ᐅ What to do if IKEA Hemnes drawers won’t close?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my IKEA Hemnes dressers, specifically with the drawers that just won’t close properly. The issue occurs with several drawers and doesn’t seem to be simply caused by misaligned drawer slides. Sometimes when I try to close them, I hear a slight clicking sound—could this be the material warping?

I have already checked that the drawers are fully pushed in and that the dresser itself is level, and both are true. I also noticed that the drawer slides sometimes catch or stick, which makes closing even more difficult.

My question for you: What specific steps should I take to permanently fix the Hemnes drawers so they close smoothly again? Are there any known weak points with this model? And how can I best maintain or adjust the drawer slides without compromising their function?

Thanks for your tips and experiences!

Tauko3 schrieb:
What specific steps should I take to ensure the Hemnes drawers close properly again on a permanent basis?

In general, the most common cause for Hemnes drawers not closing properly is issues with the drawer slides. Often, this is due to the screws on the slide rails becoming loose, or the plastic rollers being dusty or mechanically damaged.

Recommended steps:
- Check and tighten all screws on the drawer slides.
- Thoroughly clean the rails and rollers from dust and small debris.
- Move the drawer back and forth several times to allow the mechanism to settle.
- If the plastic rollers are damaged or worn out, replacing them can help.

Also, make sure the drawers are well aligned. Slight warping or an uneven cabinet structure can also cause problems. Therefore, check the furniture’s levelness with a spirit level.

blapau schrieb:
If plastic rollers are damaged or worn out, replacing them can help.

I agree, and would add: Sometimes just pulling the drawer out slightly and then carefully repositioning it is enough to realign the mechanism.

Of course, Hemnes is great, but because of the solid wood look, it can be tricky when the wood expands or contracts slightly. 🪵 It’s not unusual for the drawers to stick a bit because of this.

A little tip from me (with a wink): try gently rubbing the runners with some wax – this helps the rollers glide more smoothly without needing oil, which can attract dust. Give it a try; it makes opening and closing a bit easier!

Tauko3 schrieb:
I also noticed that the drawer slides catch slightly, which makes closing them more difficult.

If drawer slides catch, it is advisable to completely remove the slides and check for any deformations or dirt.

- Check the straight-line running function of the slides.
- Verify that the furniture’s mounting points are still secure and nothing has loosened.
- Use a fine brush or compressed air to remove any dust or debris.
- Make sure the slides are installed exactly parallel to each other.

Only by doing this can the proper function of the drawer slides be ensured over the long term, allowing the drawers to close properly.

flo56 schrieb:
Make sure the rails are installed perfectly parallel.

That was exactly my issue! I had a problem where one screw was slightly loose, and that was enough to cause the drawer to stick. I was really frustrated, but after tightening it, everything runs smoothly again.

So don’t despair, it’s definitely manageable! Sometimes a small, precise adjustment is all it takes to fully enjoy your Hemnes again. Good luck to everyone, keep at it—it’s worth it!