ᐅ How do you fix drawers that get stuck in IKEA Brimnes units?

Created on: 1 Mar 2020 10:23
K
kin52
K
kin52
1 Mar 2020 10:23
Hello everyone,

I own the IKEA Brimnes bed with the lower drawers, and for some time now, the drawers have been sticking when opening and closing. Specifically, I notice that the drawer slides don’t seem to operate smoothly anymore or sometimes get misaligned. It feels like the drawer becomes difficult to move or occasionally gets stuck, which makes handling really challenging. I suspect it has something to do with the drawer runners; maybe the rollers are dirty or the tracks are bent, but I’m not completely sure.

I’m interested in how to best repair or restore smooth movement to these sticking IKEA Brimnes drawers. What steps should I follow, what tools will I need, and are there common mistakes to avoid? It would also be helpful to know if there are recommended replacement parts in case something is broken.

I’m looking forward to tips and experiences on how you solved this issue. Thanks in advance!
K
kulau
1 Mar 2020 15:51
Hello kin52,

I am familiar with your issue of sticking drawers in the IKEA Brimnes series—especially in models that use relatively inexpensive plastic or metal slides, such problems tend to develop over time.

First, I recommend removing the drawers completely so you can access the tracks without obstruction. To do this, carefully pull the drawer out all the way, making sure to press the release mechanism (usually small plastic tabs on the sides) to detach the drawer together with the slide.

Next, check the slides for dirt, bent areas, or worn rollers. Dust, small fibers, or tiny debris often accumulate inside the tracks and block the rolling action. The rollers are usually made of plastic; wear or breakage there can cause issues.

A very effective repair method is cleaning with a lint-free cloth and, if necessary, some isopropanol or a mild cleaning agent. After cleaning, it helps to lightly lubricate the moving parts with a dry lubricant, such as silicone spray (never oil, as it attracts dust).

If bent metal slides are causing problems, try carefully straightening them with pliers or a screwdriver. Use gentle force to avoid damaging the structure.

Finally, for severe damage, you can order replacement parts from IKEA; they often offer complete drawer slide sets as accessories. Make sure when reinstalling that the slides are mounted exactly parallel; otherwise, sticking may continue.

One more question: do you notice if the drawer sticks more on one side? This could indicate incorrect assembly or twisting.

Best regards!
E
Elodie
2 Mar 2020 08:17
kulau schrieb:
After all, if there are serious defects, you can order replacement parts from IKEA; they often have complete drawer slide sets as accessories.

Exactly! And if that feels too fiddly, a little maintenance can work wonders. 😊

I once had a very stubborn Brimnes drawer that wouldn’t open properly at all. A bit of cleaning, some silicone spray on the drawer slides, and voilà – it ran like new again.

What I also do: completely remove the drawer and then ‘dance’ the slides a bit – that means gently moving them so the rollers can turn freely again. Very often, just moving them breaks the blockage.

If you’re using a screwdriver and such, always stay relaxed and work carefully; IKEA materials don’t respond well to rough handling.

Good luck with the repair, I’m sure you’ll manage it! 😉
K
klo40
3 Mar 2020 12:04
kin52 schrieb:
I suspect the issue is related to the drawer slides, possibly the rollers are dirty or the rails are bent

This is often the root of the problem. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to handle sticking drawers from the IKEA Brimnes series:

- Completely remove the drawer from the bed frame, preferably with the help of a second person to avoid any damage.

- Carefully inspect the drawer slides: Are all the plastic rollers still intact? Do they roll freely? Are there any cracks or breaks?

- Clean off any dirt with a dry, lint-free cloth; if needed, use a soft brush to loosen stubborn dust or lint.

- Do not apply oily lubricants to the slides and rollers, as these attract dust. Instead, use silicone spray very sparingly and precisely.

- Check if any of the metal rails are bent. If so, gently reshape them by hand or with a suitable tool back to their original form.

- When reinstalling, make sure the rails are perfectly parallel so the rollers can move smoothly. A simple tape measure can help with alignment.

- If the rollers are damaged: IKEA often offers the slide kits separately through their spare parts service, which is usually cheaper than buying a complete new drawer set.

- Finally, I recommend testing the rollers before reinstalling the drawer to ensure they glide smoothly over the slides.

Following this systematic approach should help you fix the sticking issue. If you still have questions about which tools are needed to remove the slides or if there are differences with specific slide models, feel free to ask again!