K
KEOMICKE6112 Jan 2019 14:37Hello everyone,
I noticed that one of the drawers in my IKEA Besta unit has broken. The front panel is still attached, but the drawer box itself is cracked at one of the lower corners along the edge and is barely holding together. Since the Besta series is quite modular, I would like to know if anyone has experience repairing a broken drawer like this themselves.
It’s important for me to understand how to best stabilize the break—do I need special tools or replacement parts, or is it enough to fix the pieces with wood glue and screws?
I’m also interested in whether IKEA offers replacement parts or if you have to improvise, for example with standard repair kits.
It would also be great if someone could share tips on how to disassemble and reinsert the drawer to make the repair as clean as possible.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I noticed that one of the drawers in my IKEA Besta unit has broken. The front panel is still attached, but the drawer box itself is cracked at one of the lower corners along the edge and is barely holding together. Since the Besta series is quite modular, I would like to know if anyone has experience repairing a broken drawer like this themselves.
It’s important for me to understand how to best stabilize the break—do I need special tools or replacement parts, or is it enough to fix the pieces with wood glue and screws?
I’m also interested in whether IKEA offers replacement parts or if you have to improvise, for example with standard repair kits.
It would also be great if someone could share tips on how to disassemble and reinsert the drawer to make the repair as clean as possible.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hey KEOMICKE61,
interesting topic! 🔧 I once had a case where the drawer of my Besta was quite damaged – the corner was broken and it didn’t hold properly anymore.
What really helped was first cleaning the broken area thoroughly and then using wood glue, preferably one suitable for furniture (meaning water-resistant and durable). After that, I reinforced the spot from the inside with a small corner bracket or a thin strip of wood – attaching it with a few small screws, which you should insert carefully to avoid further splitting the wood.
It’s important not to place the screws directly on the broken edge but to leave a few millimeters of distance and use the strips for support. This way, the drawer regains stability.
Regarding IKEA spare parts: from my experience, they sometimes send individual parts for minor damages, but often it’s a bit tricky because usually the entire drawer needs to be replaced.
For disassembly: pull the drawer all the way out, press the small levers on the runners, and then with a bit of practice, you can remove the drawer.
Good luck, and don’t worry, it’s definitely doable! 🙂
interesting topic! 🔧 I once had a case where the drawer of my Besta was quite damaged – the corner was broken and it didn’t hold properly anymore.
What really helped was first cleaning the broken area thoroughly and then using wood glue, preferably one suitable for furniture (meaning water-resistant and durable). After that, I reinforced the spot from the inside with a small corner bracket or a thin strip of wood – attaching it with a few small screws, which you should insert carefully to avoid further splitting the wood.
It’s important not to place the screws directly on the broken edge but to leave a few millimeters of distance and use the strips for support. This way, the drawer regains stability.
Regarding IKEA spare parts: from my experience, they sometimes send individual parts for minor damages, but often it’s a bit tricky because usually the entire drawer needs to be replaced.
For disassembly: pull the drawer all the way out, press the small levers on the runners, and then with a bit of practice, you can remove the drawer.
Good luck, and don’t worry, it’s definitely doable! 🙂
Hello KEOMICKE61,
I’m happy to give you a more detailed guide to ensure the repair holds well:
- First, you should completely remove the drawer. To do this, pull it out fully and simultaneously press both small levers on the sides of the drawer slides either down or up (depending on the model), which will allow you to detach the drawer.
- Now inspect the broken area carefully. If the drawer is cracked at the corner, it is usually at the joints of the carcass parts. It may help to gently remove any old glue residue.
- Use high-quality wood glue suitable for load-bearing furniture parts (e.g., D3 or waterproof glue).
- Apply the glue generously to the broken surfaces and clamp the parts together with clamps or strong clips. If clamps are not available, a tight band can also work but should hold firmly.
- Additionally, I recommend reinforcing the inside with a thin strip. You can use small L-brackets or flat wooden strips, which you attach with approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) long screws, but make sure the screws do not go through the drawer front.
- Wait at least 24 hours for the glue to fully cure.
- When reinstalling, don’t forget to check the drawer slides for damage and lightly oil them so everything runs smoothly again.
One note: IKEA replacement parts are usually expensive and only available as complete units, so repairing it yourself is more cost-effective.
I hope this helps you!
I’m happy to give you a more detailed guide to ensure the repair holds well:
- First, you should completely remove the drawer. To do this, pull it out fully and simultaneously press both small levers on the sides of the drawer slides either down or up (depending on the model), which will allow you to detach the drawer.
- Now inspect the broken area carefully. If the drawer is cracked at the corner, it is usually at the joints of the carcass parts. It may help to gently remove any old glue residue.
- Use high-quality wood glue suitable for load-bearing furniture parts (e.g., D3 or waterproof glue).
- Apply the glue generously to the broken surfaces and clamp the parts together with clamps or strong clips. If clamps are not available, a tight band can also work but should hold firmly.
- Additionally, I recommend reinforcing the inside with a thin strip. You can use small L-brackets or flat wooden strips, which you attach with approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) long screws, but make sure the screws do not go through the drawer front.
- Wait at least 24 hours for the glue to fully cure.
- When reinstalling, don’t forget to check the drawer slides for damage and lightly oil them so everything runs smoothly again.
One note: IKEA replacement parts are usually expensive and only available as complete units, so repairing it yourself is more cost-effective.
I hope this helps you!
An important aspect is the load-bearing capacity after the repair. If the corner of the drawer is broken, the stability is significantly compromised.
Wood glue alone is usually not sufficient; mechanical reinforcement is necessary. Metal angle brackets are better than wooden strips because they remain more stable and distribute the load more effectively.
I also recommend pre-drilling before screwing in the reinforcement to avoid further splintering of the wood.
If the drawer is already severely warped or has multiple breaks, a complete replacement is often the better option.
Wood glue alone is usually not sufficient; mechanical reinforcement is necessary. Metal angle brackets are better than wooden strips because they remain more stable and distribute the load more effectively.
I also recommend pre-drilling before screwing in the reinforcement to avoid further splintering of the wood.
If the drawer is already severely warped or has multiple breaks, a complete replacement is often the better option.
K
KEOMICKE6113 Jan 2019 10:12TARAON schrieb:
It’s important not to place the screws directly on the break edge but to leave a few millimeters of space and use the strips instead. This way, the drawer regains stability.Thanks, that already provides good guidance.
Can someone tell me whether the strips should be as thin or thick as possible? I also considered metal brackets but wonder if they might be too visually intrusive (visible from inside) or if it would be better to use rather flat wooden strips?
And are there any specific brackets or reinforcements recommended for Besta drawers, considering the material thickness and the stress from opening and closing?
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