Hello everyone,
I have an IKEA Malm chest of drawers at home with multiple drawers. Unfortunately, for some time now, the drawers almost completely come out of the frame when pulled. This seems to be because the current drawer slides or mounts no longer engage properly or have become loose.
Now I am looking for a reliable way to securely fix the Malm drawers so that they remain easy to open but cannot accidentally be pulled out completely. Does anyone know of practical solutions or suitable replacement parts for this?
I have already tried adjusting the mechanism myself, but I may have missed something—so I would also appreciate any tips on whether the system can be simply repaired or if a different mechanism might be more appropriate.
Thanks in advance for your expertise!
I have an IKEA Malm chest of drawers at home with multiple drawers. Unfortunately, for some time now, the drawers almost completely come out of the frame when pulled. This seems to be because the current drawer slides or mounts no longer engage properly or have become loose.
Now I am looking for a reliable way to securely fix the Malm drawers so that they remain easy to open but cannot accidentally be pulled out completely. Does anyone know of practical solutions or suitable replacement parts for this?
I have already tried adjusting the mechanism myself, but I may have missed something—so I would also appreciate any tips on whether the system can be simply repaired or if a different mechanism might be more appropriate.
Thanks in advance for your expertise!
Hello Karn70,
first (and this is important) you need to know exactly which year your MALM model is from, as IKEA has used different versions of the drawer slides over the years. Some of the early models still use boxes with simple metal runners that can loosen or bend more easily.
Now about securing the drawer: basically, the MALM drawers have a so-called “extension stop system.” This means they are designed to be pulled out to a certain point, after which the movement is blocked to prevent the drawer from falling out. If this system is not working, there could be two reasons:
1) The plastic or metal stoppers on the drawer side are damaged or missing.
2) The runners are dented or bent, which allows the mechanism to be bypassed.
My tip for a self-test: pull the drawer out, push it slightly upwards, and then try to pull it out completely. If this works, the stop mechanism is probably no longer holding.
As a repair measure, I would recommend:
- First, removing the drawer completely.
- Checking the runners on the cabinet side and base for a firm fit.
- Getting replacement plastic stoppers or—if your runners are older—possibly upgrading to new runners (there are unofficial aftermarket products available).
Sometimes it also helps to attach some felt tape to the stoppers to increase friction.
I’m also curious whether your MALM drawers come with soft-close or without. Soft-close drawers often have smoother-running slides, but these can sometimes be more prone to malfunctions.
Feel free to write which version you have, so we can give more targeted advice.
first (and this is important) you need to know exactly which year your MALM model is from, as IKEA has used different versions of the drawer slides over the years. Some of the early models still use boxes with simple metal runners that can loosen or bend more easily.
Now about securing the drawer: basically, the MALM drawers have a so-called “extension stop system.” This means they are designed to be pulled out to a certain point, after which the movement is blocked to prevent the drawer from falling out. If this system is not working, there could be two reasons:
1) The plastic or metal stoppers on the drawer side are damaged or missing.
2) The runners are dented or bent, which allows the mechanism to be bypassed.
My tip for a self-test: pull the drawer out, push it slightly upwards, and then try to pull it out completely. If this works, the stop mechanism is probably no longer holding.
As a repair measure, I would recommend:
- First, removing the drawer completely.
- Checking the runners on the cabinet side and base for a firm fit.
- Getting replacement plastic stoppers or—if your runners are older—possibly upgrading to new runners (there are unofficial aftermarket products available).
Sometimes it also helps to attach some felt tape to the stoppers to increase friction.
I’m also curious whether your MALM drawers come with soft-close or without. Soft-close drawers often have smoother-running slides, but these can sometimes be more prone to malfunctions.
Feel free to write which version you have, so we can give more targeted advice.
Hi Karn70,
I can relate to the problem, as I’ve had the same issue with a MALM drawer unit before. Basically, the drawer slides at IKEA are quite sturdy, but they can wear out or come loose over time with frequent use.
If you haven’t tried repairing it yet, I would recommend checking the following:
- Are the screws or fasteners on the drawer slides inside the furniture loose? Often you only notice this after a closer look.
- Are the plastic stoppers that prevent the drawer from being pulled out completely still in place and intact?
If these fail, the drawers can come out entirely when pulling, especially if pulled at an angle.
If you need replacements: IKEA offers spare parts for the MALM series, which you can order quite easily. Alternatively, there are suitable universal drawer stops available online that can be retrofitted. This can be a temporary solution until you have time for a possible replacement.
One more tip: Don’t overload the drawers, as this speeds up wear on the slides.
Best regards!
I can relate to the problem, as I’ve had the same issue with a MALM drawer unit before. Basically, the drawer slides at IKEA are quite sturdy, but they can wear out or come loose over time with frequent use.
If you haven’t tried repairing it yet, I would recommend checking the following:
- Are the screws or fasteners on the drawer slides inside the furniture loose? Often you only notice this after a closer look.
- Are the plastic stoppers that prevent the drawer from being pulled out completely still in place and intact?
If these fail, the drawers can come out entirely when pulling, especially if pulled at an angle.
If you need replacements: IKEA offers spare parts for the MALM series, which you can order quite easily. Alternatively, there are suitable universal drawer stops available online that can be retrofitted. This can be a temporary solution until you have time for a possible replacement.
