ᐅ Are there any user experiences with disassembling the IKEA BRIMNES?

Good morning everyone,

I am planning to disassemble my IKEA Brimnes wardrobe for a move and would like to draw on your practical experience. Specifically, I’m interested to know if anyone has taken the wardrobe apart before and encountered any issues or special considerations that should be known in advance.

I’m especially curious about:
- How difficult is it to disassemble the individual modules? Particularly the doors and drawers.
- Are there any parts or screws that are hard to loosen or easily damaged?
- How well do the pieces reassemble? Are there common fit issues or worn connections?
- Would you recommend any particular tools?

If anyone has tips on how to carry out the disassembly as gently as possible so that the wardrobe can function well again in a new location, I would be very grateful!

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Hello LEWTA,

About a year ago, I completely disassembled a BRIMNES dresser when I moved, so I can share some personal experience. Disassembly is generally possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid damaging the parts unnecessarily.

First of all: The cabinet is mainly held together with Minifix dowels and wood screws. The Minifix connectors in particular can wear out if they are repeatedly taken apart. It’s advisable to have replacement connectors ready just in case.

Regarding the doors, I found the hinges to be quite sturdy, but if you remove them incorrectly (for example, applying too much force in one spot), small plastic parts can break off.

For the drawers, it’s important to note that the runners are attached with clips that you can carefully release with a flat screwdriver. You should avoid using excessive force here, as it may bend or jam the runners.

As for tools, I recommend:
- Phillips screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic tip)
- Flathead screwdriver
- A small hex key set (some screws are fastened with these)
- Optional: rubber or leather protection for your tools to avoid scratching the wood

One more tip: Start by disassembling the drawers and front panels first. This makes handling the cabinet body easier and reduces the weight when carrying.

Are there any specific modules or dimensions in your case that might be especially affected? This can sometimes cause problems if, for example, the cabinet was custom assembled.

(It would also be helpful to know if the furniture parts are older, since newer screws can sometimes break more easily.)

Domau0 schrieb:
Disassembly is basically possible, but you should keep a few things in mind to avoid unnecessary damage to the parts.

I would fully agree with that and like to add: When planning to disassemble the IKEA BRIMNES, you should see it as a structured process. My recommendation would be:

- First, carefully remove all movable parts: lift out drawers and doors, paying attention to the spring mechanisms in the hinges.
- Then, mark all visible screws and dowels (with a piece of masking tape or pencil) so their positions are clear during reassembly.
- If you come across Minifix connections, be careful not to twist or overtighten them – often they can be opened and closed multiple times if handled gently.
- For removing the drawer runners: take your time and use a flat screwdriver to carefully release the clips. Using force often causes damage to the guide rails.

From my experience, damage often occurs because people spend too long trying to remove stuck parts without considering the next step. So better to stop and check if there is a hidden screw or clip.

Finally, a tip for storage after disassembly: put all screws and small parts into clearly labeled bags to keep reassembly straightforward.

It takes a bit of effort, but your patience will definitely pay off later.

LEWTA schrieb:
Are there any parts or screws that are difficult to loosen or prone to damage?

In my opinion, the Minifix fittings are the main weak point when disassembling the BRIMNES series. Although they are simple in design, they tend to lose their holding strength or even break after being loosened and reassembled multiple times. Therefore, I recommend having spare parts on hand.

Domau0 schrieb:
The sliding rails are attached with clips that can be carefully removed with a flathead screwdriver. You must not use force here, as the rails can bend or get stuck.

That’s an important tip. I personally removed the sliding rails after disassembly and carefully realigned them during reassembly. Without proper care, this was quite challenging.

Additionally, as mentioned before, I advise taking your time and looking for hidden fasteners before turning screws or pulling on parts extensively. Screws are often hidden under decorative strips or small covers.

I agree with the suggestion not to skip tools—especially a set of small screwdrivers and, used carefully, a prying tool can be very helpful.

To summarize:
- Handle Minifix connectors with care
- Loosen sliding rails carefully
- Check for hidden screws
- Keep spare parts ready