Hello everyone,
I recently assembled an IKEA Malm chest of drawers with several drawers at home. Unfortunately, some of the drawers are not aligned properly; they stick when opening and closing and don’t close flush. I have already tried adjusting the small screws on the metal runners, but the results have been rather poor.
My specific question is: How can I properly adjust the drawers of the IKEA Malm chest so that they slide smoothly and close evenly? Is there a special trick, or should I just adjust the screws on the sides? Which adjustment screws affect the height, depth, and alignment of the drawers?
I would appreciate detailed tips, as I want to avoid having to remove or completely reassemble the drawers. Thanks in advance!
I recently assembled an IKEA Malm chest of drawers with several drawers at home. Unfortunately, some of the drawers are not aligned properly; they stick when opening and closing and don’t close flush. I have already tried adjusting the small screws on the metal runners, but the results have been rather poor.
My specific question is: How can I properly adjust the drawers of the IKEA Malm chest so that they slide smoothly and close evenly? Is there a special trick, or should I just adjust the screws on the sides? Which adjustment screws affect the height, depth, and alignment of the drawers?
I would appreciate detailed tips, as I want to avoid having to remove or completely reassemble the drawers. Thanks in advance!
Hey,
I’m very familiar with the issues that can come with Malm drawers! :-)
Generally, you can find small adjustment screws on the metal runners that allow you to set the height and depth—usually a side screw for height and a front screw for depth.
It’s important not to force the drawers in but rather adjust them step by step. Sometimes it’s also worth removing the rails completely to clean out dust and dirt, as this can cause obstructions.
If the drawers still stick, you can try slightly lifting or lowering them depending on which side is causing the problem. It’s best to make these adjustments on both sides of the drawer so they sit evenly.
Good luck, you’ve got this! 🙂
I’m very familiar with the issues that can come with Malm drawers! :-)
Generally, you can find small adjustment screws on the metal runners that allow you to set the height and depth—usually a side screw for height and a front screw for depth.
It’s important not to force the drawers in but rather adjust them step by step. Sometimes it’s also worth removing the rails completely to clean out dust and dirt, as this can cause obstructions.
If the drawers still stick, you can try slightly lifting or lowering them depending on which side is causing the problem. It’s best to make these adjustments on both sides of the drawer so they sit evenly.
Good luck, you’ve got this! 🙂
F
FeAndreas121 Nov 2022 15:12Hello tegau,
I can relate to your situation. The issue usually lies with the adjustment options of the drawer slides and runners.
With the IKEA Malm dresser, the drawers are often mounted on metal slides that can be adjusted in three dimensions:
1. Height: A small screw on the side of the slide allows you to raise or lower the drawer to prevent it from sticking.
2. Lateral alignment: Some models have a side screw or adjustment knob to move the drawer left or right. This helps prevent it from rubbing against the side panel.
3. Depth: Often, you can adjust how far the drawer pulls out by adjusting the front edge of the slide rail.
Procedure:
- Open the drawer and check whether the slides are mounted straight.
- Look for the small adjustment screws on the metal slide (usually Phillips or slotted screws).
- Remove the drawer, adjust the settings, then reinstall the drawer.
If it still sticks, the drawer might be warped or the plastic inserts in the slides could be worn out.
Tip: If you haven’t already, also check whether the bottom panel of the drawer is securely fixed and the front is attached evenly.
One more question: Is it all the drawers or only some of them that stick? Have you tried changing their order when putting them back in?
I hope this helps you for now!
I can relate to your situation. The issue usually lies with the adjustment options of the drawer slides and runners.
With the IKEA Malm dresser, the drawers are often mounted on metal slides that can be adjusted in three dimensions:
1. Height: A small screw on the side of the slide allows you to raise or lower the drawer to prevent it from sticking.
2. Lateral alignment: Some models have a side screw or adjustment knob to move the drawer left or right. This helps prevent it from rubbing against the side panel.
3. Depth: Often, you can adjust how far the drawer pulls out by adjusting the front edge of the slide rail.
Procedure:
- Open the drawer and check whether the slides are mounted straight.
- Look for the small adjustment screws on the metal slide (usually Phillips or slotted screws).
- Remove the drawer, adjust the settings, then reinstall the drawer.
If it still sticks, the drawer might be warped or the plastic inserts in the slides could be worn out.
Tip: If you haven’t already, also check whether the bottom panel of the drawer is securely fixed and the front is attached evenly.
One more question: Is it all the drawers or only some of them that stick? Have you tried changing their order when putting them back in?
I hope this helps you for now!
A brief addition:
If the drawers stick or do not close properly, this is often due to an uneven surface or variations in the floor on which the dresser is placed. Please make sure to check with a spirit level whether the dresser is standing straight. Small shims or furniture pads under the feet can help to compensate for unevenness.
The screws on the drawer slides can assist with fine adjustments but will not resolve fundamental stability issues.
If the drawers stick or do not close properly, this is often due to an uneven surface or variations in the floor on which the dresser is placed. Please make sure to check with a spirit level whether the dresser is standing straight. Small shims or furniture pads under the feet can help to compensate for unevenness.
The screws on the drawer slides can assist with fine adjustments but will not resolve fundamental stability issues.
Hello tegau,
I would like to revisit the topic from my perspective. If the drawers of the Malm dresser stick or jam, it is often because not all the screws of the drawer slides were fully tightened during assembly. This can cause slight play, which becomes noticeable when opening and closing.
I would recommend the following steps:
1. Remove the drawers completely.
2. Check the drawer slides on the dresser for a secure fit and tighten if necessary.
3. Inspect the plastic glides – are they worn out? If so, replace them.
4. Check the drawers for any damage; the front panel might be warped.
5. Adjust again – there is a small screw on the rear drawer slide to adjust the height. Side screws can be used to adjust the tilt and width.
6. Reinsert the drawer and test.
It can help to open and close the drawers multiple times after adjustment to allow everything to settle.
If you like, I can also send you a table with the common screw types used on the slides so you can proceed more precisely.
I would like to revisit the topic from my perspective. If the drawers of the Malm dresser stick or jam, it is often because not all the screws of the drawer slides were fully tightened during assembly. This can cause slight play, which becomes noticeable when opening and closing.
I would recommend the following steps:
1. Remove the drawers completely.
2. Check the drawer slides on the dresser for a secure fit and tighten if necessary.
3. Inspect the plastic glides – are they worn out? If so, replace them.
4. Check the drawers for any damage; the front panel might be warped.
5. Adjust again – there is a small screw on the rear drawer slide to adjust the height. Side screws can be used to adjust the tilt and width.
6. Reinsert the drawer and test.
It can help to open and close the drawers multiple times after adjustment to allow everything to settle.
If you like, I can also send you a table with the common screw types used on the slides so you can proceed more precisely.
FeAndreas1 schrieb:
One more question for you: Is it all the drawers or just some of them that stick?Thanks in advance for the detailed advice! Regarding your question: It mainly affects the two bottom drawers; the ones at the top actually slide quite well.
tyson51 schrieb:
Please make sure to check with a spirit level whether the chest of drawers is standing level.The surface is even, I measured it.
I will check the plastic gliders. @Ramon4, by the way, your suggestion about tightening the screws sounds very reasonable; I will take a closer look at that this evening.
If I understand correctly, the rear screws allow height adjustment, and the side screws adjust alignment? I only found one screw on the side of the rail somehow.
Does anyone know if the drawer fronts on Malm are easy to remove, in case they have warped?
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