One more tip: Don’t overload the drawers, as this speeds up wear on the slides.
Best regards!
Hello,
I would like to add that the drawer mechanism in the MALM dressers is quite robust, but proper installation is essential. Especially with older furniture, the drawer slides can shift slightly over the years due to moving the frame, which can disrupt the extension stops.
A simple troubleshooting method is:
1) Pull the drawer out completely.
2) Use a measuring tape to check that the inner side profiles of the drawer and the frame are parallel and properly aligned.
3) If necessary, realign and tighten the rails slightly.
If you find any bends or damage in the metal slides when removing or inspecting them, I strongly recommend replacing them—a bent slide will cause the extension stop system to stop working.
If the drawer “falls out,” it is usually a mechanical defect or wear in the slide or its mounting. There are also different types of slides (full extension, partial extension), and you might consider upgrading to higher-quality slides if you plan to keep the furniture for a longer period.
This is my straightforward assessment—it is, of course, difficult to say exactly what the issue is without more specific details.
I would like to add that the drawer mechanism in the MALM dressers is quite robust, but proper installation is essential. Especially with older furniture, the drawer slides can shift slightly over the years due to moving the frame, which can disrupt the extension stops.
A simple troubleshooting method is:
1) Pull the drawer out completely.
2) Use a measuring tape to check that the inner side profiles of the drawer and the frame are parallel and properly aligned.
3) If necessary, realign and tighten the rails slightly.
If you find any bends or damage in the metal slides when removing or inspecting them, I strongly recommend replacing them—a bent slide will cause the extension stop system to stop working.
If the drawer “falls out,” it is usually a mechanical defect or wear in the slide or its mounting. There are also different types of slides (full extension, partial extension), and you might consider upgrading to higher-quality slides if you plan to keep the furniture for a longer period.
This is my straightforward assessment—it is, of course, difficult to say exactly what the issue is without more specific details.
It's interesting how often we come across these so-called "hype furniture" pieces from IKEA here. To be honest, the MALM series is very popular, but the construction is quite basic.
You could almost say that the entire "extension stop" mechanism is more of a placebo to give the user peace of mind rather than a truly sophisticated safety feature.
That's exactly what I mean. Even the newer components, in my opinion, seem more like makeshift solutions than solid engineering.
Wouldn't it make more sense to avoid dealing with these fragile stoppers altogether and instead carry out a small upgrade, for example by retrofitting with high-quality soft-close systems from third-party suppliers?
Of course, they cost more, but then the dresser is finally properly secured and works reliably. In my view, you shouldn’t settle for so-called IKEA quick fixes. What do you think?
You could almost say that the entire "extension stop" mechanism is more of a placebo to give the user peace of mind rather than a truly sophisticated safety feature.
Filippo schrieb:
Some of the early models still use boxes with simple metal guides, which can loosen or bend more quickly.
That's exactly what I mean. Even the newer components, in my opinion, seem more like makeshift solutions than solid engineering.
Wouldn't it make more sense to avoid dealing with these fragile stoppers altogether and instead carry out a small upgrade, for example by retrofitting with high-quality soft-close systems from third-party suppliers?
Of course, they cost more, but then the dresser is finally properly secured and works reliably. In my view, you shouldn’t settle for so-called IKEA quick fixes. What do you think?
Hello everyone,
I would like to briefly provide a step-by-step guide on how to systematically approach the issue of “IKEA MALM drawers falling out – how to secure them?”
1. Remove the drawer: Pull it out completely and set it aside.
2. Inspect the runners: Check for any deformations, cracks, or missing stoppers in the plastic parts.
3. Tighten screws: Check the screws on the runners and the cabinet body, and tighten them if necessary using an appropriate screwdriver.
4. Check adjustment: Some slides have adjustment screws that allow small corrections in height or lateral alignment.
5. Obtain replacement parts: If the stoppers or slides are damaged, you can order suitable parts online from IKEA or at a hardware store.
6. Optional reinforcement: For significantly improved retention, small additional stoppers (e.g., self-adhesive felt pads) can be applied in appropriate places to prevent the drawer from falling out.
Important: The fix should not affect accessibility. Drawers should still operate smoothly but should not come out unexpectedly.
If anyone has additional tips on good replacement parts or sources, please feel free to share!
I would like to briefly provide a step-by-step guide on how to systematically approach the issue of “IKEA MALM drawers falling out – how to secure them?”
1. Remove the drawer: Pull it out completely and set it aside.
2. Inspect the runners: Check for any deformations, cracks, or missing stoppers in the plastic parts.
3. Tighten screws: Check the screws on the runners and the cabinet body, and tighten them if necessary using an appropriate screwdriver.
4. Check adjustment: Some slides have adjustment screws that allow small corrections in height or lateral alignment.
5. Obtain replacement parts: If the stoppers or slides are damaged, you can order suitable parts online from IKEA or at a hardware store.
6. Optional reinforcement: For significantly improved retention, small additional stoppers (e.g., self-adhesive felt pads) can be applied in appropriate places to prevent the drawer from falling out.
Important: The fix should not affect accessibility. Drawers should still operate smoothly but should not come out unexpectedly.
If anyone has additional tips on good replacement parts or sources, please feel free to share!
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