Hello everyone,
I am currently faced with the task of replacing the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm dresser by myself. The runners seem worn out, the drawer doesn’t glide smoothly anymore and sometimes gets stuck. Unfortunately, I don’t have a second person available to help me with the removal.
So my question is: How exactly can I remove and reinstall the Malm drawer slides (the metal rails on which the drawer runs) on my own? Are there any particular tips or tools that make the process easier? Do I need to pull the drawer completely out of the dresser, or can it be done step by step?
If anyone has experience with this, I would really appreciate a step-by-step guide, including any advice on potential difficulties or common mistakes to avoid.
I am currently faced with the task of replacing the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm dresser by myself. The runners seem worn out, the drawer doesn’t glide smoothly anymore and sometimes gets stuck. Unfortunately, I don’t have a second person available to help me with the removal.
So my question is: How exactly can I remove and reinstall the Malm drawer slides (the metal rails on which the drawer runs) on my own? Are there any particular tips or tools that make the process easier? Do I need to pull the drawer completely out of the dresser, or can it be done step by step?
If anyone has experience with this, I would really appreciate a step-by-step guide, including any advice on potential difficulties or common mistakes to avoid.
About the tools: A Phillips screwdriver is completely sufficient for this kind of work. A cordless drill can make the job easier, but be careful – too much torque can quickly cause the screw holes in the wood to strip. So if you use one, set it to the lowest torque level.
Regarding the screws: IKEA usually uses small wood screws with either a pan head or a round head, typically 3.5x16 to 3.5x20 mm (about 1/8 x 5/8 to 3/4 inch). If you are looking for replacements, these small, fine screws are ideal to avoid splitting the wood.
Before installing new screws, check the holes in the drawer and the cabinet. If they are frayed or stripped, you can fill them with wood glue and small wooden dowels, then let it dry before screwing. This will provide a better hold.
For removal: When pulling out the drawer, hold it at an angle so it doesn’t fall out, then set it down on its side. It’s best to place a soft cloth underneath to prevent scratches.
One more thing: Before screwing everything back, check the alignment of the rails with a spirit level or at least roughly by eye. Small misalignments can cause jamming later.
Regarding the screws: IKEA usually uses small wood screws with either a pan head or a round head, typically 3.5x16 to 3.5x20 mm (about 1/8 x 5/8 to 3/4 inch). If you are looking for replacements, these small, fine screws are ideal to avoid splitting the wood.
Before installing new screws, check the holes in the drawer and the cabinet. If they are frayed or stripped, you can fill them with wood glue and small wooden dowels, then let it dry before screwing. This will provide a better hold.
For removal: When pulling out the drawer, hold it at an angle so it doesn’t fall out, then set it down on its side. It’s best to place a soft cloth underneath to prevent scratches.
One more thing: Before screwing everything back, check the alignment of the rails with a spirit level or at least roughly by eye. Small misalignments can cause jamming later.
Palenar schrieb:
Fill with wood glue and small wooden sticksThat’s a really good tip—I didn’t know that before. I once had a drawer’s screw mount tear out, and the glue held incredibly well.
After that, I was quite hesitant to reassemble the drawer, but it worked out fine.
I’m also curious: How much weight do the drawer slides typically have to support? For example, if I store several heavy binders in the drawer, can that affect the smoothness of movement or even damage the slides?
Joe52 schrieb:
I’m also interested to know: How much weight do the rails actually need to support?A Malm dresser drawer is designed for typical household use, meaning a load capacity of about 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lbs) per drawer. For example, if you put in several binders, check whether the total weight stays within this range.
The drawer slides are intended for light to medium loads, not heavy-duty use. Continuous loads above 20 kg (44 lbs) will gradually cause worn-out rollers or bent rails.
For replacement: It is important that the new slides are as compatible as possible with the original ones. Cheap universal slides often have slight differences in screw hole positions, which can lead to installation and functional issues.
By the way: after installation, always test whether the drawer runs smoothly without vibrating or sticking. If it does, you may need to readjust it.
Thank you, that helps me a lot, especially the tips about weight and screws!
One more practical question about the process: Can I completely empty the drawer beforehand to make it easier? I understand that this makes sense, but I wanted to be sure whether the drawer is easier to handle without contents or if the loss of weight might possibly reduce stability during disassembly.
One more practical question about the process: Can I completely empty the drawer beforehand to make it easier? I understand that this makes sense, but I wanted to be sure whether the drawer is easier to handle without contents or if the loss of weight might possibly reduce stability during disassembly.
You should definitely empty the drawer completely.
Without any contents, it is much lighter and can be handled more safely and easily.
Weight does not provide any advantage in this case.
Additionally, you avoid damaging the contents and prevent unnecessary strain on your back. 🙂
Without any contents, it is much lighter and can be handled more safely and easily.
Weight does not provide any advantage in this case.
Additionally, you avoid damaging the contents and prevent unnecessary strain on your back. 🙂
Luchen schrieb:
You should definitely empty the drawer completely.Alright, thanks, I will do that then.
Is there anything else to keep in mind when unscrewing the old slides? For example, whether to keep the screws safely or if it’s better to follow the order of steps precisely?
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