ᐅ What can you do if IKEA Brimnes drawers are rubbing or sticking?

Hello everyone, I have an issue with my IKEA Brimnes drawers. When opening and closing, they sometimes rub unpleasantly, which is not only annoying but could also put strain on the entire mechanism over time. I’m wondering what specific steps can be taken to fix this rubbing or at least reduce it significantly. Does anyone have experience with this series and can offer advice on adjustment, lubrication, or possibly material changes? It would also be helpful to know whether the rubbing is more likely due to installation errors, IKEA’s standard materials, or wear and tear. Thanks in advance for your tips!

First, check if the drawers are properly aligned. Often, they are slightly crooked, causing the side panels to rub against the cabinet. After that, you can lubricate the slide rails with a suitable lubricant, such as silicone spray. If the guides are damaged, they should be replaced.

ivano51 schrieb:
I wonder what concrete steps can be taken to fix or at least significantly reduce this rubbing?

I’m familiar with the problem of rubbing drawers in IKEA Brimnes furniture because the construction uses relatively thin particleboard. Here are a few tips that might help:

- Check if the drawers are installed correctly and aligned centrally. Incorrect mounting can cause rubbing.
- Often, the wooden edges catch on the inner side of the carcass. Sandpaper can help to gently remove a small amount of material there.
- Alternatively, you can attach felt pads where wood rubs against wood. This reduces noise and minimizes wear.
- The metal drawer runners should be clean and lightly lubricated, preferably with silicone spray, as it does not attract dust.

Sometimes the rubbing results from slight warping due to moisture. If you live in a room with high humidity, this could be the cause. In that case, a dehumidifier might help.

If screws are loose, tightening them improves stability.

I hope this helps!

KLO-KA schrieb:
First, check if the drawers are properly aligned.

Great tip, I hadn’t thought of that myself! 👍

To add: Sometimes it also helps to completely remove the drawers and clean the runners, as dust and small particles can cause annoying squeaking. Afterward, treat them with a good lubricant. This made a big difference for me.

I have also attached felt pads as protection on the edges. This protects the material and makes opening and closing much smoother. Give it a try, it’s worth it!