ᐅ How can you carry out repairs on IKEA Hemnes furniture yourself?

Hello everyone, some time ago I bought a Hemnes bed from IKEA and unfortunately noticed that one of the wooden dowels at the headboard joint has loosened, which makes the bed a bit unstable. Additionally, there is a drawer slide on the Hemnes chest of drawers that no longer closes reliably. My specific question is: How can you carry out these common repairs on IKEA Hemnes furniture yourself? What tools and replacement parts are needed, and are there any proven step-by-step guides to restore stability and functionality without much effort? I don’t have professional carpentry skills but do have basic DIY understanding. Looking forward to your tips and experiences!

Vinla schrieb:
How can common repairs on IKEA Hemnes furniture be done yourself? What tools and replacement parts are needed, and are there any proven step-by-step guides to restore stability and functionality with minimal effort?

I had a similar issue with my Hemnes wardrobe and know how frustrating it can be. The key is to get wooden dowels with the exact diameter—typically, IKEA uses 8 mm (0.3 inch) dowels. To strengthen the joints, I used wood glue in addition to the dowels, which makes the connection much more solid. The tools I needed were a cordless drill, a chisel to remove old dowel remnants, and sandpaper. If your drawer slides are sticking, you might try applying some petroleum jelly or silicone spray. Hang in there; with some patience, it’s definitely doable!

For Hemnes wooden dowels, simply get matching new dowels (8mm (0.3 inches)), wood glue, and a hammer. Carefully remove any old dowel remnants. Lubricate the drawer slides with some oil. Done.

For Hemnes repairs, the following procedure is generally recommended:

- Remove old dowels using a chisel or an awl
- If necessary, slightly countersink or clean the dowel holes
- Insert new 8mm (5/16 inch) wooden dowels with wood glue
- Secure the joints with clamps until the glue has fully cured
- Drawer slides can be maintained using common silicone spray

Tool list: cordless drill, chisel, hammer, sandpaper, clamps, wood glue (D3 or D4), and the appropriate replacement parts set (wooden dowels). This guide has been tested and usually leads to successful results.

toril schrieb:
Drawer slides can be maintained using standard silicone spray

Thanks, the silicone spray sounds promising. Are there any experiences on whether the drawer slides need to be completely removed for lubrication, or can this be done while they are still installed? Also, I wonder if specialized wood glue is necessary for securing the wooden dowels, or if regular white glue is sufficient.

Vinla schrieb:
whether the drawer slides need to be completely removed for lubrication, or if it can be done while still installed?

The slides can usually be lubricated while installed if you open them carefully. Complete removal is only advisable in case of heavy dirt or damage.

Vinla schrieb:
whether special wood glue is absolutely necessary for fastening the wooden dowels or if regular white glue is sufficient

White glue (PVAc glue) is generally sufficient, as the stresses in furniture joints are moderate. For lasting stability, the glue and dowels should be compatible. Wood glue rated D3 provides better water resistance and holds up better over time.