ᐅ Drawers in KALLAX units start sticking after several years – any experiences?

Created on: 14 May 2020 19:37
F
Florianko
A few years ago, I bought a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA and have been using the matching drawers extensively to store various items. Recently, I noticed that some of the drawers stick or require noticeable force to open and close. I am interested to know if others in this forum have had similar experiences with the material or construction, especially regarding the durability of the drawer mechanism or the plastic components after several years of use. Are there any tips for maintenance, potential design flaws, or known weak points that could explain the sticking over time? Thank you in advance for any advice or shared experiences.
R
relupa
16 May 2020 10:12
I completely understand how frustrating it can be when a piece of furniture gets stuck, especially when you use it every day. At first, the slides on my drawers sometimes caught too, and I wondered if I had done something wrong. What helps is simply being patient, checking everything carefully, and applying a bit of lubricant. 🙂 Removing and readjusting the drawer frames can also work wonders. Thanks to everyone who shares helpful tips here – I feel a little less alone with this issue!
F
FAZAR
17 May 2020 16:45
relupa schrieb:
What helps: just patiently check everything carefully and apply a little lubrication.

Exactly! Patience and careful work are key here. I would also add that it can be very useful to carefully remove the drawers and inspect the plastic runners for hairline cracks. These can develop slowly and become difficult to detect later. If the shelving unit is placed for a longer time in a damp room or kitchen, I also recommend occasionally protecting the components with moisture absorbers.
plopra schrieb:
If only individual parts are affected, the cause is usually overload or misalignment.

I can only confirm that. Maybe you can find out whether the problems are caused by increased weight or uneven use.