ᐅ What can I do if my Ikea BRIMNES drawer is sticking or jammed?

Hello everyone,

I recently started having an issue with one of the drawers in my Ikea Brimnes chest of drawers. It has metal runners, but the drawer no longer opens and closes smoothly; it catches noticeably at one point.

I have already checked for loose screws or bent runners but didn't find any obvious damage. Excessive dirt is unlikely since I clean the chest regularly.

My question is: What specific steps, tools, or aids would you recommend to fix the sticking? What are common causes and solutions for a Brimnes drawer when the runners don’t appear loose or damaged?

I appreciate any tips, especially regarding adjustments or fine-tuning that can be done on your own.

First, check the drawer runners for any small foreign objects and clean them thoroughly.

Then, apply a small amount of silicone spray or lubricating oil sparingly.

Next, pull the drawer out fully and reinsert it completely, as it can sometimes be misaligned.

BRIMNES drawers with metal runners are often sensitive to minor dirt or slight misalignments of the runners.

The following steps are recommended:
- Completely loosen the screws of the runners and realign the guide to prevent jamming
- Carefully remove dirt with a lint-free cloth and, if necessary, a small amount of alcohol
- Avoid oily substances; instead, use liquid silicone sprays as they do not cause sticking and protect plastic parts
- Carefully slide the drawer back in and check for smooth operation

Also, make sure the drawer is not overloaded. Excessive weight can cause jamming and sticking.

Lorukeo schrieb:
BRIMNES drawers with metal runners are often sensitive to small dirt particles or slight warping of the runners.

An important point, but how certain can we be that, with even wear and proper installation, the runners won’t still show signs of material fatigue?

I have read about cases where the metal runner slightly slipped out of alignment or the plastic parts of the sliding tracks lost their holding points, causing jams.

Even if everything looks clean on the outside, this can be a cause that is only detectable by closer inspection or may require replacing the runners.

Therefore, my suggestion: please check not only for visible dirt or obvious damage but also the material integrity of the runner components.

Josefane schrieb:
Please also check the material integrity of the guide components, not just visible dirt or obvious damage.

I agree with this. In BRIMNES, the guides are often made from thin sheet metal that can bend or warp with frequent use.

Additionally, I recommend the following approach:
- Check the running rails with a spirit level or a straight ruler to identify alignment issues or warping
- If minor deformations are present, carefully reshape the metal using pliers or an appropriate tool
- Inspect plastic parts for cracks, as pinch points can cause small fractures

Although this detailed work takes a bit more effort, it is often worth it before ordering expensive replacement parts.