ᐅ Are there any installation or assembly issues with older models?

Created on: 1 Jan 2023 08:14

Hello everyone,

I am currently looking into whether there are specific assembly issues with older models of the Malm shelving unit from IKEA that are no longer present in newer versions. I have noticed that online and in several forum posts, there are recurring mentions of difficulties when assembling older Malm models—whether due to hole alignment, stability, or unclear assembly instructions.

Therefore, my question to the community is whether anyone has experience with these types of problems, especially with older Malm versions, and if there are any practical tips on how to avoid them or if it might be better to choose alternative furniture instead.

I look forward to your opinions and experiences!

nonpra1 Jan 2023 11:22

From personal experience: Older models often have warped panels, and the fittings may no longer align perfectly. Pre-drilling helps. Instructions can be outdated and difficult to understand.

olivernu1 Jan 2023 11:57

Friedrich schrieb:
The parts may have warped due to storage and slight changes in humidity, or they could have small production variations

I can only agree with that. Some time ago, I assembled the Malm bed storage unit from an older series. The fit of one part was noticeably worse compared to a newer one I bought later. Such deviations can have various causes – ranging from material defects to environmental factors.

What helped me was measuring the critical edges and doing minor touch-ups with sandpaper if needed. Of course, this is not an ideal solution, but sometimes you have to improvise a bit with older models.

Kenon702 Jan 2023 08:41

If anyone has an older Malm model: Be sure to check the screws and anchors for rust or wear, as this can cause issues during assembly and affect stability.

tanki2 Jan 2023 09:00

#10

Ethan schrieb:
A tip: Before assembly, sort all parts first and check if everything is complete and undamaged.

Thank you for the detailed advice! I find this point particularly important. I have started to wonder if some of my issues might be caused by not sorting properly or unnoticed damage to the components.

I would appreciate it if you could add a list of commonly used screws and anchors – that would definitely be very helpful for all DIY builders!

Friedrich2 Jan 2023 10:12

#11

olivernu schrieb:
Such deviations can have various causes – from material defects to climatic influences

I completely agree. I’ve found the tone in this thread really pleasant because we stay objective and approach the topic constructively.

By the way, I’m curious if anyone here has experience with potential workshop or service support from IKEA for older Malm models? Do they still offer assistance, or are you basically on your own? 🙂

naujon2 Jan 2023 10:47

#12

tanki schrieb:
I would appreciate it if you could add the list of screws and dowels that are commonly used

Gladly! Here is a brief overview of the fasteners typically found in older Malm models:

- 8 mm (5/16 inch) wooden dowels
- 4.5 x 50 mm (4.5 x 2 inch) flat-head screws
- Cam connectors (cam locks) in 15 mm (5/8 inch) and 20 mm (3/4 inch) sizes
- Metal brackets for reinforcement

When replacing, it is recommended to use original quality or at least equivalent parts from a hardware store. This ensures better stability. Additionally, lightly oiling the threads makes assembly easier.

I hope this helps!

ᐅ Are there any installation or assembly issues with older models?

Reaktionen