Hello everyone,
I recently assembled an IKEA Hemnes dresser cabinet, and I have noticed that the drawers do not close properly. Specifically, the drawers sometimes catch, stick, or don’t sit flush when closed, causing them to pop open slightly and preventing the cabinet from being used as intended.
I have already checked whether any screws or runners are bent or improperly installed, but everything seems fine. The runners operate smoothly, and the assembly was done exactly according to the instructions.
My specific question is: What can be done when IKEA Hemnes drawers don’t close properly? Are there known issues with the drawer slides or alignment on this model that should be specifically inspected or adjusted?
I would appreciate any constructive suggestions and tips. I am particularly interested in experiences regarding common causes and how to resolve these problems effectively.
I recently assembled an IKEA Hemnes dresser cabinet, and I have noticed that the drawers do not close properly. Specifically, the drawers sometimes catch, stick, or don’t sit flush when closed, causing them to pop open slightly and preventing the cabinet from being used as intended.
I have already checked whether any screws or runners are bent or improperly installed, but everything seems fine. The runners operate smoothly, and the assembly was done exactly according to the instructions.
My specific question is: What can be done when IKEA Hemnes drawers don’t close properly? Are there known issues with the drawer slides or alignment on this model that should be specifically inspected or adjusted?
I would appreciate any constructive suggestions and tips. I am particularly interested in experiences regarding common causes and how to resolve these problems effectively.
G
Genevieve15 Jan 2022 11:16Hello Nesulis,
First of all, I find your question very clearly formulated, which is extremely helpful.
Regarding the topic: You mention that the screws and rails have been checked and everything seems fine. That sounds plausible at first, but IKEA often has the issue that the drawer slides are slightly warped or not properly adjusted. This can cause them to stick even if everything appears to be correctly assembled.
That should be questioned because even with IKEA instructions, tiny deviations during assembly can have significant effects.
My suggestion: Use a spirit level to check if all sides of the furniture are perfectly level – including the bottom and the side panels. Sometimes a drawer sticks because the cabinet is slightly tilted and the slides are under tension.
If that doesn’t help, also consider taking a closer look at the plastic rollers inside the guide rails. Are they intact? Do they have enough clearance or are they blocked? Often this is the cause, not just the screws.
I would be interested to know if you have completely removed the drawers once and then reinserted them to reset the adjustments.
First of all, I find your question very clearly formulated, which is extremely helpful.
Regarding the topic: You mention that the screws and rails have been checked and everything seems fine. That sounds plausible at first, but IKEA often has the issue that the drawer slides are slightly warped or not properly adjusted. This can cause them to stick even if everything appears to be correctly assembled.
Nesulis schrieb:
The rails run smoothly, and the assembly was done entirely according to the instructions.
That should be questioned because even with IKEA instructions, tiny deviations during assembly can have significant effects.
My suggestion: Use a spirit level to check if all sides of the furniture are perfectly level – including the bottom and the side panels. Sometimes a drawer sticks because the cabinet is slightly tilted and the slides are under tension.
If that doesn’t help, also consider taking a closer look at the plastic rollers inside the guide rails. Are they intact? Do they have enough clearance or are they blocked? Often this is the cause, not just the screws.
I would be interested to know if you have completely removed the drawers once and then reinserted them to reset the adjustments.
Hello Nesulis,
I agree with Genevieve that a thorough check of the alignment is very important with Hemnes drawers, as the tolerances during assembly can sometimes be tight.
I specifically recommend the following procedure:
- First, remove all drawers completely.
- Check whether the drawer slides on both the cabinet and the drawer are undamaged and not bent.
- Make sure that all screws on the slides are properly tightened, but not overtightened.
- Then, use a spirit level to check the cabinet—especially the bottom and the side panels.
- If the cabinet is uneven, place small wooden shims or felt pads underneath.
- Finally, reinstall the drawers with gentle pressure, ensuring they are properly aligned and straight.
I solved a similar problem with my Hemnes several years ago. Often, the cause is a slight tilt in the room or the construction.
Sometimes it also helps to slightly adjust the plastic stoppers on the slides so that the drawer closes fully and locks smoothly.
If that doesn’t work, moving the drawer back and forth within the slides can help to prevent jamming or sticking.
I agree with Genevieve that a thorough check of the alignment is very important with Hemnes drawers, as the tolerances during assembly can sometimes be tight.
I specifically recommend the following procedure:
- First, remove all drawers completely.
- Check whether the drawer slides on both the cabinet and the drawer are undamaged and not bent.
- Make sure that all screws on the slides are properly tightened, but not overtightened.
- Then, use a spirit level to check the cabinet—especially the bottom and the side panels.
- If the cabinet is uneven, place small wooden shims or felt pads underneath.
- Finally, reinstall the drawers with gentle pressure, ensuring they are properly aligned and straight.
I solved a similar problem with my Hemnes several years ago. Often, the cause is a slight tilt in the room or the construction.
Sometimes it also helps to slightly adjust the plastic stoppers on the slides so that the drawer closes fully and locks smoothly.
If that doesn’t work, moving the drawer back and forth within the slides can help to prevent jamming or sticking.
Hello Nesulis, I know how frustrating it can be when something seemingly simple like drawers closing properly turns out to be so difficult.
I agree with that. I had a similar problem with another IKEA piece of furniture and only managed to fix it after carefully measuring and adjusting the cabinet for an uneven floor.
If possible, try testing the drawers empty and then gradually add contents again. A fully loaded drawer often affects the way it slides, especially with the Hemnes drawers that use metal slides.
Keep at it – these issues usually get resolved with some patience and a systematic approach. Wishing you good luck!
Genevieve schrieb:
Sometimes a drawer jams because the cabinet is slightly tilted, putting the drawer slides under tension.
I agree with that. I had a similar problem with another IKEA piece of furniture and only managed to fix it after carefully measuring and adjusting the cabinet for an uneven floor.
If possible, try testing the drawers empty and then gradually add contents again. A fully loaded drawer often affects the way it slides, especially with the Hemnes drawers that use metal slides.
Keep at it – these issues usually get resolved with some patience and a systematic approach. Wishing you good luck!
Hello Nesulis and everyone reading,
I would like to add that with Hemnes models, it is also important not to overload the drawers, especially when they are new. Sometimes, drawers that are too heavy or unevenly loaded can cause them to stick or not close properly.
Also, the drawer slides often have small stoppers at the end to prevent the drawer from falling out. These can sometimes be installed too close to the drawer by mistake. Check to make sure the stoppers are positioned correctly.
Here is a brief troubleshooting procedure:
- Remove the drawers
- Level the cabinet with a spirit level
- Check the drawer slides (position, screws, stoppers)
- Reinsert the drawers lightly and cleanly
- Distribute the load evenly
The Hemnes series is overall sturdy, but patience during assembly helps the most.
I would like to add that with Hemnes models, it is also important not to overload the drawers, especially when they are new. Sometimes, drawers that are too heavy or unevenly loaded can cause them to stick or not close properly.
Also, the drawer slides often have small stoppers at the end to prevent the drawer from falling out. These can sometimes be installed too close to the drawer by mistake. Check to make sure the stoppers are positioned correctly.
Here is a brief troubleshooting procedure:
- Remove the drawers
- Level the cabinet with a spirit level
- Check the drawer slides (position, screws, stoppers)
- Reinsert the drawers lightly and cleanly
- Distribute the load evenly
The Hemnes series is overall sturdy, but patience during assembly helps the most.
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