ᐅ How can I adjust Malm drawers?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Malm chest of drawers and am now assembling the drawers. Unfortunately, I’m not completely satisfied with the drawer slides, as sometimes they stick, sometimes they run too loosely, or they are not properly aligned.

I’m wondering: How can I properly adjust the Malm drawers to ensure they operate smoothly? Are there specific steps or tricks regarding the drawer slides or the side rails that I should definitely keep in mind? I’m especially interested in how to set the drawers so they move easily but remain stable, without jerking when opening or closing.

I’ve already tried adjusting them a bit, but advice from people with experience would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!

Hello Lutefo,

your question is very well formulated, and I’m happy to help. Malm drawers usually have slides or runners that can be adjusted in depth, sideways, and sometimes even in height.

First, you should fully pull out the drawer and check if the runners are dirty or damaged. Clean slides and rollers are essential for smooth operation.

For the sideways adjustment, there are usually small screws or adjustment levers on the sides of the slides. With these, you can center the drawer so it doesn’t stick on either side. A little fine-tuning until the drawer sits in the middle already helps a lot.

It is also important that the drawer is properly aligned in height. There are often small screw points on the sides that allow you to adjust the height of the drawer if it rubs against the cabinet frame.

If the drawer is hard to open, it sometimes helps not to tighten the screws too much, as that can cause too much friction. Also, a light silicone spray on the runners can help if they are dry.

Feel free to ask again if you want more details on any specific step!

Hi,

pull the drawer out completely, loosen the rear screws of the drawer slides slightly, align the drawer evenly, and then tighten the screws again.

Next, check the side adjustment screws for height, usually located at the top and bottom of the slide.

Are the slides clean? If not, clean them. This usually ensures smooth operation.

Naomige schrieb:
First, you should fully pull out the drawer and check whether the slides are dirty or damaged.

This statement gets to the heart of the matter.

When adjusting the Malm drawers, it is essential to proceed systematically:

1. Inspect the drawer slides for damage and clean them. Dirt and dust reduce smooth movement.
2. The side adjustment screws on the slides are used to center the drawer, preventing it from sticking on the sides or hanging unevenly.
3. Pay attention to the height adjustment on the slides, as uneven heights cause the drawer to run crookedly.
4. Check the tightness of the mounting screws that attach the slides to the cabinet. Slight loosening here can allow for fine adjustments.

Another tip: The drawer should not be overloaded, as excessive weight negatively affects its operation.

If your Malm version has soft-closing mechanisms in the slides, these should also be checked—blockages or misalignments can impair smooth closing.

kloreo schrieb:
Pull the drawer out completely, loosen the rear screws of the slides slightly, align the drawer properly, and then tighten the screws again.

That’s a good tip.

I also had problems at first because I was too impatient and kept tightening the screws fully right away.

pikin schrieb:
The drawer should not be overloaded, as this negatively affects its smooth operation.

That’s easily underestimated! Some drawers only run smoothly when they’re not overloaded – I had to learn that myself.

If it helps, I also cleaned the slides gently with a dry cloth and carefully applied a bit of silicone spray. That made a difference.

It’s also helpful to take your time and not fill the drawers completely at once, but rather bit by bit. Good luck!