Good morning everyone,
I noticed that some screws on one of my Malm dressers have become loose around the drawer area over time. Specifically, these are the connecting screws that secure the side panels to the bottom of the drawer. The screws can no longer be tightened with a regular screwdriver because they just spin freely.
My question is: What are the best methods to fix loose screws in Malm furniture without damaging the furniture’s structure? Are there any tricks to reinforce a screw hole if it has already become stripped?
I want to work with simple and low-effort solutions, but of course, the stability should be maintained. I would appreciate any tips or recommendations!
I noticed that some screws on one of my Malm dressers have become loose around the drawer area over time. Specifically, these are the connecting screws that secure the side panels to the bottom of the drawer. The screws can no longer be tightened with a regular screwdriver because they just spin freely.
My question is: What are the best methods to fix loose screws in Malm furniture without damaging the furniture’s structure? Are there any tricks to reinforce a screw hole if it has already become stripped?
I want to work with simple and low-effort solutions, but of course, the stability should be maintained. I would appreciate any tips or recommendations!
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FERNANDOLO1 Apr 2017 09:12Hello,
for loose screws, applying a bit of wood glue into the hole often helps, then insert and tighten the screw. Alternatively, you can mix toothpicks or wood shavings with glue and insert them into the hole before turning the screw. This fills the hole and provides a secure hold.
for loose screws, applying a bit of wood glue into the hole often helps, then insert and tighten the screw. Alternatively, you can mix toothpicks or wood shavings with glue and insert them into the hole before turning the screw. This fills the hole and provides a secure hold.
Hey KEOZAR,
I had the same problem with my Malm dresser. My trick was: don’t worry, keep wood glue handy and fill the holes with toothpicks. This basically gives the screws new grip 🙂.
And yes, you can treat the fraying around the hole like that quite well. If it’s really bad, you can even carefully re-drill the hole after the glue has dried – but be cautious! Good luck, you’ll manage it! 🍀
I had the same problem with my Malm dresser. My trick was: don’t worry, keep wood glue handy and fill the holes with toothpicks. This basically gives the screws new grip 🙂.
And yes, you can treat the fraying around the hole like that quite well. If it’s really bad, you can even carefully re-drill the hole after the glue has dried – but be cautious! Good luck, you’ll manage it! 🍀
Hello KEOZAR,
I would recommend first carefully checking the condition of the screw holes and the surrounding wood structure. Malm furniture is usually made of particleboard with a wood veneer or laminate finish, which can fray or get damaged quickly if handled too roughly or carelessly.
Step-by-step approach:
1. Remove the screws and clean the holes, taking out any loose parts.
2. Insert toothpicks or small wooden shims into the hole if it is enlarged – these fit better than crushed wood chips.
3. Apply wood glue generously around the hole – this will help bond and stabilize the area.
4. Carefully screw in the screw again, making sure it is straight and not over-tightened – otherwise, the repair will not work.
If the hole is too large, you can also use special wood filler or repair kits. It would also be helpful to know the screw size and whether all screws are affected or just some.
Do you still have the assembly instructions? They sometimes include recommended screw torque or specifications that should be followed.
I would recommend first carefully checking the condition of the screw holes and the surrounding wood structure. Malm furniture is usually made of particleboard with a wood veneer or laminate finish, which can fray or get damaged quickly if handled too roughly or carelessly.
Step-by-step approach:
1. Remove the screws and clean the holes, taking out any loose parts.
2. Insert toothpicks or small wooden shims into the hole if it is enlarged – these fit better than crushed wood chips.
3. Apply wood glue generously around the hole – this will help bond and stabilize the area.
4. Carefully screw in the screw again, making sure it is straight and not over-tightened – otherwise, the repair will not work.
If the hole is too large, you can also use special wood filler or repair kits. It would also be helpful to know the screw size and whether all screws are affected or just some.
Do you still have the assembly instructions? They sometimes include recommended screw torque or specifications that should be followed.
FAZAR schrieb:
If the hole is too big, you can also use special wood filler or repair kits.Honestly, wood filler? If that's already in the furniture, it won’t last long anyway. MDF is not solid wood – the more you try to patch it up, the more time you waste. It’s better to upgrade properly right away or get replacement parts.
FERNANDOLO schrieb:
Mixing toothpicks or wood chips with glue.Well, that might help temporarily, but I think it’s more of a quick fix. What do you all think?
Connor schrieb:
Malm is not solid wood after all – repairing it too much is a waste of time.I see it a bit differently: Of course, the furniture is not solid wood, but it’s not meant to be disposable either.
FAZAR schrieb:
What about the assembly instructions – do you still have them?Yes, I still have the instructions and I have also noted the screw sizes. The standard screws are M4x30.
For me, not all screws are affected, only some, apparently at stress points. The others are still tight.
I’m inclined to first try the toothpick method with glue and then see if it’s possible to use new screws, perhaps slightly thicker. Thanks for all the helpful tips so far!
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