IKEA HEMNES: spare parts, common problems and repairs

The HEMNES range is the second best-selling bedroom range at IKEA in France and Europe. Its success is based on a strong argument: solid pine, whereas the competition stacks MDF and particleboard. But this noble material has its requirements. The HEMNES assembly, with its threaded dowel system, holds a few surprises for owners who haven't used a screwdriver since the initial assembly.

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Which HEMNES model do you have?

Model	Structural feature
Bed frame (90 / 140 / 160 / 180 cm)	Assembly head + foot with threaded dowels and cam locks
Chest of 2 drawers	Compact format, simple metal drawer slides
Chest of 3 drawers	Drawers of varying height depending on version
Chest of 6 or 8 drawers	Double column, central panel in solid pine
Nightstand 1 drawer	Lightweight structure, 2 short drawer slides
Desk 2 drawers	Fixed worktop, intermediate shelf

The finish is either white stained or black-brown stained. In both cases, it is a stain on solid pine, not a surface paint. A deep scratch exposes the natural wood, not a layer of white lacquer.

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The assembly system: what makes the HEMNES strong and weak

The HEMNES combines three types of fasteners: metal cam locks (eccentric cams), wooden dowels for alignment, and — especially on the bed — threaded dowels associated with cam locks.

It is the latter system that causes the most problems. The threaded dowels (IKEA references #102335, #111451 or #104875 depending on the version) screw into the wood to secure the panels to the frame. The cam lock fits into a milled housing and tightens the assembly.

The problem: with the daily vibrations of the bed, the dowel gradually unscrews. Six months after assembly, the headboard may start to tilt slightly. A quarter turn on the dowel is enough to correct it. You just have to notice it before the play worsens.

Check and re-tighten the threaded dowels 6 months after initial assembly, then once a year.

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Common problems with HEMNES furniture

Drawers that jam in summer

This is complaint number one on forums. Solid pine is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture and swells. In summer, the drawers of a HEMNES chest of drawers can become difficult to open. This is not a manufacturing defect. It is the nature of solid wood.

Solutions:

• Rub the sides of the drawer and the drawer slides with paraffin (a white, unscented candle is sufficient). The sliding becomes smooth again even when the wood swells.
• In case of severe blockage, remove the drawer and lightly sand the sides with 120 grit sandpaper. Go gently: you are removing material permanently.
• If the metal drawer slides are twisted or seized, they are replaceable as spare parts.

Wood splitting around screws

Solid pine does not mean indestructible pine. If you tighten wood screws too tightly, the wood will split along the grain.

Always pre-drill before inserting a screw into HEMNES pine. Especially near an edge or corner. A pilot hole slightly smaller in diameter than the screw is sufficient to prevent cracking.

The chest of drawers "gaping" at the panel level

On the 6 and 8 drawer chests of drawers, the central panel supports the entire load. If the cam locks have moved, the sides will move apart and a gap will appear between the panels. Locate the cams on the sides and give a quarter turn until resistance. Do not force beyond that.

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What you need to know before ordering a HEMNES spare part

The HEMNES has been in the catalog since the early 2000s, with a practically unchanged design. The parts have been available for a long time and compatibility is generally good between versions.

Have the article number on the label glued under or behind the furniture. For the bed, this is essential: several dimensions coexist and the threaded dowels differ between a 90 cm frame and a 180 cm frame.

The most requested parts after a move: the threaded dowels and cam locks for the bed, the metal drawer slides, and the wood screws for the frame.

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FAQ

Can you repaint a HEMNES white piece of furniture that is yellowing?
The HEMNES white tint is a stain in the mass of the wood, not a paint. To renovate the color, lightly sand then apply a matte white wood paint. The finish is clean on flat panels.

Are HEMNES drawer slides compatible with other IKEA furniture?
No. HEMNES drawer slides have specific dimensions related to the depth of the solid pine drawers. They are not interchangeable with MALM or BRIMNES drawer slides.

My HEMNES threaded dowel is turning in the void: what to do?
The wood around the hole is worn. Remove the dowel, coat it with wood glue, reinsert it, and let it dry for 24 hours. If the hole is too damaged, push a toothpick with glue into the hole to rebuild wood around the screw.