ᐅ Are there any tips for assembling Malm furniture?

Created on: 24 Dec 2020 18:37
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bensar
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bensar
24 Dec 2020 18:37
Hello everyone,

I recently purchased several Malm furniture pieces from IKEA, and although the instructions are quite clear, I find some parts of the assembly quite tricky. Especially with the dressers and desks, there are often small pitfalls, like assembling the drawers or correctly aligning the hinges.

So I wanted to ask the community: Are there any special tips or tricks for assembling Malm furniture that have made the process much easier for you?

I would appreciate advice on proper preparation, which tools are particularly useful, or any suggestions that make assembly safer and faster. I am also interested if you approach certain steps differently than what is described in the instructions.

Thanks in advance for your experiences and tips!
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noge58
24 Dec 2020 20:05
Hello bensar,
bensar schrieb:
Are there any special tips or tricks for assembling Malm furniture that have made your life a lot easier?

Yes, definitely! It’s great that you’re asking :-)

First: Take your time and follow the steps carefully—don’t rush! It really helps to lay out all the parts first and sort the screws and small pieces. I use small bowls for this, so nothing gets lost.

Second: Usually, a small Allen key is included for the screws, but using a ratchet with the right bit saves you a lot of effort and time—highly recommended!

Third: For the drawers, it’s helpful to lightly grease the drawer runners before assembly, so they slide more smoothly. Also, be careful not to tighten the screws too much, as that can prevent precise adjustment at the final stage.

Good luck, you’ll do great! 🙂
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angel
25 Dec 2020 08:22
Hello bensar,

I would like to add a few tips based on my experience.
noge58 schrieb:
First: Take your time and do everything step by step, don’t rush!
I can only agree with that. Rushing often leads to mistakes or missing parts.
noge58 schrieb:
Usually, a small Allen key is included for the screws, but a ratchet with the right bit will save you a lot of effort and time
That is very helpful, especially when many screws need to be installed. It’s worth preparing the right tools in advance.

Another tip: Especially with flat-pack furniture, it’s important to check all parts for any transport damage or warping before assembly. If an edge is already damaged, the stability is often affected later on.

Finally, it has proven useful to read the instructions carefully and simply tick off each step as you complete it. This way you won’t lose track.

If you have problems with specific steps, feel free to ask again; I’m happy to help :-)
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letar
26 Dec 2020 11:17
Malm furniture is generally well designed, but the following tips can help optimize assembly:

1. Preparation is key: Lay out all parts carefully according to the instructions and compare them. Manufacturing tolerances can be minimal, so check the part numbers.

2. Tools: In addition to the included hex key, a cordless drill with a depth stop is very useful to prevent over-tightening screws and causing damage.

3. Follow the order strictly: Drawer slides and fronts are often installed last, as mounting them earlier can make adjustments more difficult.

4. Adjustment: Hinges and drawer runners can usually be fine-tuned afterward. Loosen the screws slightly, adjust, and then tighten again to achieve the perfect fit.

5. Assembly surface: A soft surface protects the furniture parts from scratches.

6. When in doubt: Use manufacturer instructions and IKEA assembly videos as a reference.

These tips are based on technical experience and help to avoid errors.