ᐅ How do I fix Ikea Brimnes drawers that no longer close properly?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Ikea Brimnes dressers, specifically with the drawers that no longer close properly. This means they are either difficult to move or don’t sit flush. I’ve noticed that for some drawers, the sliding or runner system is not running smoothly and sometimes gets stuck. It’s possible that the rollers are warped or the guides have become misaligned.

Before I use force on the furniture or completely remove the drawers, I wanted to ask here for any proven repair tips or experiences on how to handle Brimnes drawers that don’t close correctly. Are there specific adjustment techniques or recommended replacement parts? I’m also interested in whether the runners can be easily replaced and if this is still straightforward to do through Ikea.

I look forward to your advice and preferably detailed instructions, especially considering the various components and assembly options for Brimnes.

Thanks in advance!

Hello leohilmar8,

your problem description is very clear, which is already helpful. The most common issue with Ikea Brimnes drawers is usually related to the rollers and their alignment within the drawer slides. These slides are typically made of plastic with metal reinforcements and have small rollers that can become misaligned or worn over time.

My repair tips:
- Fully pull out the drawer and check the rollers for any damage.
- Treat the rollers with some silicone spray or a light lubricant to help them roll more smoothly.
- Check if the screws holding the drawer slides have loosened and tighten them if needed.
- If the slides are bent, gently adjust them so the rollers don’t get stuck.
- If a roller is broken, you can usually buy replacement rollers from Ikea that are easy to swap out.

A complete replacement of the drawer slides is possible if you have the correct part number. Ikea can provide these spare parts upon request, or you can find similar slides from hardware retailers. Just make sure to match the size and the mounting type.

If the drawer itself is warped, this can also cause closing problems. In this case, check whether screws need tightening or if the drawer needs to be replaced due to warping.

Overall, issues with Brimnes drawers are manageable and do not require a professional. A basic tool set with screwdrivers and some lubricant is sufficient.

Good luck!

KAMERON schrieb:
Pull the drawer out completely and check the rollers for damage.

Following that, I would like to add that you should also inspect the rails themselves. Often, the plastic catches that hold the drawer in the rail are broken, or the rails are slightly bent, which prevents proper locking.

Another practical tip is to gently smooth the rails with fine sandpaper if you notice grooves or uneven areas. This will improve the rollers’ movement.

For adjustment: Some Brimnes models allow you to realign the drawer slightly by gently levering it or adjusting the guide rails, which can enhance the flush fit.

If the drawers hang crookedly, it helps to check the attachment to the chest of drawers, as shifts there can also affect the running direction.

I also recommend avoiding the use of oil-based lubricants (like WD-40), since they attract dust and dirty the mechanism over time. Silicone spray, as mentioned before, is best.

Finally: You can request spare parts directly from Ikea’s service; they often order them for private customers as well.

Hello leohilmar8,

I read your question with interest. Especially with the Brimnes series, the drawer mechanisms are not particularly durable, but they can be repaired well if handled carefully. It is important to proceed systematically:

- First, remove all drawers and check if there is any dirt or small foreign objects in the guide rails. These can block the rollers.
- Then inspect the rails closely. If they are slightly bent, it often helps to detach them from their anchors and carefully bend them straight by hand. Be gentle to avoid breaking anything.
- If the rails are severely damaged, they should be replaced, even if it requires some effort.
- As was already mentioned, silicone spray is the better choice. If needed, clean off any coarse dirt first with a lint-free cloth.

From my own experience, I recommend making sure the drawers are properly installed. Sometimes they are slightly misaligned, which gives the impression that they don’t close properly. A slight adjustment when inserting usually solves this.

One more tip about the screws: Check all fastenings on the dresser itself. A slightly wobbly base frame or uneven side walls often leads to problems with the drawers closing properly.

If you need guidance on how to adjust them, I can explain in more detail.

Hey everyone, I just want to offer some encouragement because problems with Ikea furniture can be really frustrating, but they are usually much easier to fix than you might think! 🙂

leohilmar8 schrieb:
Are there specific techniques for adjustment or recommended replacement parts?

From my experience, replacement parts at Ikea are usually available right away. I once had a tricky situation with my Brimnes dresser where the rollers completely came off. One call to customer service and I had the parts delivered the next day!

My best advice is to keep a small repair kit with rollers and guide rails on hand for next time. That way, you can quickly fix things if something gets stuck.

Keep at it! These little issues aren’t major problems — with some patience and the right tips, you can get them fixed! And if it doesn’t work out, we’re here to help, no worries!