Hello everyone, I have two Malm bedside tables from IKEA, but they are quite wobbly and start to tip over even with a light touch. The overall design is basically stable, but in my case, the joints rattle, probably due to loose screws or worn dowels.
I’m interested in: What can I specifically do to permanently stabilize these bedside tables? Are there any practical tips or special materials that can be used without affecting the appearance? I don’t want a complete rebuild, more like a repair that even a layperson can manage. I’m grateful for any advice!
I’m interested in: What can I specifically do to permanently stabilize these bedside tables? Are there any practical tips or special materials that can be used without affecting the appearance? I don’t want a complete rebuild, more like a repair that even a layperson can manage. I’m grateful for any advice!
PERGI schrieb:
What can I do specifically to permanently stabilize these nightstands?I know that well—having a wobbly nightstand is really annoying. I had the same problem once with an old Malm. The most important thing is to first check all screws and dowels and tighten them if necessary.
Sometimes it helps to apply a bit of wood glue to the furniture connectors as well—of course, carefully, so you don’t damage the furniture. I did that back then, and it really made a noticeable difference.
Don’t worry, it’s nothing complicated!
Wobbly nightstands are almost a classic problem 😄. If I were you, I would also check under the table legs – in my case, the issue was a plastic screw that wasn’t seated properly on one of the feet. I replaced it, and just like that, everything became much more stable.
If your wall plugs are old and crumbly, you can simply fill the holes with wood filler, let it dry briefly, and then reattach the screws. This provides really good support and is easy to do.
Oh, and always place a screwdriver with a rubber grip underneath when tightening screws to prevent slipping 😉.
If your wall plugs are old and crumbly, you can simply fill the holes with wood filler, let it dry briefly, and then reattach the screws. This provides really good support and is easy to do.
Oh, and always place a screwdriver with a rubber grip underneath when tightening screws to prevent slipping 😉.
R
REOHEINRIC11 Nov 2020 11:01For the long-term stabilization of Malm nightstands, I recommend the following procedure:
1. Completely loosen all screws and connectors.
2. Visually inspect for damaged dowels or drilled holes that may have become enlarged.
3. Remove old dowels and replace them with new, high-quality wooden dowels.
4. Apply wood glue at the joints to ensure additional stability.
5. Tighten screws evenly and with appropriate torque; avoid overtightening.
Reworking the connections usually achieves the desired result. I advise against homemade washers, as they can cause localized stress.
1. Completely loosen all screws and connectors.
2. Visually inspect for damaged dowels or drilled holes that may have become enlarged.
3. Remove old dowels and replace them with new, high-quality wooden dowels.
4. Apply wood glue at the joints to ensure additional stability.
5. Tighten screws evenly and with appropriate torque; avoid overtightening.
Reworking the connections usually achieves the desired result. I advise against homemade washers, as they can cause localized stress.
bente schrieb:
Sometimes it helps to use a bit of wood glue in addition to the furniture connectorsThat’s a good tip! However, it’s important to apply the glue only where it can stay dry and cure properly to avoid unwanted marks.
Also, during the drying phase, it’s worth securing the nightstand with clamps or straps to ensure the joints bond correctly.
One more tip for tightening: once you identify which screws or connectors are causing the wobbling, mark them clearly so no element gets overlooked.
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