ᐅ Are there any tips for quickly disassembling Ikea Hemnes furniture?
Created on: 31 May 2016 08:37
N
nomeoI recently assembled a complete Ikea Hemnes furniture piece, specifically a dresser, which I now urgently need to disassemble for transport. Unfortunately, I found that taking apart Hemnes furniture can be more complicated than expected because many parts are screwed and glued together. Therefore, my question to the community: Are there practical, time-saving tips or proven methods to quickly disassemble a Hemnes piece without causing damage? I am especially interested in advice on which tools work best, the recommended order for loosening the parts, and whether there are any steps to avoid in order to minimize dust or damage. Thanks in advance for your support!
Hello nomeo,
I am quite familiar with the Hemnes system, as I have disassembled and reassembled these pieces of furniture several times. I generally recommend having the original instructions on hand, even if you have already assembled the furniture before, because they often contain valuable tips for disassembly.
- Regarding tools: A cordless drill with the appropriate Allen key or a good screwdriver are the basics.
- Always start with the removable parts, such as drawers and back panels; this creates space and reduces pressure.
- It is important to be cautious with the screws, especially if they were previously tightened strongly. Loosening them too quickly or roughly can damage the material.
- Sometimes quick, jerky movements help to loosen dowels without damaging the wood. If the parts are glued, however, there is little you can do except gently pry them apart.
One more tip: Lever tools like wide putty knives can be useful if you need to loosen double-sided tape or glued parts.
Feel free to reach out if you have specific areas causing you particular problems.
I am quite familiar with the Hemnes system, as I have disassembled and reassembled these pieces of furniture several times. I generally recommend having the original instructions on hand, even if you have already assembled the furniture before, because they often contain valuable tips for disassembly.
- Regarding tools: A cordless drill with the appropriate Allen key or a good screwdriver are the basics.
- Always start with the removable parts, such as drawers and back panels; this creates space and reduces pressure.
- It is important to be cautious with the screws, especially if they were previously tightened strongly. Loosening them too quickly or roughly can damage the material.
- Sometimes quick, jerky movements help to loosen dowels without damaging the wood. If the parts are glued, however, there is little you can do except gently pry them apart.
One more tip: Lever tools like wide putty knives can be useful if you need to loosen double-sided tape or glued parts.
Feel free to reach out if you have specific areas causing you particular problems.
V
valerie-tr1 Jun 2016 14:21Hello nomeo,
Based on my experience with various IKEA furniture, including Hemnes dressers made of solid wood, I would like to share a more detailed disassembly strategy that saves time and avoids damage.
First, I recommend structuring the disassembly as follows:
- Step 1: Remove all drawers and fronts, if possible. This usually can be done without tools or only requires unlocking a latch by hand.
- Step 2: Systematically loosen the screws that connect the side panels to the bottom or top panel. I suggest unscrewing only one screw at a time and taking your time.
- Step 3: Use a small hammer and a thin wooden wedge to gently loosen the groove joints when plastic dowels still hold firmly. Be careful not to use sharp metal tools to avoid damaging the material.
- Step 4: Be cautious with glued joints. Hemnes furniture is mostly assembled with screws, but on older models, small amounts of glue can be very persistent. In that case, gently disassemble the parts using heat, for example with a hairdryer, to soften the glue spots.
- Step 5: Carefully note the order and positions of the screws if you plan to reassemble the piece later. I recommend keeping screws and small parts in small, clearly labeled bags.
In addition to tools, you should wear gloves since edges can sometimes splinter, especially after repeated disassembly.
I’m also interested whether your Hemnes model has any modifications inside the furniture that require special handling?
Based on my experience with various IKEA furniture, including Hemnes dressers made of solid wood, I would like to share a more detailed disassembly strategy that saves time and avoids damage.
First, I recommend structuring the disassembly as follows:
- Step 1: Remove all drawers and fronts, if possible. This usually can be done without tools or only requires unlocking a latch by hand.
- Step 2: Systematically loosen the screws that connect the side panels to the bottom or top panel. I suggest unscrewing only one screw at a time and taking your time.
- Step 3: Use a small hammer and a thin wooden wedge to gently loosen the groove joints when plastic dowels still hold firmly. Be careful not to use sharp metal tools to avoid damaging the material.
- Step 4: Be cautious with glued joints. Hemnes furniture is mostly assembled with screws, but on older models, small amounts of glue can be very persistent. In that case, gently disassemble the parts using heat, for example with a hairdryer, to soften the glue spots.
- Step 5: Carefully note the order and positions of the screws if you plan to reassemble the piece later. I recommend keeping screws and small parts in small, clearly labeled bags.
In addition to tools, you should wear gloves since edges can sometimes splinter, especially after repeated disassembly.
I’m also interested whether your Hemnes model has any modifications inside the furniture that require special handling?
valerie-tr schrieb:
Use a small hammer and a thin wooden wedge to gently loosen the tongue-and-groove jointsExactly that! And if you use a hairdryer (why not the good old blow dryer) to warm up some glue, you’re already halfway there. Especially with Hemnes, it sometimes feels as if the furniture is alive – the parts just don’t want to come apart.
I also recommend making the job easier with some relaxing music – disassembling can be stressful, but with the right mood everything goes smoothly. 😎
A little tip from me:
- Use a rubber mallet instead of hitting hard.
- Loosen screws one by one, but don’t fully remove them; just gradually loosen.
This way you avoid tearing the wood or having screws jam. And yes, leaving the drawers out of the equation makes your daily work much easier.
Good luck and have fun with the screwing!
Similar topics