Hello everyone,
I have a Malm dresser from IKEA and want to replace the broken hinges on the doors. Unfortunately, I can only find few detailed instructions online on how to do this properly without completely disassembling the dresser.
So my specific question is: What is the best way to replace the hinges on Malm dressers? Are there any special tools to consider? Do the doors need to be completely removed, or can the hinges be replaced while the dresser is still standing? And how can I prevent the doors from hanging crooked afterwards?
I would really appreciate a detailed step-by-step guide or at least practical tips. Thanks in advance!
I have a Malm dresser from IKEA and want to replace the broken hinges on the doors. Unfortunately, I can only find few detailed instructions online on how to do this properly without completely disassembling the dresser.
So my specific question is: What is the best way to replace the hinges on Malm dressers? Are there any special tools to consider? Do the doors need to be completely removed, or can the hinges be replaced while the dresser is still standing? And how can I prevent the doors from hanging crooked afterwards?
I would really appreciate a detailed step-by-step guide or at least practical tips. Thanks in advance!
Hello jana37,
I am quite familiar with the Malm dressers and can tell you from experience that replacing the hinges is definitely doable if you approach it systematically.
First: You should remove the doors completely. This usually works by simply releasing the clip mechanism on the hinges that IKEA uses. To do this, press the small lever on the hinge side that connects the door to the dresser, and then swing the door off. This makes the work much easier.
You basically only need a Phillips screwdriver (PH2) and possibly a small flathead screwdriver if the clip mechanism is stuck. The hinges themselves are usually attached with 2-3 screws that you need to loosen.
After replacing the hinges, make sure to adjust the door on the hinge so that it sits in the correct position. IKEA hinges usually have adjustment screws for lateral, vertical, and depth alignment, which allow you to fine-tune the door.
If you have no experience, take your time with the adjustment – it can be a bit tricky, but once the door is properly positioned, it holds very well.
Good luck!
I am quite familiar with the Malm dressers and can tell you from experience that replacing the hinges is definitely doable if you approach it systematically.
First: You should remove the doors completely. This usually works by simply releasing the clip mechanism on the hinges that IKEA uses. To do this, press the small lever on the hinge side that connects the door to the dresser, and then swing the door off. This makes the work much easier.
You basically only need a Phillips screwdriver (PH2) and possibly a small flathead screwdriver if the clip mechanism is stuck. The hinges themselves are usually attached with 2-3 screws that you need to loosen.
After replacing the hinges, make sure to adjust the door on the hinge so that it sits in the correct position. IKEA hinges usually have adjustment screws for lateral, vertical, and depth alignment, which allow you to fine-tune the door.
If you have no experience, take your time with the adjustment – it can be a bit tricky, but once the door is properly positioned, it holds very well.
Good luck!
G
GUSTAVO5624 Aug 2021 08:22Hello jana37,
I would like to go into a bit more detail here, as there can be small but important differences in the Malm series furniture that affect hinge replacement.
First, you should identify the exact hinge model installed: Malm dressers usually have so-called "clip-on" hinges with a concealed quick-release mechanism. These allow you to remove the door without unscrewing any screws.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Open the dresser door wide and locate the small levers or clips at the base of the hinge, which are attached to the carcass side.
2. Gently press the lever with a screwdriver or your thumb until the hinge releases from the carcass. The door will still hang on the upper hinge but can usually be fully lifted off this way.
3. Remove the door from its guide and place it on a soft surface to avoid scratches.
4. You can now loosen the screws on the hinge and remove the faulty hinge.
5. When installing the new hinge, be sure to tighten the screws firmly but avoid overtightening, as this can damage the wood.
6. Reattach the door by snapping the hinge into the clips on the carcass.
7. Now comes the most important part: fine adjustment.
The adjustment screws are usually in three directions – for height (vertical), lateral shift (horizontal), and depth (distance between dresser and door). Using a Phillips screwdriver, you can perfectly align the door so it doesn’t rub or hang crooked.
Important notes:
- Avoid using force on the clips to prevent breakage.
- Check if your dresser has a push-to-open function, as this changes the hinge type.
Regarding tools: A Phillips PH2 screwdriver, possibly a small flat screwdriver for the clips, and a small level or tape measure for checking alignment can be helpful.
If you can provide more details about the model, such as dimensions or the dresser’s age, I can give you more targeted advice.
Best regards!
I would like to go into a bit more detail here, as there can be small but important differences in the Malm series furniture that affect hinge replacement.
First, you should identify the exact hinge model installed: Malm dressers usually have so-called "clip-on" hinges with a concealed quick-release mechanism. These allow you to remove the door without unscrewing any screws.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Open the dresser door wide and locate the small levers or clips at the base of the hinge, which are attached to the carcass side.
2. Gently press the lever with a screwdriver or your thumb until the hinge releases from the carcass. The door will still hang on the upper hinge but can usually be fully lifted off this way.
3. Remove the door from its guide and place it on a soft surface to avoid scratches.
4. You can now loosen the screws on the hinge and remove the faulty hinge.
5. When installing the new hinge, be sure to tighten the screws firmly but avoid overtightening, as this can damage the wood.
6. Reattach the door by snapping the hinge into the clips on the carcass.
7. Now comes the most important part: fine adjustment.
The adjustment screws are usually in three directions – for height (vertical), lateral shift (horizontal), and depth (distance between dresser and door). Using a Phillips screwdriver, you can perfectly align the door so it doesn’t rub or hang crooked.
Important notes:
- Avoid using force on the clips to prevent breakage.
- Check if your dresser has a push-to-open function, as this changes the hinge type.
Regarding tools: A Phillips PH2 screwdriver, possibly a small flat screwdriver for the clips, and a small level or tape measure for checking alignment can be helpful.
If you can provide more details about the model, such as dimensions or the dresser’s age, I can give you more targeted advice.
Best regards!
GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
Fine-tuning is important for perfect alignmentExactly.
Remove the doors, loosen the hinges, reattach them, and then slightly adjust the screws for alignment until the fit is perfect. No force.
Tool: screwdriver. Done.
If you have trouble, keep trying patiently, and eventually, it will fit. 🙂
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