Troubleshooting Common Hemnes Drawer Issues
IKEA’s Hemnes series is a great choice for the home, but the Hemnes drawers can sometimes give you trouble. Fortunately, most of the common issues you might encounter can be easily resolved with a little bit of know-how. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common Hemnes drawer issues you might come across and what you can do to fix them.
One common problem with Hemnes drawers is that they can become difficult to open and close over time. This can happen for a number of reasons, including warping or swelling of the wood, as well as damage to the tracks or hardware. If you’re struggling to open or close your Hemnes drawers, here’s how to fix the issue.
The first step is to remove the drawers from the unit. You can do this by pulling each drawer out as far as it will go, then lifting it up and tilting it forward to unhook it from the tracks. Set the drawers aside for now and inspect the tracks and hardware.
If you notice any damage to the tracks, such as splintering or warping, you may need to replace them. Similarly, if any of the hardware is damaged or broken, such as the screws or brackets, you should replace them as well.
Assuming the tracks and hardware are in good condition, the next step is to clean them. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the tracks over time, which can make it difficult for the drawers to slide smoothly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the tracks and hardware, removing any debris or buildup.
Once the tracks and hardware are clean, you can apply a lubricant to help the drawers slide more easily. Many types of lubricants are suitable for this job, but a silicone-based spray lubricant is a good choice. Simply spray a small amount of the lubricant onto the tracks and hardware, then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth.
If your drawers are still difficult to open and close after cleaning and lubricating the tracks and hardware, you may need to adjust the tension on the tracks. This can be done by tightening or loosening the screws that hold the tracks in place. If the tracks are too loose, the drawers will wiggle around and be difficult to open and close. If the tracks are too tight, the drawers may bind and stick.
Adjusting the tension is a delicate process, so be sure to make small adjustments and test the drawers after each adjustment to see if the issue has been resolved. It may take a bit of trial and error to get the tension just right, but with a little patience, you should be able to get your Hemnes drawers working smoothly once again.
If you’re still having trouble with your Hemnes drawers after trying these troubleshooting steps, it may be time to seek professional help. A qualified furniture repair person can help diagnose any issues with your drawers and recommend the best course of action to get them working properly again.
Tools Needed for Fixing Hemnes Drawers
Fixing Hemnes drawers can be a straightforward task with the right tools. Here are the essential tools you will need to complete this task:
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Wood glue
- Drill and drill bits
- Trimming knife
- Sanding paper
- Clamps
- Replacement parts
While some of these tools are for general use, they come in handy for repairing Hemnes drawers. Let us discuss these tools in detail:
Contents
Screwdriver
The screwdriver is an essential tool when fixing Hemnes drawers. It comes in handy when you need to disassemble the drawer or replace the drawer slides. The Hemnes drawer is fastened using screws, and you need a screwdriver to remove these screws. Before buying the screwdriver, ensure that you know the type of screws on your Hemnes drawer. You may require a flathead or Philips screwdriver.
Hammer
For some drawer repairs, you might need to use a hammer. For instance, if the drawer bottom is loose, the hammer comes in handy to nail in the panel back. Be careful not to use too much force when hammering the panel as it might cause a split in the wood panel.
Wood glue
If a wooden piece of the drawer is broken, you can use wood glue to fix it. The glue strengthens the wood and ensures the drawer stays together. Before applying the glue, sand the surface to ensure the glue has a good grip.
Drill and drill bits.
When fixing a Hemnes drawer, you might need to drill some holes; thus, a drill comes in handy. The drill bits come in different sizes, and you need to choose the correct size for your job. The hammer drill bit comes in handy when the drawer slides are attached to masonry. The drill bit can drill through the masonry, allowing you to fasten the drawer slide without damaging the wall.
Trimming knife
A trimming knife can come in handy when fixing the drawer slides. For instance, if the drawer slide needs trimming to fit the drawer correctly, a trimming knife comes in handy.
Sanding paper
When rejuvenating the Hemnes drawer, the sanding paper is your go-to tool. You use it to sand off the old finish, preparing the surface for the new finish.
Clamps
If you’re repairing the drawer’s corner joints, clamps come in handy. Clamping the joint ensures the joint is held securely, and the glue bonds correctly.
Replacement parts
When repairing Hemnes drawers, you may need some replacement parts. The parts include drawer knobs, panel pins, and drawer slides. The parts are specific to the Hemnes drawer, and you can get them from your local furniture store.
When fixing Hemnes drawers, having the right tools makes the task easier. Ensure you have all these tools if you’re planning to fix the drawers yourself.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Hemnes Drawer Slides
The Hemnes drawers from IKEA are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their beautiful design and functionality. However, after extended use, the drawer slides may need to be replaced. Luckily, replacing Hemnes drawer slides is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. In this guide, we will go through how to fix Hemnes drawers by replacing the slides.
Step 1: Remove the Drawer
The first step is to remove the drawer from the Hemnes cabinet. To do this, fully extend the drawer and carefully lift it up and out of the cabinet. Set it aside in a safe location.
Step 2: Remove the Old Drawer Slide
Once the drawer has been removed, you need to remove the old faulty slide. Locate the screws that attach the slide to the cabinet and remove them with a screwdriver. Carefully remove the old drawer slide and set it aside.
