ᐅ What should I do if the IKEA Hemnes drawers no longer slide properly?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with the drawers of my IKEA Hemnes dresser. For some time now, they haven’t been sliding as smoothly as they did at the beginning. Specifically, the drawers are harder to open and close, sometimes they catch slightly or don’t come out completely. The dresser is about 5 years old, and I mainly use it in the bedroom for clothing.

I’m curious about what could be causing this issue with the Hemnes drawers. Is this a typical wear-and-tear problem, perhaps related to the drawer slides or runners that might have become misaligned? Or could other parts, such as the bottom panel of the drawer or the wooden components, also play a role?

Also, what can I do myself to restore smooth movement to the drawers without having to buy new parts right away? Are there any maintenance steps or repair measures that a non-professional could reasonably try?

I hope you have some experience or tips on how to get the Hemnes drawers working smoothly again. Thanks in advance!

Hello Francotu30,

First, regarding possible causes: Hemnes drawers from IKEA typically run on wooden runners or simple metal slides, depending on the model year. If the drawers are difficult to move, several reasons could be responsible:

- Changes in material dimensions: Wood can expand or contract over time due to moisture. This can cause the drawers to fit too tightly or rub in certain spots.
- Dirt or dust buildup in the guiding rails (if present) or on the runners.
- Wear and tear on the runners or slides, such as small cracks or deformations.
- Misalignment from frequent pulling out or twisting of the construction.

To fix this, you can try the following steps:

- Remove the drawer completely and inspect all guiding parts. Are they smooth or are there cracks?
- Carefully sand wooden runners with fine sandpaper at the edges where friction occurs.
- Clean guiding rails and, if metal parts are involved, optionally apply a special lubricant (not oil!).
- Check whether the drawers are installed straight inside and if any screws have loosened or shifted.
- Sometimes wax, furniture wax, or paraffin can help the wooden contact points glide more smoothly.

I would also be interested to know if the drawers all have the same issue or if some are worse than others? And whether the problem occurs only in certain positions or constantly?

If you have exact details about your model (year), that would help narrow down the running systems.

kulau schrieb:
I’m curious whether the drawers have different issues or if they all slide with the same difficulty?

This is a very important question because if only certain drawers are affected, it indicates localized problems, such as a warped wood part or dirty runners.

I would like to add that you should also check whether the fittings and screws of the dresser have loosened over the years. A slightly twisted piece of furniture can cause the drawers to no longer run parallel and therefore get stuck.

Furthermore, it is advisable to carefully smooth any light sanding marks on wooden runners. However, you should avoid removing too much material to maintain proper fit.

If the item is still under warranty, replacing the runners might be an option; otherwise, the previously suggested home remedies like furniture wax are recommended.

Personally, I have sometimes had success with Hemnes by using fine sandpaper and then polishing the contact points.

Hello everyone,

I would like to briefly and clearly summarize the topic from a technical perspective. The most common issue with Hemnes drawers is usually slight wood expansion or warping, which causes mechanical resistance by narrowing the sliding paths.

I recommend checking the following points:
- Check the positioning of the drawer slides and their fastenings (if applicable).
- Verify whether the drawer is inserted straight or if it is misaligned.
- Look for visible damage on the wooden rails that serve as guides.

For repair:
- Remove the drawer and, if necessary, shave down any areas of the wood that cause sticking.
- Use appropriate lubricants suitable for both wood and metal. Silicone or wax-based lubricants are preferred.
- Check the room’s humidity, as high moisture levels can cause the wood components to swell.

In summary: These are usually mechanically caused friction points that can be resolved with careful adjustments. Extensive repairs or replacements are rarely necessary.

Good luck with your drawers!

SONLIS schrieb:
I would like to add that you should also check if the fittings and screws of the dresser have loosened over the years.

Thanks for the tip, I hadn’t checked that thoroughly yet.

Current situation: The issues occur with all the drawers, especially the middle and bottom ones, with the very bottom drawer sticking the most. I moved the dresser slightly because the wall isn’t completely straight, and it actually got worse afterward. So, a slight deformation might have occurred.

The humidity level is fairly normal here, no extreme climate, but of course that can’t be completely ruled out. Tonight, I will carefully check the wood on the underside of the drawers using sandpaper to see if I find any rough spots.

One more thing: The drawers don’t have metal rollers, but wooden slides. That complicates the use of lubricants somewhat, doesn’t it?

I assume furniture wax or a wax block would be better here than oil?

Looking forward to more advice, thanks in advance to everyone!