ᐅ What to do if the IKEA Brimnes drawers are sticking?

Hello everyone,

I have a somewhat specific question: What should I do if the drawers of my IKEA Brimnes dresser start sticking?

For me, the middle drawer is especially problematic when pulling it out – it no longer slides smoothly and often gets stuck, sometimes with a slight squeaking noise. The dresser is placed horizontally on a solid floor, and I have already checked and slightly tightened the screws.

I’m mainly interested in whether the issue is more likely mechanical (slides, rollers) or possibly caused by incorrect assembly, and if the drawer slides can be adjusted or lubricated somehow. Is there a tried-and-tested method to make the drawers slide smoothly again without having to replace the slides?

Thanks in advance for your experiences and suggestions!

Hello KUAYDOGAN,

I am familiar with your problem of sticking drawers in the IKEA Brimnes. The most common cause is usually a slight misalignment of the runners or dirt that accumulates over time.

I would first recommend completely removing the drawer and carefully inspecting the rails both on the furniture and the drawer. Here are some steps that often help:

- Check for small debris or dust in the runners and remove it.
- Inspect the plastic rollers that the drawer slides on to make sure they are not damaged or torn out.
- Clean the runners with a dry cloth or, if needed, some soapy water (make sure to dry thoroughly!).
- If mechanically possible, you can apply a small amount of silicone spray or wax to the runners, but avoid oily or greasy substances as they attract dust.
- Check the alignment of the runners – in some Brimnes models, they can be slightly shifted. If the drawer runs crookedly, it usually sticks.

Sometimes it also helps to reinsert the drawer carefully, making sure it is placed straight and fully into the runners.

If you want, I can provide more detailed instructions on how to properly remove the Brimnes drawers.

Good luck!

AMELIE schrieb:
I would first recommend completely removing the drawer and carefully inspecting the rails on both the furniture piece and the drawer itself.

That’s a great tip! To go into a bit more detail: IKEA Brimnes drawers typically use a plastic rail system with rollers that run inside two guide rails.

If the drawers stick, it can be caused by:

- Slightly bent guide rails (due to improper installation or load)
- Worn or damaged plastic rollers
- Screws holding the rails to the carcass not properly adjusted, causing the rails to be misaligned
- Dirt buildup, especially fine dust or hair caught in the grooves of the running rails

To fix this, I recommend the following detailed steps:

1. Completely remove the drawer: Pull the drawer out fully, then release the small plastic clip locks or latches at the front (depending on the model) to lift the drawer out.
2. Inspect the plastic rollers: If you see cracks or wear, they should be replaced. Spares are available either from IKEA or third-party suppliers.
3. Check the running rails on the furniture: Tighten any loose screws; make sure the rails are level and parallel.
4. Clean: Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove lint from the rails.
5. Lubricate: Silicone spray is really the best choice here. Other products like WD-40 or oil tend to attract dust and make the problem worse over time.

Also: It has often been pointed out that the original plastic guides used in Brimnes dressers are not very durable. If you’re handy, it’s a common upgrade to replace the rails with metal running rails, which are much more durable and smoother in operation.

If you need more help with the removal process or choosing the right replacement part, just ask.

KUAYDOGAN schrieb:
My main issue is with pulling out the middle drawer – it no longer slides smoothly and often gets stuck, sometimes making a slight squeaking noise.

Hello!

I’m familiar with this problem – the middle drawer on the Brimnes can be tricky for me sometimes, too. If it squeaks, a bit of sliding lubricant usually helps. I’ve had good results using solid beeswax (yes, really).

It’s important not to use too much, though, as it can attract dust and cause the problem to start all over again. So apply sparingly and reapply lightly as needed.

Sometimes, simply removing the drawer and slightly adjusting the runners is enough. They might be slightly misaligned, which I can usually feel with a bit of patience.

Good luck with the sticking drawer – you’ll get it sorted!

Simply pull the drawer completely out, clean the sliding rails, and lightly spray them with silicone spray. This usually restores smooth movement to most Brimnes drawers.

As a supplement: It is important to systematically check the screws that secure the drawer slides to the dresser. Even slight loosening can affect the smooth movement.

I also recommend the following structured approach:

- Remove the drawer.
- Visually inspect the plastic rollers for cracks or significant wear.
- Adjust and tighten the slides on the cabinet body.
- Clean all moving parts from dirt and dust.
- Apply silicone spray for optimal glide performance.

Using oil- or grease-based lubricants is not advisable, as they can lead to dust accumulation and increased wear over time.

If the plastic rollers are damaged, replacement is recommended since a faulty roller significantly contributes to friction and sticking. Spare parts are available from IKEA or specialized suppliers.

Please note that Brimnes drawers are prone to wear due to their material, which is usually caused by use rather than assembly errors.