Step 3: Install the New Drawer Slide
Next, it’s time to install the new slide. Begin by attaching the slide to the cabinet using the screws provided. Ensure that the orientation of the slide is correct and secure it tightly to the cabinet.
The next step is to attach the new slide to the drawer. Take the new slide and place it on the bottom of the drawer. Line it up with the slide attached to the cabinet and screw it in place using the screws provided. Be sure to tighten the screws sufficiently, but avoid overtightening that may strip the wood or screw.
Step 4: Test the Drawer Slides
Once the new slide has been installed, test the drawer slides for functionality. Reinsert the drawer back into the cabinet and slide it in and out. The drawer should move smoothly without any issue. If the drawer still doesn’t slide smoothly, something was not installed correctly, tightly, or if the replacement part was not the right size, undo the screws and re-install, tighten or replace as necessary.
Step 5: Repeat for Other Drawers
If you have more than one drawer that needs fixing, repeat the process for each drawer. It’s important to replace all faulty slides to avoid the risk of further damage.
Replacing Hemnes drawer slides is a quick and straightforward process that can be completed within an hour, even for those with little to no experience in DIY projects. Make sure to take your time and follow the steps carefully to ensure that you have installed the slide correctly. By doing this process correctly, you can prolong the life of your Hemnes drawers and restore its functionality.
Tips for Repairing Damaged Hemnes Drawer Bottoms
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to fix the bottom of your Hemnes drawer? Perhaps it has worn out due to the weight of the contents or moisture, or maybe it has been damaged due to a rough move. Whatever the reason may be, don’t worry; fixing Hemnes drawer bottoms is a relatively simple process that requires a few basic tools. Here are some tips to help you repair the bottom of your Hemnes drawers.
First, you will need to remove the drawer from the furniture. Turn the drawer upside down and look for the screws that hold the bottom of the drawer in place. Remove these screws using a screwdriver and place them in a safe place where they won’t get lost.
Once you have removed the screws, try taking out the bottom part of the drawer carefully. However, if it seems to be stuck, don’t force it. Instead, use a hammer to tap around the edges of the bottom of the drawer gently. This will help loosen it, so you can remove it without causing any damage to the rest of the drawer.
After removing the old bottom, examine it to see how much damage it has. If it’s only a minor crack or wrinkle, you can fix it by applying a wood glue or nail polish to the damaged area. To do this, apply a small amount of the glue or nail polish with a brush or cotton swab on the damaged area and let it dry for several hours.
If the damage is more severe, you may need to replace the entire bottom of the drawer. The easiest way to do this is by purchasing a replacement Hemnes drawer bottom from the IKEA store or online. Once you have the replacement part, lay it on a flat surface and put the old drawer bottom over it. Trace the edges of the old drawer bottom onto the new one. Using a saw or a pair of scissors, cut the new drawer bottom along the traced lines.
Next, apply wood glue to the new drawer bottom and attach it to the bottom of the drawer using the same screws that you removed earlier. Once the glue has dried, place the drawer back into the furniture.
Finally, make sure that the screws are tightened, and the drawer is balanced on its rails. Check to see that it slides in and out smoothly. If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the rails or make sure that there is no debris that’s blocking the movement.
Repairing damaged Hemnes drawer bottoms is relatively simple, and it’s a great way to save yourself some money instead of buying a new one. With the right tools and some patience, you can fix your Hemnes drawer in no time.
Preventative Maintenance for Hemnes Drawers: What You Need to Know
As with any piece of furniture that gets regular use, Hemnes drawers require maintenance to ensure they function properly and last a long time. Follow these easy preventative maintenance tips to keep your Hemnes drawers in top condition.
1. Keep Drawers Clean
Regularly wiping your Hemnes drawers with a soft, dry cloth will help prevent dust and debris from building up and scratching the drawer. For any stubborn stains, use a damp cloth but avoid using water excessively as it can cause warping and swelling of the wood.
2. Watch the Weight
Be careful not to overload your Hemnes drawers as it can cause the wood to warp and the tracks to become misaligned, resulting in difficulty opening and closing the drawer. Stick to the weight limit recommended by IKEA for each drawer and use extra supports for heavier items.
3. Keep Track of the Tracks
Check the drawer tracks periodically for wear and tear, cracks, and misalignments. Any of these can lead to difficulty opening and closing drawers and cause damage to the drawer itself. If you notice any issues, tighten loose screws or consider replacing the tracks altogether.
4. Mind the Moisture
Excessive moisture can cause Hemnes drawers to swell and warp, making them challenging to open and close. Avoid placing wet items directly in the drawer and use moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel or charcoal to keep the humidity levels in check inside the drawer.
5. Address Loose Drawer Fronts
Loose drawer fronts can cause problems, including difficulty closing and opening, causing damage to the drawer or remaining slightly open. To fix a loose drawer front, remove the drawer and tighten all screws holding the front to the drawer body. If screws are no longer holding the front in place, apply strong wood glue to the joints and reclamp the drawer overnight.
Final Thoughts
Investing time and effort in properly maintaining your Hemnes drawers isn’t difficult, but it is necessary to protect your investment and keep your drawers in excellent condition for years to come. Follow these preventative maintenance tips to keep your Hemnes drawers looking and working great while avoiding costly repairs or replacements.