Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I bought an IKEA Malm bed with drawers. Recently, the drawers have started to show clear signs of wear on the drawer slides: they stick, don’t move as smoothly, and the mechanism seems to be weakening. Now I am considering replacing the Malm drawer slides to restore proper functionality.
My questions are: What type of drawer slides does IKEA specifically use in the Malm drawers? (material, design) Is it possible to replace them without special tools? Are there any recommended replacement parts that are compatible? And what is the easiest way to remove the old drawer slides, especially for the screwed or inserted parts?
If anyone has done this before: How exactly does a replacement affect the stability and smoothness of the drawers?
I look forward to specific feedback, ideally with some step-by-step tips. Thanks in advance!
Some time ago, I bought an IKEA Malm bed with drawers. Recently, the drawers have started to show clear signs of wear on the drawer slides: they stick, don’t move as smoothly, and the mechanism seems to be weakening. Now I am considering replacing the Malm drawer slides to restore proper functionality.
My questions are: What type of drawer slides does IKEA specifically use in the Malm drawers? (material, design) Is it possible to replace them without special tools? Are there any recommended replacement parts that are compatible? And what is the easiest way to remove the old drawer slides, especially for the screwed or inserted parts?
If anyone has done this before: How exactly does a replacement affect the stability and smoothness of the drawers?
I look forward to specific feedback, ideally with some step-by-step tips. Thanks in advance!
Gelunau schrieb:
What type of drawer slides does IKEA specifically use in the MALM drawers?As far as I can tell, the MALM drawers have relatively simple metal runners with either an oil damper or plastic rollers in the drawer guides. I've also experienced issues with sticking drawers, which can be really frustrating.
Gelunau schrieb:
Is it possible to replace them without special tools?I’d say yes, in principle you can manage it with a good screwdriver and some patience. But I was a bit hesitant because the slides are often firmly screwed in and sometimes sit slightly misaligned.
In the end, I managed because you have to be very gentle—not forceful.
So I would recommend taking your time during disassembly and not forcing anything. 🙂
Hello Gelunau,
Basically, replacing the MALM drawer slides is not particularly difficult if you keep a few points in mind. The slides are usually made of metal, sometimes with plastic components, and run on rollers. The first step is to fully pull the drawer out of the cabinet. Sometimes there are small release mechanisms on the slide, which need to be pressed or pulled to completely detach the drawer.
When removing the old slides, it is advisable to remove all screws. If the old slides are damaged or bent, carefully use a light prying tool and avoid applying too much force to prevent damaging the wood.
For replacement parts, you can contact IKEA directly; they usually offer compatible slides as spare parts. Alternatively, there are similar universal metal slides that might be compatible, but IKEA parts generally fit best.
After installation, it is recommended to lightly oil or treat the slides with a suitable lubricant so the drawers glide smoothly and quietly again.
If you would like more help with the individual steps, feel free to ask.
Best regards!
Basically, replacing the MALM drawer slides is not particularly difficult if you keep a few points in mind. The slides are usually made of metal, sometimes with plastic components, and run on rollers. The first step is to fully pull the drawer out of the cabinet. Sometimes there are small release mechanisms on the slide, which need to be pressed or pulled to completely detach the drawer.
When removing the old slides, it is advisable to remove all screws. If the old slides are damaged or bent, carefully use a light prying tool and avoid applying too much force to prevent damaging the wood.
For replacement parts, you can contact IKEA directly; they usually offer compatible slides as spare parts. Alternatively, there are similar universal metal slides that might be compatible, but IKEA parts generally fit best.
After installation, it is recommended to lightly oil or treat the slides with a suitable lubricant so the drawers glide smoothly and quietly again.
If you would like more help with the individual steps, feel free to ask.
Best regards!
Hello,
Exactly. I have been using MALM furniture for years and have had several drawer runners break or wear out. Removing them can be a bit tricky because IKEA often uses clip mechanisms.
My advice: fully pull out the drawer, then carefully press the clips on the runner either up or down (depending on the model). After that, you can simply pull off the drawer runners. I also always keep a small magnetic screwdriver handy to avoid losing any screws.
Removing the runners usually goes more smoothly if you hold the drawer at a slight angle to relieve tension. If the runners are stuck, gently pull them out without forcing to avoid breaking anything. It should work :-)
Ron57 schrieb:
The drawer runners are usually made of metal, sometimes with plastic parts, and are mounted on rollers.
Exactly. I have been using MALM furniture for years and have had several drawer runners break or wear out. Removing them can be a bit tricky because IKEA often uses clip mechanisms.
My advice: fully pull out the drawer, then carefully press the clips on the runner either up or down (depending on the model). After that, you can simply pull off the drawer runners. I also always keep a small magnetic screwdriver handy to avoid losing any screws.
Gelunau schrieb:
What is the easiest way to remove the old drawer runners?
Removing the runners usually goes more smoothly if you hold the drawer at a slight angle to relieve tension. If the runners are stuck, gently pull them out without forcing to avoid breaking anything. It should work :-)
P
praWarre6915 Jul 2020 12:17Hello everyone 🙂
I had exactly the same problem and replaced the MALM drawer runners. For the replacement, you basically just need a bit of patience, a screwdriver, and maybe pliers for any stubborn edges.
My tip: Do it outside or on a large surface so you don’t lose any screws. It’s best to test the new runners beforehand to make sure everything fits.
And very important: Don’t pull too hard right away – the clips can be a bit tricky.
In the end, I treated my runners with a little silicone spray; it makes the movement very smooth and increases quietness and durability. 🙂
Good luck!
I had exactly the same problem and replaced the MALM drawer runners. For the replacement, you basically just need a bit of patience, a screwdriver, and maybe pliers for any stubborn edges.
My tip: Do it outside or on a large surface so you don’t lose any screws. It’s best to test the new runners beforehand to make sure everything fits.
And very important: Don’t pull too hard right away – the clips can be a bit tricky.
In the end, I treated my runners with a little silicone spray; it makes the movement very smooth and increases quietness and durability. 🙂
Good luck!
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