Hello everyone,
I have a problem with my Malm bedside table from Ikea and hope you can help. During the last rearrangement, I noticed that one of the drawers no longer closes properly – it gets stuck and seems to sit crooked in the track. I also noticed that the wood on the front of the drawer is slightly swollen in one spot and has minor dents.
I suspect that either the drawer slides are bent or the screws are loose, but I’m not sure because I’m not familiar with the construction.
Can someone explain how to professionally identify such issues on the Malm bedside table and how to best repair them myself? What tools do I need, and what is the best approach to avoid damaging the surface?
Thank you in advance for your tips and experience!
I have a problem with my Malm bedside table from Ikea and hope you can help. During the last rearrangement, I noticed that one of the drawers no longer closes properly – it gets stuck and seems to sit crooked in the track. I also noticed that the wood on the front of the drawer is slightly swollen in one spot and has minor dents.
I suspect that either the drawer slides are bent or the screws are loose, but I’m not sure because I’m not familiar with the construction.
Can someone explain how to professionally identify such issues on the Malm bedside table and how to best repair them myself? What tools do I need, and what is the best approach to avoid damaging the surface?
Thank you in advance for your tips and experience!
Hello fuelnau,
your description suggests that the drawer slide could be the cause. MALM nightstands often use metal rails with small plastic rollers, which can shift or get stuck over time.
First, you should completely remove the drawer – you do this by pulling it out fully and then lifting it slightly to release it from the slide. After that, check if any of the rails are bent or if the rollers are blocked. It’s definitely a good idea to tighten the screws.
You will usually need a Phillips screwdriver (PH2), possibly a small hammer if you need to reset wooden dowels, and some cleaning cloths.
Regarding the swollen area: if the wood is only superficially affected, I would lightly sand it with fine sandpaper and then treat it with a suitable furniture oil or wax. It is important not to use coarse abrasives, as that can make the surface rough.
If the drawer front is slightly bowed, moisture could also be a factor – in that case, it’s best to check directly whether the area is damp or if the edge is damaged.
Get in touch if you want more detailed instructions!
your description suggests that the drawer slide could be the cause. MALM nightstands often use metal rails with small plastic rollers, which can shift or get stuck over time.
First, you should completely remove the drawer – you do this by pulling it out fully and then lifting it slightly to release it from the slide. After that, check if any of the rails are bent or if the rollers are blocked. It’s definitely a good idea to tighten the screws.
You will usually need a Phillips screwdriver (PH2), possibly a small hammer if you need to reset wooden dowels, and some cleaning cloths.
Regarding the swollen area: if the wood is only superficially affected, I would lightly sand it with fine sandpaper and then treat it with a suitable furniture oil or wax. It is important not to use coarse abrasives, as that can make the surface rough.
If the drawer front is slightly bowed, moisture could also be a factor – in that case, it’s best to check directly whether the area is damp or if the edge is damaged.
Get in touch if you want more detailed instructions!
I think it’s great that you describe the situation in such detail, fuelnau. Especially with furniture like the MALM, it can often be difficult to identify the cause of problems without making things worse.
I’ve had similar experiences myself—sometimes just adjusting the rails was enough, but other times it was a material deformation that required a more advanced approach. The most important thing is to take your time and proceed patiently, step by step. Sometimes it also helps to lay out the parts on the floor and sort them first.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you! 🙂
I’ve had similar experiences myself—sometimes just adjusting the rails was enough, but other times it was a material deformation that required a more advanced approach. The most important thing is to take your time and proceed patiently, step by step. Sometimes it also helps to lay out the parts on the floor and sort them first.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you! 🙂
klo61 schrieb:
MALM nightstands often have metal rails with small plastic rollers that can shift or become stuck over time.This is the main issue with MALM nightstands. For an accurate diagnosis, I recommend the following approach:
1. Carefully remove the drawer. Most MALM models use a simple suspension system where you can pull the drawer completely forward and then lift it out – but make sure not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the wood.
2. Inspect the metal rails closely for any bends, cracks, or broken plastic rollers. The bearings are often snapped in on the sides and can break or come loose.
3. Check the screws on the drawer box and the guide rails. IKEA uses particleboard, so the screws can loosen quickly. It’s best to tighten all screws with a suitable screwdriver.
4. If you find any sticking points, gently sand the edges of the rail or opening with fine sandpaper (grit 120-180) – be very careful when sanding wood to avoid dents.
5. A swollen spot at the front usually indicates moisture or excessive pressure. If the finish at the edge is damaged, a furniture touch-up marker (matched to the color) can help, or you can carefully clean stubborn dirt from the wood with a slightly damp cloth and let it dry.
I also recommend lubricating the rails sparingly with a silicone spray or a general-purpose oil, but use only a small amount since too much lubricant can damage wood surfaces.
Feel free to share detailed experiences or ask more specific questions!
Thank you all, very helpful!
What I noticed while working on the drawer extension: The left side rail seems slightly bent, which I hadn’t seen before. All screws were tight except for one, which I have now carefully tightened.
A question about the plastic rollers: If they are damaged, can you buy them individually somewhere? Or do you have to replace the entire side rail? I’d like to repair it as cost-effectively as possible without replacing the whole part.
And what about the adhesive dots on the drawer front? Sometimes they come loose if the material has swollen. Is it effective to use special wood glue there, or is that rather counterproductive?
What I noticed while working on the drawer extension: The left side rail seems slightly bent, which I hadn’t seen before. All screws were tight except for one, which I have now carefully tightened.
A question about the plastic rollers: If they are damaged, can you buy them individually somewhere? Or do you have to replace the entire side rail? I’d like to repair it as cost-effectively as possible without replacing the whole part.
And what about the adhesive dots on the drawer front? Sometimes they come loose if the material has swollen. Is it effective to use special wood glue there, or is that rather counterproductive?
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