ᐅ Replacing MALM Drawer Slides – How to Do It?

Hello everyone, I recently bought an IKEA Malm chest of drawers, and now I’ve noticed that the drawer slides are worn out and no longer work smoothly. My question is: What is the best way to replace the MALM drawer slides? Are there any special tools I should have, or common pitfalls to watch out for during disassembly and reassembly? I would appreciate a detailed and practical description, as I want to avoid damaging anything or assembling it incorrectly.

Simply loosen the old rails with a screwdriver; they are usually secured with small screws. Then reattach the new rails in the same locations, making sure to check the correct position and alignment.

I understand your frustration with the sticking drawers; that can be really annoying. I had the same issue and found it quite difficult to pull the drawers out completely without them getting misaligned. I ended up doing it slowly, step by step. Don’t worry, you’ll get it! 🙂

Hello caspar59, I’m happy to answer your question in detail. First, you should completely pull the drawer out of the cabinet. For MALM drawers, the runners are usually secured with small Phillips screws. It’s best to place the drawer on a soft surface to avoid scratches. Then, remove the screws of the old runners. Important: Make sure to use exactly the same type of new runners, as there can be different versions. Before installation, check the new runners for any damage. When reinstalling, align the runners with the cabinet base so that they are horizontal; otherwise, the drawer may stick later. When fastening, screw the screws in only finger-tight and test the drawer to see if it runs smoothly. After that, tighten all screws firmly but not too much, to avoid damaging the wood panel. I hope this helps! If you like, I can also give you more detailed tips on tools.

A good idea is to take photos of the initial situation beforehand. This way, you know exactly how the rails are positioned. Otherwise: pull out the drawer, loosen the screws, replace the rail, and put the drawer back in.

Regarding the structure: MALM drawers use ball-bearing rollers. Attachment is done with Phillips head screws. Tools: A standard Phillips screwdriver (PH2) is usually sufficient. To remove the drawer, first pull it out completely. Then unscrew the bottom guide rail inside the cabinet as well as the side guide on the drawer. When installing, make sure the guides are properly aligned; misaligned runners can cause jamming and increased stress. Use pneumatic or cordless screwdrivers with caution to avoid over-tightening screws or cracking the wood. A second person can be helpful if the drawer is large and needs to be held steady during reinstallation.