ᐅ Why do screws come loose in Malm dressers?

I recently bought a Malm wardrobe from IKEA and unfortunately noticed that the screws tend to loosen repeatedly after some time. This not only causes unstable joints but also makes the wardrobe wobbly and uncomfortable to use. My question is directed to anyone experienced with furniture connections: Why do screws in Malm wardrobes loosen so frequently? Is it due to the material, the screws themselves, the assembly, or are there other technical reasons, such as vibrations or stresses in the structure, that cause this? I am looking for as detailed explanations as possible to better understand the issue—perhaps also tips on how to reliably prevent it.

This is often due to the wooden panels, which can easily warp from moisture. As a result, screws may loosen. It is best to use screws with thread-locking compound.

Hello mankla, your question is very precise, which makes it easier to answer here. Malm cabinets are made from particle board, which is cost-effective but can swell or lose strength when exposed to load and moisture. As a result, the screws no longer hold as firmly as originally intended. Additionally, the assembly method is often designed so that screws and wall plugs (anchors) are connected mechanically rather than being permanently glued or secured. This means the construction is more susceptible to vibrations and movements, which can cause the screws to loosen. If the furniture is regularly moved or subjected to stress, the problem can worsen.

Many screws do not have thread-locking adhesive. It is best to use threadlocker or washers. This will prevent any loosening.

Here is a brief explanation of why screws often come loose in Malm cabinets:

1. Furniture material: The chipboard is relatively soft and compressible. Screws in such materials do not hold as well as in solid wood.

2. Loads: A Malm cabinet is frequently opened and closed, causing vibrations and slight movements.

3. Assembly method: IKEA often uses cam lock fittings combined with screws. The nut-and-screw connection is not always optimally secured against loosening.

4. Moisture & temperature: Fluctuations can cause expansion or contraction, which further loosens the connection.

My tip: Apply threadlocker and regularly tighten the screws, especially right after assembly.

Guyju schrieb:
Material of the furniture: The particle boards are relatively soft and compressible.

That sums it up. Particle boards do not have a continuous grain direction like solid wood, which causes screws to lose their grip more quickly. Additionally, the screws often lack fastening methods such as nylon washers or thread-locking adhesive. This is a cost-optimized construction method that involves certain compromises in terms of durability.