ᐅ How do I repair a broken Ikea Hemnes drawer?

Good morning everyone, I am currently facing the problem that one of my Ikea Hemnes dresser drawers no longer closes properly and is increasingly sticking. The drawer itself is not worn out, but the runner on the right side seems to be either bent or damaged, though I cannot say for sure without removing it.

I am interested in how to properly repair a broken Ikea Hemnes drawer without having to disassemble the entire drawer or dresser. Which tools are ideal for this, what should I pay attention to regarding the drawer runners, and are there specific replacement parts from Ikea that I can order?

I have basic knowledge of furniture assembly, so I am not completely inexperienced with DIY, but naturally I want to avoid causing any damage and proceed as precisely as possible. Thank you for your tips and guidance!

Hello ronjacques,

Your question is very clearly formulated, which makes it easier to provide help.

With the Hemnes dresser, it is often the case that the drawer slides are made of plastic, which can become brittle or warped over time. If the drawer sticks, it is usually because the right or left side rail is bent or worn.

Here are my repair tips:
- Carefully remove the drawer: usually, the drawer can simply be pulled forward. Sometimes a small locking tab needs to be pressed to fully release the drawer.
- Check the slides: if they are bent, you can gently straighten them with pliers or a screwdriver. Cleaning the slides from dust or old lubricants can also help.
- Spare parts: Ikea often sells replacement glides or drawer slides separately; you can find the part number in the assembly instructions or directly from Ikea customer service.
- Tools: a simple screwdriver, possibly pliers, and fine sandpaper can be useful.

Important: Also check whether the wooden parts of the drawer are damaged – sometimes sticking occurs due to cracks or warping caused by moisture.

If you want, I can also write you a step-by-step guide.

Good luck!

GiRoyce schrieb:
Here are my tips for repair:

I’ll add a structured approach that I use for similar Hemnes drawer issues:

- First, loosen all screws on the running rails on both sides using a suitable screwdriver so the rails can move.
- Check if the plastic runners or rollers have come loose or broken. Often, only a small plastic clip is damaged, which can easily be replaced.
- When removing, pull the drawer out completely and then slowly lift it slightly upwards; this can sometimes allow removal without damage.
- If the running rails are bent, carefully reshape them with pliers back to their original form. Be careful not to bend them too much, as they may break.
- If the running rails are heavily worn or broken, replacement is recommended. Compatible replacement glides can be found at hardware stores or online.
- During installation, make sure the rail is mounted exactly parallel and at the same height; otherwise, the drawer will stick again.

Summary:
- Tools: Phillips screwdriver, pliers if needed
- Check and remove drawer
- Inspect, adjust, or replace running rails
- Reinstall with precise alignment check

If you’re unsure, you can try a test fit by attaching one running rail temporarily and then inserting the drawer.

Hope this helps!

ronjacques schrieb:
The drawer is not loose, but the runner on the right side appears to be either bent or damaged

Hello ronjacques,

I had a similar issue with my Hemnes, and believe me, it’s really frustrating when the drawer keeps sticking 😅.

To keep it simple: if the runner is bent, don’t make it more complicated than necessary—you can try gently straightening the bent runner by hand or with a small pair of pliers. If that doesn’t work, just replace it.

Another helpful tip: clean the runners with some soapy water and dry them thoroughly. Sometimes dust and dirt build up and affect the smooth movement.

My lubrication advice: use a small amount of furniture wax or a wax stick for a nice, smooth glide—it makes a big difference. Avoid oil, as it attracts dust.

If you need a replacement, Ikea sometimes sells the runners individually or as spare parts. Just ask their customer service.

Good luck, and stay relaxed—you’ll have it working smoothly again in no time!