ᐅ What to do if Ikea Hemnes drawers stick or do not slide smoothly?

nicholas39 schrieb:
Are the metal guides rust-resistant? After cleaning, is there anything special I should do, like during drying, to prevent rust?

The metal components in Ikea Hemnes are usually galvanized or powder-coated, which protects them against rust. It’s important not to leave them wet after cleaning; dry them thoroughly and ideally let them air out for at least half a day.

nicholas39 schrieb:
Can someone tell me if the drawer slides are easy to order as replacement parts and whether installation is complicated?

The drawer slides are common replacement parts available from Ikea, often on request. Installation is not particularly complicated: remove the old slides, attach the new ones, and tighten the screws. The lever mechanisms are intuitive; usually, you don’t need to modify the drawers themselves.

I would like to add a brief clarification:

People often think the issue is always caused by dirt or lack of lubrication. However, this is only part of the story.

The Ikea Hemnes drawers use relatively simple metal runners. If these are not perfectly aligned— for example, if they are installed at an angle or have become twisted— this will eventually lead to increased wear and cause sticking. Therefore, it is worthwhile to check all mounting points thoroughly and, if necessary, realign them.

Additionally, I recommend inspecting the wooden drawers and the cabinet body for any stresses or deformations, as wood can warp slightly over time, which can also affect the smoothness of operation.

In summary:
- Cleaning and lubrication are helpful but not the only solution
- Precise adjustment and inspection of the components are essential
- Do not overlook wood deformations

Anyone who only treats the surface of the problem will sooner or later face issues again.

blaix schrieb:
It is therefore worth thoroughly checking all fixing points and realigning them if necessary.

That is absolutely correct. Additionally, I recommend fully extending and retracting each drawer several times after cleaning and lubricating, so everything can settle properly. This often reveals small details such as loose screws or uneven gaps.

blaix schrieb:
It is therefore worth thoroughly checking all fixing points and realigning them if necessary.

You should also consider that Hemnes furniture can slightly expand or contract depending on room humidity, which can affect the precision fit of the drawers. A quick readjustment or placing shims under the furniture feet can often fix this issue promptly.

Hey nicholas39, don’t worry! 🙂

I had the same issue and completely removed the tracks, then cleaned and re-lubricated them – that worked like a charm right away! It’s important to use only silicone spray and not oil, otherwise it will just get worse!

And yes, the drawer slides go back in very easily. You can definitely do it yourself, no worries. After reassembling, I slid the drawer in and out several times until it ran smoothly.

I really appreciate that you’re researching thoroughly – not just “meh, it’s sticking,” but really tackling the problem! Keep it up, you’ll get it fixed for sure!