ᐅ Why do Malm drawers sometimes suddenly get stuck?

Hello everyone,

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed that the drawers of my IKEA Malm dressers sometimes stick unexpectedly or only open with some effort. I am curious why this happens, even though the drawers are installed properly and aligned well, and don’t appear to be overloaded.

Are there common causes for this issue? Could it be due to material warping, mechanical tolerances, or perhaps how the rails or rollers function?

I look forward to your insights and advice on how to fix this problem permanently.

jermainefr schrieb:
Are there common causes for this phenomenon?

I’m very familiar with this, especially when the drawer sometimes sticks but then works fine the next time. In my experience, it often comes down to small shifts over time—either due to moisture or slight warping of the wood.

I know it can be frustrating, especially if you have other furniture that works reliably. Does it help to know that small adjustments to the drawer slides often make a big difference?

Sometimes I also wish manufacturers would allow for more tolerances, because these tiny gaps can be really critical.

First, check whether the rail is properly inserted and not bent. Dirt or dust in the guide system often causes jamming. Cleaning and lightly lubricating usually helps.

Jamming of Malm drawers is often caused by two main factors: first, the precision of installation, and second, changes in the material.

Even small deviations during assembly – such as slight tilting of the side panels or drawer slides that are not installed perfectly straight – can affect how smoothly the drawer opens and closes.

Secondly, particleboard, which is used in many IKEA furniture items, is sensitive to moisture. Swelling or shrinking can distort the drawer mechanism and cause uneven movement.

Giagau schrieb:
Chipboard is sensitive to moisture.

Exactly. Additionally, it is important to regularly check the rollers and tracks. Damaged rollers cause resistance.

Regarding the issue of sticking with Malm drawers, I recommend a systematic approach:

1. Check all screws and connections to ensure they are firmly tightened
2. Verify that the locking mechanisms of the drawer slides engage correctly
3. Inspect the bottom and side panels of the drawer for any deformation
4. Clean all moving parts and lightly lubricate the drawer slides

Statistically, assembly errors and material warping cause sticking in over 70% of cases. Adjustments usually lead to significant improvement.