ᐅ What to do when Ikea Hemnes drawers fail?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with the drawers of my Ikea Hemnes dresser model. After a relatively short period of use, some drawers stick, are difficult to pull out, or occasionally catch, which is quite annoying in everyday life.

I suspect it’s a malfunction of the drawer slides – possibly bent metal parts or incorrectly installed fittings. Some drawers also appear to be a bit misaligned.

My question to the community: What can I do if Ikea Hemnes drawers fail, meaning they no longer operate smoothly? Are there proven repair methods, replacement parts, or simple tricks that can extend their lifespan?

I look forward to your tips and experiences.

First, check if the tracks are dirty or bent. Often, lubricating the tracks and rollers with some silicone spray helps. If parts are broken, Ikea sells replacement guides separately.

To address the problem in detail, I would recommend removing the drawers completely and inspecting each runner for obstructions or slight deformations.

- First, pull the drawer out fully, then lift it up at the handle to carefully remove it.
- Next, check whether the metal or plastic side runners are bent. Gently straighten any deformed areas with pliers, being careful not to break the runner.
- Clean the sliding rails with a lint-free cloth to remove dust and old residue. Avoid oils; it’s better to use silicone spray, as it doesn’t become sticky.
- Check the rollers and moving parts to ensure they spin freely—sometimes a damaged roller can cause jamming. Replacement rollers can indeed be ordered from Ikea.
- Proper reassembly is important; screws should be tight but not over-tightened, as this can cause misalignment.

Could you also specify how old the chest of drawers is and whether the drawers jam on one side or both sides? This helps to better understand the cause of the issue.

kibutar schrieb:
Could you also specify the exact age of the dresser and whether the drawers catch on one side or both?

The dresser is about 2 years old, with regular use. It is mostly the three lower drawers that are affected. The catching usually occurs on one side, with the right side sticking more often than the left. This has led me to consider a possible assembly or warping issue. Thank you for the very detailed steps to follow—I will go through them and then share my observations. Are there any special considerations when ordering replacement parts for the Hemnes model?

For reordering spare parts, I recommend noting the exact model names and article numbers of the Hemnes module. Ikea usually provides a spare parts portal that lists all guide rails, rollers, and locks.

It is important to check whether there are different versions of the guide rails, as Hemnes has undergone several minor design changes since its initial release.

Regarding mechanical failure: Frequent one-sided catching usually indicates an issue with the alignment or fastening of the guide rails.

Before ordering spare parts, I suggest loosening all the screws on the drawer slides and then systematically realigning them to identify where the jamming occurs. Often, a slight adjustment is enough to restore proper function.

A structured approach to resolving issues with Ikea Hemnes drawers would be as follows:

- Completely remove the drawer
- Loosen all screws and fittings
- Inspect the drawer slides for damage and dirt
- If necessary, maintain with silicone spray and remove dust
- Carefully straighten the slides if there are minor deformations
- Check the drawer front and sides for warping, as the wooden carcass can distort and cause sticking
- After adjustments, reinstall the drawer for testing, retighten screws if needed, but not too tightly

Important: If the cabinet is placed against a wall, uneven floor contact can cause it to tilt. A spirit level can help clarify this.

If none of this helps, Ikea offers original replacement parts, which may be provided free of charge under warranty.