ᐅ Which tools are useful for repairing IKEA Hemnes furniture?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to carry out some repairs on my IKEA Hemnes furniture and want to make sure I have the right tools ready. I am especially interested in which tools you find truly helpful and necessary to reliably fix common issues like loose screws, squeaky parts, or minor wood touch-ups. Perhaps you also have tips on which specialized tools from the hardware store are useful and when it’s better to stick with simple hand tools? I would appreciate your practical experience and recommendations so I don’t start out with the wrong tool selection.

For Hemnes repairs, you usually only need a Phillips screwdriver, a hex key (often 4mm (5/32 inches)), and a small hammer. With these tools, you can tighten screws and touch up minor paint damage.

Hello Meo48, I would like to give a more detailed answer because I often repair Hemnes furniture myself. In addition to the tools mentioned by SUPE2, a screwdriver set with various sizes is important, as IKEA often uses different types of screws. For squeaky drawers, silicone spray is also helpful to lubricate the slide rails. Additionally, a small wood glue can be useful if parts come loose or if there are cracks in the wood. If you need to replace wooden dowels, a clamp is helpful to hold the parts together while drying. A small piece of sandpaper (grit 120 to 220) can help smooth surfaces before treatment. Many people repair Hemnes with these tools alone, without needing any special tools.

I recommend a cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque to avoid over-tightening screws. Additionally, a set of hex keys (Allen wrenches) is useful, as IKEA often uses hex socket screws in the Hemnes series.

Ramon4 schrieb:
Silicone spray is also helpful for lubricating the drawer slides to prevent squeaking.

Thanks, that sounds very useful. Do you use silicone spray or more often wax? Are there advantages of one over the other?

And one more question about Allen keys: Are they always metric at IKEA, or should I keep a set with imperial sizes on hand?

Meo48 schrieb:
Do you use silicone spray or rather wax? Are there any advantages of one over the other?

I usually use silicone spray because it stays clean and doesn’t become sticky. Wax can provide good lubrication but attracts dust and often turns greasy quickly – I find this less suitable for Hemnes furniture since it’s used frequently.

Meo48 schrieb:
Are IKEA screws always metric, or should I keep a set with inch sizes ready?

IKEA typically uses metric screws for Hemnes, mostly 4 or 5 mm. You don’t need inch-size sets for that. An affordable hex key (Allen key) set from a hardware store usually covers everything.