ᐅ How do you fix IKEA Hemnes drawers that are sticking or jammed?

Hello everyone,

I have an issue with my IKEA Hemnes dresser where the drawers sometimes stick and don’t open and close smoothly. It feels like the slides or runners are catching somewhere or not properly aligned.

I suspect it might be related to the drawer alignment or the metal slides, but I’m not sure if it could also be wear, dirt, or even an assembly fault.

Has anyone had experience repairing Hemnes drawers to fix sticking? Are there any proven methods, step-by-step guides, or special tips to solve this problem permanently? Maybe specific tools needed for this?

I’m looking forward to your feedback and advice, thanks in advance!

Hello teo_us,

I am familiar with your issue of Hemnes drawers sticking, and there are indeed several possible causes to consider.

Basically, Hemnes drawers use basic metal sliding rails that can be prone to misalignment or contamination.

I recommend the following systematic approach that I use when repairing sticking drawers:

- First, remove the drawer completely. Pull it straight out until it comes off the rail.
- Check the sliding rails by hand for any obvious damage or deformation. Small bends in the guide rails can cause sticking.
- Clean the rails with a dry cloth and, if needed, a brush to remove dust and small particles.
- Next, look at the sides of the drawer or the “runners” that glide inside the rails. Occasionally, small wood splinters or dust lodge there and affect smooth movement.
- Slightly readjust the screws on the rails if they are not properly aligned. Sometimes just a few millimeters can make opening difficult.
- If possible, unscrew and then reattach the rails to ensure precise alignment. Apply the rails evenly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- A thin layer of silicone spray or a Teflon-based lubricant on the rails can improve sliding performance. Important: do NOT use oil, as it attracts dust and quickly causes more sticking.
- If the drawer still sticks, check whether the drawer wood is warped or swollen due to moisture. This especially happens with Hemnes furniture made of solid pine wood and can significantly alter the fit.

I am curious whether your drawers are harder to pull out or if the problem occurs more when closing? Sometimes different issues affect opening and closing.

Good luck with the repair! I’m happy to help further if you can provide more information.

Nathanaelk schrieb:
A thin layer of silicone spray or a Teflon-based lubricant on the drawer slides can improve their glide.

Honestly, I consider that a short-term fix that doesn’t improve the fundamental quality of this Monday-morning product. IKEA manufactures these Hemnes dressers cheaply and for mass production, so you can’t expect miracles.

In my opinion, jamming is often a design flaw or due to insufficient quality control. The slides are thin and struggle to operate smoothly over time, especially when the drawer is more heavily loaded or the wood warps slightly.

The tip about alignment is important, but people often overlook how much the screws can loosen. The only solution is to regularly check and tighten the screws.

You also have to consider whether it’s better to replace the drawer slides with higher-quality ball-bearing slides from the start to avoid issues in the long run. While upgrading takes some effort, it usually results in a more reliable outcome than the factory-installed IKEA slides.

What do you think?

I agree with the others and would like to add a few basic tips that often help.

- First, it is important to completely unload the drawer. Sometimes too much weight or uneven loading causes sticking.
- Before cleaning, all screws on the sliding rails should be checked. A loose screw can easily cause malfunction.
- It is crucial that the drawer is inserted perfectly straight. If the drawer is pushed in at a slight angle, friction occurs.
- For wooden drawers, you can gently sand the inner edges with very fine-grit sandpaper if the wood rubs against the rail.
- One last tip: if there is too much humidity in the environment, the wood may swell, causing sticking. This can only be resolved by drying or replacing the wood.

I often use these measures because Hemnes furniture is made of solid wood, and small changes in the material can have a big impact on function.

If you like, I can also prepare a short checklist for you.