ᐅ How do I fix IKEA Hemnes drawers when they get stuck?

Hello everyone, I have several IKEA Hemnes dressers in my apartment, and for some time now the drawers have been sticking. The problem is that the drawers no longer open and close smoothly; they catch and sometimes only move with force. The rails do not appear to be damaged, and I suspect it could be due to material warping or wear. I am therefore interested in any effective and understandable repair methods known in this forum to make the drawers run smoothly again without having to buy new rails or complete replacement parts. Tips on disassembly, inspecting the drawer slides, and advice on which lubricants or adjustments can specifically help to eliminate sticking would be especially helpful. Has anyone had similar experiences with Hemnes drawers and can offer practical recommendations? Thanks in advance!

I know this problem. First, try completely removing the drawer and check the runners for any deformation. Then carefully clean the runners and apply a small amount of silicone-based grease. This is usually enough to fix the sticking.

sonJohnn49 schrieb:
First, try to completely remove the drawer and check the runners for any deformations.

That is a reasonable first step, but I am skeptical that the runners alone are causing the issue. Hemnes furniture often features wooden frames with metal runners inserted. The wood can swell or warp due to moisture, which affects the overall sliding mechanism. Therefore, it is important to check whether the cabinet body is still perfectly square. Simply lubricating the runners may not be sufficient.

sonJohnn49 schrieb:
Then you can carefully clean the runners and apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant.

However, you should make sure not to use greasy or oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and worsen the problem. Silicone is indeed a better choice in this case.

I often have the same experience with older Ikea dressers. I know how frustrating it is when a drawer sticks, especially after you’ve put everything together neatly. One thing I’ve learned is that sometimes this happens because the wood has shifted slightly over the years, especially around the edges. It can help to completely remove the drawer and carefully sand the inside surfaces of the dresser’s sides with fine sandpaper, particularly where the drawer rubs. It may sound simple, but this has often worked wonders for me. Of course, be gentle to avoid causing any damage.

If you find a small imperfection somewhere, that could be the reason the drawer sticks more. I haven’t found a modern technical solution yet, but patience and a steady hand make a difference.

DUUS32 schrieb:
Sometimes this is because the wood shifts slightly over the years, especially around the edges.

Exactly, that is often the core of the problem.

I would additionally recommend fully removing the drawer and measuring the slides, possibly using a spirit level or a protractor, to make sure that the cabinet is not warped. If the drawer slides are no longer parallel to each other, the drawer will inevitably stick.

This means that before considering lubrication or refinishing the wood surfaces, a systematic approach should be followed:
- Remove the drawer
- Check the cabinet for warping
- Inspect the slides for damage and ensure they are properly aligned
- If necessary, adjust the screws to correct the alignment

If these points are correct, it is very likely that lubrication or minor refinishing will be sufficient.