Hello everyone, I noticed that a handle on my IKEA Malm bed has come off. Specifically, the screw that held the handle to the drawer has come out, and the handle can no longer be attached because the thread in the wood seems to be damaged.
My question is: What is the best way to repair Malm handles when the wood threads are stripped or damaged?
Is there a practical method using simple tools to reattach the handle securely, or is it necessary to replace the entire piece of furniture?
I would appreciate any advice on repair techniques as well as recommendations for the required tools or materials.
My question is: What is the best way to repair Malm handles when the wood threads are stripped or damaged?
Is there a practical method using simple tools to reattach the handle securely, or is it necessary to replace the entire piece of furniture?
I would appreciate any advice on repair techniques as well as recommendations for the required tools or materials.
DINASAN schrieb:
One more question: What is the diameter of the screws and how deep is the damaged hole?Thank you for the detailed information and your follow-up question! The screws have a diameter of approximately 4 mm (0.16 inches) and are about 20 mm (0.79 inches) long. The hole has widened to roughly 10 mm (0.39 inches) in depth, and the thread is almost completely destroyed. I tried a repair experiment using a toothpick, but so far it hasn’t been very stable.
By the way, shouldn’t the handle for this model be secured on the inside with a second screw as well? I only see one screw visible from the outside.
Maujakob schrieb:
Shouldn't the handle for this model normally be fastened with a second screw on the inside?No, Malm handles are generally mounted with a single screw per side. The handle shell wraps around the front panel, so both sides are secured that way.
Because of the thin front panels on the Malm, thread repair is important. My advice: strengthen the wood glue by filling the hole with toothpicks, then drill new threads perpendicular to the surface; this should hold securely.
As an additional note: You can also use special threaded inserts if the wood is too soft or the hole becomes too large.
These inserts are screwed into the hole, creating a new metal thread and providing very stable connections. However, this requires some DIY skills and the right tools.
For a simple home repair, toothpicks and glue are definitely the most practical option. But if the handle is used frequently, a threaded insert can be a more durable solution in the long run.
These inserts are screwed into the hole, creating a new metal thread and providing very stable connections. However, this requires some DIY skills and the right tools.
For a simple home repair, toothpicks and glue are definitely the most practical option. But if the handle is used frequently, a threaded insert can be a more durable solution in the long run.
Maujakob schrieb:
I once tried a toothpick repair experiment, but it hasn’t been very stable so far.Sometimes wood glue just needs time (and patience). I would recommend redoing the repair completely: remove everything, let the wood dry, then carefully fill the gap with toothpicks and wood glue and let it dry for at least 24 hours. After that, screw in gently. It should hold then. And if not, there’s always the threaded insert solution, as TUELBA mentioned. 😉
Good luck!
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