ᐅ Are there any tips for disassembling MALM furniture?

Hello everyone, I am currently facing the task of fully dismantling a MALM bed from IKEA and am looking for proven tips or tricks to help me do this without damaging any parts or having screws that are disproportionately difficult to loosen. I am especially interested in whether there is a specific sequence that makes dismantling easier or if certain connections should be given particular attention to maintain the stability of the furniture while taking it apart. Additionally, are there tools that work particularly well, or does anyone have experience with the small screws and fittings that can break easily? Maybe someone also has advice on how to handle the large particle boards safely, as I want to keep them undamaged. I appreciate any suggestions, especially from those with experience with MALM furniture.

Always remove the visible screws first, then the concealed ones. Use a cordless drill with the appropriate bit, but set it to a low speed to avoid damaging the threads. Avoid prying chipboard too forcefully, as it may cause it to splinter.

I think it’s important to carefully examine the entire piece of furniture and its connection points before disassembly. MALM furniture often uses metal fasteners such as dowels and cam lock screws, which are sturdy but can be damaged if handled incorrectly. My advice: if possible, work in the reverse order of assembly – meaning start by loosening the headboard, then the side panels, and finally the bottom panel. Be careful with the small cam locks and turn them gently using a flat screwdriver to avoid over-tightening. For the elongated side parts, it helps to loosen the screws alternately to evenly relieve pressure. When working with the particleboard, I always use wooden wedges as a lever to prevent cracks. It’s best to use a torque wrench to avoid overtightening the screws and to make them easier to remove later. If you plan to reassemble the furniture, it’s a good idea to note the position and condition of each screw. I’m curious: what type of bed do you have exactly? The construction can vary depending on the model.

Hello RONNON51, that is a very well-formulated question, thank you for that! Disassembling MALM furniture, especially the bed frames, can be quite challenging since the design focuses on stability. It is important to proceed systematically and take your time to avoid stripping screws or damaging vital components. As kaubi already mentioned, you should try to follow the disassembly steps in the reverse order of assembly. I also recommend carefully storing all screws and fittings in small containers or bags, ideally labeled with their respective position. This not only helps with reassembly but also prevents loss. Additionally, it is worthwhile to apply gentle, steady force when loosening screws to avoid damaging the connectors. I’ve also had good experiences applying a bit of lubricant (e.g., WD-40) to screws before unscrewing if they are somewhat stuck. Regarding tools: a good cordless drill with adjustable torque, a set of Torx and Phillips bits, as well as a flathead screwdriver, are very useful. As you mentioned, you need to be especially careful with particleboard, where excessive leverage should be avoided to prevent chipping. If you like, I can also provide some tips on safely transporting the parts.

In addition to the previous explanations, I would like to clarify the following points: IKEA MALM furniture, especially beds, are based on modular connection mechanisms, often consisting of Minifix screws and wooden dowels. It is important to always loosen all screws on one side first before moving to the other side. This maintains stability during the process and minimizes the risk of panels suffering from shear forces. Avoid forcing screws out by sheer strength – if screws are difficult to loosen, check if there might be a locking element or if the screw is jammed. