ᐅ Why do MALM screws sometimes loosen?

Hello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for some time: Why do Malm screws from IKEA furniture sometimes come loose by themselves? The construction is usually quite simple, but especially with shelves or cabinets that are often moved or loaded, the screws inexplicably loosen, causing the furniture to become unstable. I wonder if this is due to the type of screws, the connection method, the material, incorrect assembly, or perhaps typical stresses these pieces of furniture experience. Are there known causes or proven techniques to prevent this from happening permanently? I would appreciate any explanations or tips!

This often happens because the screws are not tightened fully or the material loosens over time. Simply retighten them and use thread locker on frequently stressed areas.

Hello, I would like to examine the question from a more technical perspective: MALM screws are usually based on dowel joints and special fasteners used in particleboard. These materials are sensitive to compressive and tensile forces, especially when subjected to repeated loads or vibrations.

The root cause often lies in the deformation of the wood fibers due to stress or slight movement of the dowel. In addition, irregularities when pre-tightening the screws can prevent the joint from settling properly. Another factor is cyclic loading: if a piece of furniture is moved frequently, the joint is gradually strained, and small play in the connection can lead to loosening.

A tip: It helps not only to tighten the screws but also to regularly check them and, if necessary, use thread-locking compounds (such as liquid threadlocker) that better absorb the weight and vibrations.

I can totally understand that; many of us have experienced how quickly a shelf can become unstable when the screws come loose. That can sometimes be frustrating. What helps me is to check regularly, even if it’s a bit tedious. I’ve also noticed that especially when small children touch or move the furniture, the screws tend to loosen due to the constant vibrations. But you can expect that—no need to panic 🙂

I would like to bring some structure here and briefly explain why MALM screws can loosen and how you can prevent this.

1. Material-related causes:
MALM furniture is mainly made from particleboard, which, unlike solid wood, has lower strength and lower tensile resistance. Therefore, the screws do not hold as securely as they would in solid wood.

2. Load cycles:
Every movement, such as repositioning or applying weight, puts stress on the connection. Repeated loading gradually loosens the screws.

3. Assembly:
If the screw is not correctly positioned, tightened with the right torque, or fully screwed in, there is some play that can increase over time.

4. Solutions:
- Always tighten screws firmly, but do not overtighten.
- Use thread locker on critical connections.
- Avoid overloading or frequently moving the furniture.
- When joining wood, pre-drill holes if possible to reduce material stress.

I hope this gives you a clear overview!

naujon schrieb:
Always tighten screws well, but do not overtighten.

Exactly, overtightening damages the wood threads. That’s why it’s better to develop a feel when tightening and avoid spinning the screwdriver continuously.