ᐅ What should I do if an IKEA BRIMNES drawer gets stuck?

Created on: 27 Jan 2022 08:47
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KENGU
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KENGU
27 Jan 2022 08:47
Hello everyone, I have a somewhat unusual question: My IKEA Brimnes dresser has a drawer that suddenly got stuck. It won’t open or close properly. I haven’t noticed any visible damage. Are there any known causes for such drawer jams with Brimnes drawers, and how can I best fix the problem myself without damaging the drawer or the furniture? I would appreciate concrete tips for troubleshooting and repair options, ideally step-by-step instructions or practical advice that has helped in similar cases.
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Ryder35
27 Jan 2022 09:12
Often the drawer sticks because something is caught in the track area. It is best to fully pull out the drawer, check the tracks for any foreign objects, and clean them. Then lubricate the track and rollers. Finally, check if the track is properly aligned.
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LANICOLE
27 Jan 2022 10:03
Basically, you should check the following:
- Fully remove the drawer from the cabinet
- Inspect the drawer slides for any damage or deformation
- Check for dust or small debris trapped inside
- Verify that the drawer is correctly mounted (sometimes the rollers can slip out of place)

Afterwards, I recommend cleaning the slides with a dry cloth and, if necessary, applying a light silicone spray, since oil tends to attract dirt on the slides. Be careful not to damage the rollers and carefully check for any sharp edges that could cause sticking.
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Julien
27 Jan 2022 11:45
I’ve had the same issue with a BRIMNES drawer before. It’s usually caused by the rail or the rollers not running smoothly due to excessive weight or improper loading. My advice:
- Fully pull out and remove the drawer
- Check if the rollers are clean and can turn freely
- If a roller is damaged, replacement rollers can be ordered from Ikea
- Make sure the rail is mounted at a right angle. Sometimes the cabinet is slightly misaligned.

If you often load the drawer heavily, reduce the weight to prevent future jamming.
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TRA33
27 Jan 2022 12:18
Remove the drawer and clean the runners and rollers. Check if the runners are installed straight. Apply silicone spray to the runners, but do not use oil. Then reinsert the drawer and test it.
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klo40
28 Jan 2022 09:34
KENGU schrieb:
Are there any known causes for such jamming issues with the BRIMNES drawers, and how can I best fix the problem myself without damaging the drawer or the furniture?

Hello KENGU, to address the problem more precisely, here is a brief step-by-step guide:

1. Fully remove the drawer from the furniture. BRIMNES drawers often have locks on the side clips—carefully release these.
2. Carefully inspect the rails and rollers for damage such as bends or cracks.
3. Clean everything thoroughly, as dust or small debris often accumulates.
4. Check whether the rails are properly aligned and that the furniture is level and stable.
5. If the rollers catch or stick, gently smooth them with fine sandpaper or consider getting replacement rollers.
6. After cleaning, apply a little silicone spray, but do not use oil.

By following these steps, you can avoid damage and identify the exact cause. If a roller is defective, be sure to replace it, as the drawer will jam worse over time otherwise.