ᐅ How do I fix a drawer in an Ikea BRIMNES unit that is sticking or not sliding smoothly?

Hello everyone,

I have several drawers in my Ikea Brimnes bedroom furniture, and recently one of them has started sticking noticeably. Specifically, this means the drawer no longer opens and closes as smoothly as before. At times, it feels like the runners are catching somewhere or not running properly. I suspect that either a small part has come loose, is dirty, or perhaps the runner is no longer perfectly aligned.

I would like to know: What is the best way to repair the sticking drawer in the Ikea Brimnes? Which exact steps should I follow, and are there any proven tips for maintenance or readjusting the runners?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Hey marcelmu, great that you described the problem so clearly! 😊 With the BRIMNES drawers, the runners are often the key issue. I’ve had the same problem, and most of the time it helps to completely remove the drawer and thoroughly clean the runners – dust, small crumbs, or even hair can cause serious trouble!

If that’s not enough, it’s worth checking the metal or plastic parts for cracks or breaks. Sometimes the small rollers or glide tracks get misaligned and need to be properly reinstalled or adjusted.

A little tip: a drop of silicone oil on the runners can work wonders, making everything glide smoothly and quietly again.

Good luck, you’ll manage it!!!

Fully pull out the drawer, inspect and clean the slides. Then apply silicone or graphite oil to the runners. Reinsert the drawer and test. This usually resolves any sticking issues.

For factual clarification: The Ikea BRIMNES drawers typically use metal side-mounted runner rails with plastic rollers. Jamming usually occurs due to the following reasons:

- Dirty or dusty rails and wheels
- Bent or misaligned runner rails
- Damaged plastic rollers
- Lack of lubrication

You should fully pull the drawer out of the cabinet to access the runner rails. Then:

- Clean the rails with a lint-free cloth
- Check the wheels and replace them if necessary
- Lightly lubricate with a lubricant suitable for plastic (such as silicone oil)
- Carefully reinsert the drawer into the rails

If the problem persists, check if the rail is warped, which may require a replacement part. Adjustment of the rails is rarely possible with BRIMNES drawers, as the runner rails are usually fixed in place.

Peose schrieb:
A drop of silicone oil on the rails can work wonders, making everything glide smoothly and silently again.

That is generally correct, but only to a limited extent. Using lubricants like silicone oil should not be the first step unless you are absolutely sure there is no dirt or debris present. Lubricants can attract dust and grime, which may worsen the problem over time.

Most importantly, the cause of the sticking should be clearly identified. Cleaning and a thorough visual inspection of the tracks and rollers are essential.

Also: Is there any information about the load on the drawer? Overloading can cause mechanical misalignment, which can also lead to sticking.

I would be interested to know whether marcelmu has already associated the issue with drawer overloading or if it appeared suddenly?