ᐅ How do I fix loose Malm hinges?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with Malm dressers where the hinges become loose and the doors no longer close properly. I’m wondering what the best way is to repair loose Malm hinges without having to take apart or damage the entire piece of furniture. I’m especially interested in whether there is a way to tighten the screws or the hinges themselves, maybe using special anchors, screws, or another technique. Are there any tips or proven methods to fix this issue with minimal effort and reliable durability? Thanks in advance for your help!

Hey Senan64, it’s great that you’re tackling the repair yourself! 🙂 For loose butt hinges, it often works to remove the screws and then fill the old holes with wood filler or toothpicks to give the screws something to grip. After that, you can screw them back in tightly as usual. You can also use wood glue to make it hold even better – that provides really good stability! Don’t give up, this method works very well and saves you from having to buy new parts! Good luck!!

fepau schrieb:
tighten the screws and then insert wood filler or toothpicks into the old holes so the screws have something to grip again.

This is really a proven method that I also use often. It is important that the wood material used to fill the holes dries well before you tighten the screws again. Alternatively, you can use small wooden dowels to insert into the worn-out holes. If the hinges are very loose, you should check whether the screws are still undamaged before reattaching them. Sometimes it also helps to replace rusty or damaged screws with new ones.

If the hinges are attached to metal parts or use special fasteners, it might help to replace the hinge entirely. But usually, filling the holes and a bit of patience while drying is enough. 🙂

A common issue with Malm dressers is that the mounting holes in the particleboard material become worn out. A recommended step-by-step approach is as follows: First, remove the screws and clear out the holes. Second, fill the holes with wood glue and small wood pieces such as toothpicks or thin wooden strips to restore a solid base. Third, once the glue has dried, reattach using suitable screws.

If this is not sufficient, use furniture dowels with a diameter of 6 mm (¼ inch). These can be glued into the existing holes to create a new, more stable fixing point.

Important: Choose screws of appropriate length, preferably not too short, to ensure a secure hold.

This method is often much more effective than simply tightening the screws.

RENMA schrieb:
Remove the screws and clear the holes

You definitely need to do this, or else you won’t be able to fasten the screws properly.

BeAndrea schrieb:
Use wooden dowels

Wooden dowels are great. Apply glue around them, insert, let dry, and then screw in. Works perfectly.

Thanks for all the great tips! I now understand that the main idea is to fill worn-out holes with wooden pieces or dowels and stabilize them with glue before tightening the screws again. Wood glue works especially well for this. I’m still curious: Should I use regular screws, or are there special furniture or hinge screws that fit better? And if I use dowels, what size and length would be suitable for the Malm hinge metal plates?

Thanks in advance for the support—I want to preserve my dresser for as long as possible!