I’ve been wondering about a practical everyday issue for some time: Why does an IKEA Malm drawer sometimes slam shut so hard, even when you close it gently? I’ve made sure not to close it fully with force, but occasionally there’s still a loud bang.
Of course, I know that drawer systems typically have various damping mechanisms or at least should have them, but with the Malm, this doesn’t always seem to work perfectly.
Could this be due to the construction method, or might the load or installation also play a role? Are there technical reasons or perhaps design considerations that cause it to close like a slamming gate? I would appreciate detailed explanations or practical tips on how to prevent such a loud slam.
Of course, I know that drawer systems typically have various damping mechanisms or at least should have them, but with the Malm, this doesn’t always seem to work perfectly.
Could this be due to the construction method, or might the load or installation also play a role? Are there technical reasons or perhaps design considerations that cause it to close like a slamming gate? I would appreciate detailed explanations or practical tips on how to prevent such a loud slam.
Your question is quite valid and relates to the design of basic drawer systems.
The IKEA Malm drawer does not come with an integrated soft-close damper by default. This means that the weight of the drawer and the speed at which it is closed cause the impact against the inside of the drawer or the cabinet frame. This results in the typical “slamming” noise.
Additionally, the assembly and condition of the drawer slides (e.g., dirt or worn rollers) can affect the closing behavior.
One possible solution is installing so-called self-closing or damper add-ons, which are available separately and help reduce slamming by allowing the drawer to close more softly.
Loading also plays a role: if heavier items are stored toward the front of the drawer, the closing speed can increase and the impact may be stronger.
Fotar schrieb:
Why does an IKEA Malm drawer sometimes slam shut so hard, even when you close it gently?
The IKEA Malm drawer does not come with an integrated soft-close damper by default. This means that the weight of the drawer and the speed at which it is closed cause the impact against the inside of the drawer or the cabinet frame. This results in the typical “slamming” noise.
Additionally, the assembly and condition of the drawer slides (e.g., dirt or worn rollers) can affect the closing behavior.
One possible solution is installing so-called self-closing or damper add-ons, which are available separately and help reduce slamming by allowing the drawer to close more softly.
Loading also plays a role: if heavier items are stored toward the front of the drawer, the closing speed can increase and the impact may be stronger.
I think a loud drawer slam is a small reminder that furniture has its own character 😄
But seriously, as mentioned before – Malm is more of an affordable range and isn’t equipped with high-end soft-close drawers. The banging often happens because the drawer can “fall” when closing, basically hitting the frame without any damping.
If it really bothers you, try attaching IKEA soft-close adapter wires – they’re usually easy to install and not very expensive. Then you can turn your Malm drawer into a smooth closer. 🙂
Of course, how much the drawer is loaded also affects the sound. Fully packed, and suddenly it bangs like a heavy metal concert in your living room.
But seriously, as mentioned before – Malm is more of an affordable range and isn’t equipped with high-end soft-close drawers. The banging often happens because the drawer can “fall” when closing, basically hitting the frame without any damping.
gekira schrieb:
no integrated soft-close damper
If it really bothers you, try attaching IKEA soft-close adapter wires – they’re usually easy to install and not very expensive. Then you can turn your Malm drawer into a smooth closer. 🙂
Of course, how much the drawer is loaded also affects the sound. Fully packed, and suddenly it bangs like a heavy metal concert in your living room.
I would like to add some technical details that are often overlooked.
Basically, the noise from a Malm drawer can often be explained by the lack of damping, as previously mentioned. Another factor is the slide mechanism: Malm typically uses metal drawer slides without built-in soft-close features. These slides have a certain clearance height, so the drawer experiences a brief free fall or acceleration when closing.
If the drawer is not installed perfectly square or if the slides are not clean or smooth-running, the noise becomes louder.
The loading is relevant in that a heavily loaded drawer hits the stop faster because of the increased momentum.
For a lasting improvement, I recommend installing so-called soft-close adapters or replacing the slides with models that include damping, which are now also partially offered by IKEA.
Fotar schrieb:
Could this be related to the construction method, or might the loading or assembly also play a role?
Basically, the noise from a Malm drawer can often be explained by the lack of damping, as previously mentioned. Another factor is the slide mechanism: Malm typically uses metal drawer slides without built-in soft-close features. These slides have a certain clearance height, so the drawer experiences a brief free fall or acceleration when closing.
If the drawer is not installed perfectly square or if the slides are not clean or smooth-running, the noise becomes louder.
The loading is relevant in that a heavily loaded drawer hits the stop faster because of the increased momentum.
For a lasting improvement, I recommend installing so-called soft-close adapters or replacing the slides with models that include damping, which are now also partially offered by IKEA.
I had the same problem, and it really bothered me because I prefer a rather quiet home, and the banging can be quite startling.
That definitely proved true for me. With my Malm drawer, which I also filled completely with cutlery and kitchen utensils, the banging is particularly loud.
Being more conscious and closing it slowly for a few weeks helped somewhat, but not enough. In the end, I bought inexpensive soft-close mechanisms and installed them myself. That helped surprisingly well.
For those who are handy: the adapters are relatively easy to install, and the annoying noise is gone. Additionally, the gentle closing prevents the drawer from loosening over time and extends its lifespan.
olivernu schrieb:
A heavily loaded drawer hits the stop faster because it gains more momentum.
That definitely proved true for me. With my Malm drawer, which I also filled completely with cutlery and kitchen utensils, the banging is particularly loud.
Being more conscious and closing it slowly for a few weeks helped somewhat, but not enough. In the end, I bought inexpensive soft-close mechanisms and installed them myself. That helped surprisingly well.
For those who are handy: the adapters are relatively easy to install, and the annoying noise is gone. Additionally, the gentle closing prevents the drawer from loosening over time and extends its lifespan.
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