is important, you should either upgrade the sliding rails yourself or choose a different model. Simply “waiting and using” is not a reliable approach.

In my experience, the smooth operation also depends greatly on the weight of the drawer.

With heavier loads, the drawers become harder to open and close. If you load the Brimnes with many items, you will notice this quickly.

Otherwise, simply check the assembly, apply a light lubricant, and be patient.