ᐅ How do I properly replace the drawer handles on a Malm dresser?
Created on: 12 Jul 2020 08:37
Z
zhiel
Hello everyone,
I want to replace the drawer handles on my Ikea Malm dresser and have a few questions: What is the best way to properly change the handles? Are there any specific details to keep in mind for this model, for example regarding the screws or the mounting method? I want to avoid causing damage to the drawer front by using the wrong screws or over-tightening them.
Also, I’m curious if it’s advisable to reuse the old screws or if it’s better to use completely new mounting hardware. What type of screws are actually ideal, and is it worth using a special screwdriver or drill bit?
I would appreciate tips on the right tools, preferably including advice on stability and appearance after replacing the handles. Thanks in advance for your help!
I want to replace the drawer handles on my Ikea Malm dresser and have a few questions: What is the best way to properly change the handles? Are there any specific details to keep in mind for this model, for example regarding the screws or the mounting method? I want to avoid causing damage to the drawer front by using the wrong screws or over-tightening them.
Also, I’m curious if it’s advisable to reuse the old screws or if it’s better to use completely new mounting hardware. What type of screws are actually ideal, and is it worth using a special screwdriver or drill bit?
I would appreciate tips on the right tools, preferably including advice on stability and appearance after replacing the handles. Thanks in advance for your help!
Tool recommendation: In my opinion, a good Phillips screwdriver with the correct blade size is more important than a power drill, as it allows better control of the applied force.
Before screwing, check whether the holes in the drawer front are worn out or enlarged. If so, using small washers or a thin wooden shim inside the drawer can help distribute the load.
One more tip: Avoid overtightening the screws. The Malm drawer fronts are made of thin MDF with a laminate surface, which can easily be damaged.
Before screwing, check whether the holes in the drawer front are worn out or enlarged. If so, using small washers or a thin wooden shim inside the drawer can help distribute the load.
One more tip: Avoid overtightening the screws. The Malm drawer fronts are made of thin MDF with a laminate surface, which can easily be damaged.
Thanks for the tips so far; they have been very helpful!
I’m especially interested in the point about the screws and the potential damage caused by overtightening. The Malm front panel is actually quite thin, and I definitely want to avoid any unsightly marks afterward.
A quick question: Has anyone had experience adjusting the screw length when using existing holes? My new handles are slightly thicker than the old ones. How important is it to choose screws that fit the new handle thickness precisely? Is a slightly longer screw enough, or could that cause issues?
And one more question: Is it sufficient to reuse the old holes, or would it be better for stability and appearance to drill new holes if the handle has a different design?
I’m especially interested in the point about the screws and the potential damage caused by overtightening. The Malm front panel is actually quite thin, and I definitely want to avoid any unsightly marks afterward.
A quick question: Has anyone had experience adjusting the screw length when using existing holes? My new handles are slightly thicker than the old ones. How important is it to choose screws that fit the new handle thickness precisely? Is a slightly longer screw enough, or could that cause issues?
And one more question: Is it sufficient to reuse the old holes, or would it be better for stability and appearance to drill new holes if the handle has a different design?
A
Alberto5114 Jul 2020 09:33zhiel schrieb:
Does anyone have experience adjusting screw length for already existing holes? My new handles are a bit thicker than the old ones.I had the same issue: the new handles were thicker, so I simply bought longer screws. These weren’t sold at Ikea’s hardware section but are included in most screw assortments.
It’s important that the screws aren’t too long, so they don’t press too hard or rest against the inside back panel of the drawer—this can easily warp the front. The new screws should only be long enough to go through the handle thickness and the drawer front, and just secure on the inside of the drawer.
So, I would recommend measuring the length carefully and, if in doubt, choosing screws that are a bit shorter rather than too long. Also, tighten the screws gently, especially when working with thin material.
zhiel schrieb:
Is it sufficient to reuse the old holes, or is it better to drill new ones for stability and appearance?If the hole spacing matches the new handle, I would always recommend reusing the old holes. This avoids additional holes in the furniture, which could affect both the appearance and stability.
If the hole spacing does not match, you can fill the old holes with wood filler and lightly sand them before drilling new ones. It is important to ensure the new holes are drilled with millimeter precision, as handles often need to be aligned very accurately.
A bigger issue is often the depth of the holes and the strength of the surrounding material – proceed carefully and use the appropriate tools.
Joe52 schrieb:
If the hole spacing doesn’t match, you can possibly fill the old holes with wood filler and lightly sand themGood point! But sometimes wood filler isn’t the best solution, especially for thin drawer fronts. In those cases, it’s better to fill the holes with small wood chips and wood glue, press them firmly, let them dry, and then sand. This is more stable and prevents the surface from bulging.
One more thing: For extra security, you can improve the handle installation by using small washers or self-adhesive felt pads on the backside of the front, which helps distribute the pressure more evenly on the MDF.
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