ᐅ How can I prevent my Ikea Brimnes drawers from squeaking?

Created on: 3 Aug 2022 09:17
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jamar35
Hello everyone, I have a problem with my Ikea Brimnes drawers, which start to squeak after some time of use. My question is: How can I prevent my Ikea Brimnes drawers from squeaking? I have already cleaned the drawers and checked to make sure there are no obvious foreign objects in the sliding mechanism, but the squeaking continues. I am interested to know if there are specific care instructions, lubricants, or adjustments recommended for this piece of furniture, without damaging the mechanism. I look forward to your experiences and tips!
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pikin
3 Aug 2022 11:38
From a technical perspective, squeaking in the Brimnes drawer usually results from insufficiently lubricated sliding surfaces or foreign material in the track area.

To address the issue effectively, I recommend the following steps:
- Fully pull out and remove the drawer.
- Manually clean the runners from dust and fibers, preferably with a brush or a dry cloth.
- Check the plastic rollers for damage, as cracks or brittle spots can reduce smooth operation.
- Then apply a PTFE-based (Teflon) lubricant to the tracks and rollers. This substance reduces friction and is safe for plastic.

I advise against using oily or greasy lubricants, as they attract dirt and can worsen the problem over time.
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jamar35
3 Aug 2022 12:01
KIN42 schrieb:
If the rollers are extremely worn out, replacement might also be advisable.

Good tip. How can you actually tell when the plastic rollers of a Brimnes drawer really need to be replaced? Are there typical signs besides squeaking, such as play or uneven movement?
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Ramon4
3 Aug 2022 12:34
jamar35 schrieb:
Are there typical signs besides squeaking, such as play or uneven movement?

Yes, exactly. In addition to squeaking, you should look out for the following symptoms:
- The drawer moves stiffly or catches during operation.
- Visible play or wobbling occurs when pulling out the drawer.
- The rollers make irregular noises, or parts of the drawer sag slightly.

If the drawer does not close properly or becomes misaligned, this is often a sign of worn rollers or damaged guide rails.

If you need replacement rollers, Ikea sometimes offers these as spare parts, otherwise, universal rollers are available at furniture stores.
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FAVALERIE9
3 Aug 2022 12:53
One more tip: If you already have the drawers apart, also check whether the screws on the drawer slides are tight. Loose screws can cause noise.
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Joe52
3 Aug 2022 13:18
I had the same problem, and it was really frustrating. What helped me was cleaning the screws and guides thoroughly and then applying a very thin layer of PTFE spray. It was important to completely remove the drawer and clean everything patiently, as there was a lot of dust and lint inside.

It can be annoying to deal with squeaky furniture all the time, so I hope these tips help you. If you want, I can explain in more detail how I went about it.
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jamar35
3 Aug 2022 13:41
Joe52 schrieb:
I had the same problem, and it was really annoying.

Thanks, that already sounds good. If you like, a more detailed description of your approach would definitely be helpful. I’m curious whether you disassembled the drawers or if cleaning the moving parts was sufficient.