ᐅ How can I make Ikea Metod drawers slide more smoothly?

Created on: 24 May 2020 08:23
A
Alikla
Hello everyone, I recently bought the Metod kitchen cabinets from Ikea and wanted to install the drawers. Unfortunately, my drawers don’t slide very smoothly and often feel stiff or catch when opening and closing.

My specific question is: How do I install the Ikea Metod drawers so that they run smoothly and without resistance? I am using the included Blum drawer slides, but the result is rather suboptimal. Maybe you have tips on proper alignment, adjustment, or any installation tricks? Information about lubricants or settings on the slides would also be very helpful.

Thanks in advance for your support!
T
TANNAU
24 May 2020 11:59
One point that is often overlooked: Drawers should not be loaded too heavily or filled with too many items immediately after installation. This unnecessarily increases the resistance.
R
ritotar
24 May 2020 13:15
I have always treated my Metod drawers lightly with silicone spray. They feel really smooth, almost like sliding on rails! 😄

But Alikla, be careful: don’t spray too much, or everything will just leak outside. It’s better to use a little and then test.
F
fasefar
24 May 2020 14:46
Hey, great question! I love Metod, but the drawers really require precision. It’s important that the rails are installed very accurately; otherwise, they tend to catch a lot.

If you’re having issues, take another close look at the instructions—I swear by them! And don’t forget to adjust the side clips on the drawer box. You can set them to be "tuned" there.
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Alikla
25 May 2020 07:42
COLEBAR schrieb:
Make sure the sliding rails are installed exactly parallel and level.

Thanks, I will check that!

Can someone explain in more detail how to best measure or verify whether the sliding rails are truly parallel and level? Is using a spirit level app on a smartphone sufficient, or is it better to use an actual tool?
neoren schrieb:
Do NOT use WD-40 or other oil-based sprays. Dry lubricants like graphite powder or specialized silicone spray are better.

That’s very helpful—I actually tried WD-40 because I thought some oil would help. I will try the silicone spray instead. Does anyone have recommendations for a readily available lubricant?
Z
zardi
25 May 2020 09:21
For measuring the guide rails: A simple ruler and a small spirit level are usually sufficient. Smartphone spirit levels are okay but often lack the precision needed for installation.

For lubricant: I prefer using a silicone spray from a hardware store that is specifically designed for plastic and metal parts, for example from brands like 'Caramba' or 'Liqui Moly'. Just spray a small amount and spread it evenly.
L
lubla
25 May 2020 10:47
Alikla schrieb:
Does anyone have recommendations for a readily available lubricant?

I would definitely recommend a silicone spray. It’s non-greasy and doesn’t attract dust. You can also use it to treat the moving parts in drawer slides.