Hello everyone, I have the IKEA Brimnes chest of drawers, and I noticed that the drawers don’t slide very smoothly. They sometimes catch or don’t glide easily, which is especially annoying when they are fully loaded. My question is: How can I make the IKEA Brimnes drawers operate more smoothly? I am looking for practical solutions, preferably without damaging or replacing any mechanical parts, as I want to keep the piece as original as possible. Are there specific lubricants, technical tips, or assembly adjustments that could help? Thanks in advance for any helpful advice!
Hi, removing the drawer slides in Brimnes usually only works if you take out the entire drawer and dismantle the runners. Most of the time, the screws are quite accessible and it’s not too complicated. However, I wouldn’t recommend doing it too often because reinstalling requires some patience to get everything to click back properly. If you just want to clean them, it’s often enough to clean the rails while they are still installed using a fine brush and some isopropanol, then apply lubricant. This way, everything stays stable and easier to operate. Good luck with your repairs ;-)
Great thread! I had the same problem with my Brimnes dresser. I completely removed the drawer slides, cleaned them thoroughly, and then treated them with graphite oil! Now the drawers slide really smoothly! 👍 My clear recommendation: don’t skimp on the lubricant—graphite or silicone is best. Avoid WD-40 or other oils, as they attract dust and make things worse. It’s definitely worth sticking with it! Good luck, and feel free to ask if you have any more questions! 😊
Regarding the reduction of friction in Brimnes drawers: the product specification includes plastic glides on metal runners, which require little maintenance. However, occasional cleaning and the application of a dry lubricant such as graphite powder are recommended to minimize wear. Oily substances should be avoided as they attract dirt and can reduce the smoothness of operation over time. For heavy use, adjusting the drawer fittings may help prevent misalignment. Additionally, it is advisable to carefully inspect the rails for any micro-damage.
DEOLAU schrieb:
It’s best to lubricate the drawer slides with silicone spray or some graphite powder. Thanks for the tip about the graphite powder! One more question: What is the best way to apply the powder? Should I simply sprinkle a little on the slide, or would it be better to spread it with a cloth? Could the powder attract dust and dirt as well? So far, I have often used the commonly recommended silicone spray, but after a short time, the drawers become rough again...
tonu44 schrieb:
Thanks for the tip about graphite powder! One more question: What is the best way to apply the powder?Hello, it’s best to sprinkle the graphite powder thinly and evenly onto the clean track. You can then slide the drawer back and forth several times to help distribute the powder well and get it into small gaps. Using a cloth to rub it in is usually less effective, as the powder might clump or smear.
tonu44 schrieb:
Could the powder also attract dust and dirt?Graphite powder is dry and attracts much less dust than oily lubricants. However, in very dusty environments, it can pick up some dirt but generally still provides smoother operation over time. I would recommend checking the tracks regularly and reapplying lightly if necessary.
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