C
Catalinm6215 Jan 2020 09:17Hello everyone, I have an Ikea Malm chest of drawers where the drawer slide rail has worn out, causing the drawer to no longer run smoothly or often get stuck when opening. My question is: How can I professionally replace the drawer slide rail on Malm chests of drawers?
I would like to get a step-by-step guide, including information on whether special tools are needed, if an original replacement rail from Ikea is required or if compatible third-party options are available, and what to pay special attention to in order to ensure the drawer runs smoothly and reliably afterward.
If there are any tips on common mistakes during installation, that would also be very helpful. Thanks in advance for your support!
I would like to get a step-by-step guide, including information on whether special tools are needed, if an original replacement rail from Ikea is required or if compatible third-party options are available, and what to pay special attention to in order to ensure the drawer runs smoothly and reliably afterward.
If there are any tips on common mistakes during installation, that would also be very helpful. Thanks in advance for your support!
Hey Catalinm62, great question! I’m very familiar with the issue of drawer slide rails—that’s a classic problem with Malm dressers! 🙂
So, step 1 – fully pull out the drawer and remove it. Then take a look at the slides: usually, the rails are fixed with screws, so you will need to unscrew them.
Original rails from Ikea are great, but if you find cheaper or even better replacement parts, you can use those as well. The important thing is that the rails are the same length and have the same mounting system!
Tools: A Phillips screwdriver is usually sufficient. Sometimes a small hammer can be helpful if the slide is a bit stuck.
Common mistake: Make sure the new rail is mounted completely straight and exactly parallel to the drawer track! Otherwise, it will rub or get stuck again.
You’ll manage it, good luck!
So, step 1 – fully pull out the drawer and remove it. Then take a look at the slides: usually, the rails are fixed with screws, so you will need to unscrew them.
Original rails from Ikea are great, but if you find cheaper or even better replacement parts, you can use those as well. The important thing is that the rails are the same length and have the same mounting system!
Tools: A Phillips screwdriver is usually sufficient. Sometimes a small hammer can be helpful if the slide is a bit stuck.
Common mistake: Make sure the new rail is mounted completely straight and exactly parallel to the drawer track! Otherwise, it will rub or get stuck again.
You’ll manage it, good luck!
As a supplement: The drawer slide rail for Ikea Malm dressers is usually mounted on the side of both the drawer and the cabinet.
The replacement process involves the following steps:
1. Fully pull out and remove the drawer.
2. Check whether the rail is fastened with screws or clips. If screws are used, loosen them.
3. Carefully remove the old rail.
4. Align the new rail precisely and fasten it with screws.
5. Reinsert the drawer and test its function.
The tools required are typically just a standard Phillips screwdriver. A ratchet can make the work easier. Original replacement rails from Ikea can be ordered directly from the Ikea website, as they fit exactly and are the best option.
Also recommended: Clean and lightly lubricate the rails before installation to reduce friction.
A common mistake is misaligning the rails, which can cause the drawer to stick or slide unevenly.
The replacement process involves the following steps:
1. Fully pull out and remove the drawer.
2. Check whether the rail is fastened with screws or clips. If screws are used, loosen them.
3. Carefully remove the old rail.
4. Align the new rail precisely and fasten it with screws.
5. Reinsert the drawer and test its function.
The tools required are typically just a standard Phillips screwdriver. A ratchet can make the work easier. Original replacement rails from Ikea can be ordered directly from the Ikea website, as they fit exactly and are the best option.
Also recommended: Clean and lightly lubricate the rails before installation to reduce friction.
A common mistake is misaligning the rails, which can cause the drawer to stick or slide unevenly.
pikin schrieb:
A common mistake is misaligning the rails, which causes the drawer to stick or become crooked.This is so important! If the rail is even slightly misaligned, you’ll notice it immediately. It’s better to measure twice and avoid frustration later! 🙂
F
flo-Theres15 Jan 2020 18:29I would like to add: Malm drawers often use ball-bearing roller slides, which makes precise installation even more important to ensure the ball bearings operate smoothly.
When removing the drawer, be sure to loosen all screws thoroughly, including those that are not immediately visible—sometimes one is hidden behind the drawer’s back panel. Padded gloves can help protect the surface of the chest of drawers from scratches.
After installation, it is advisable to open and close the drawer several times to check its function and, if necessary, make minor adjustments to the positioning.
When removing the drawer, be sure to loosen all screws thoroughly, including those that are not immediately visible—sometimes one is hidden behind the drawer’s back panel. Padded gloves can help protect the surface of the chest of drawers from scratches.
After installation, it is advisable to open and close the drawer several times to check its function and, if necessary, make minor adjustments to the positioning.
Similar topics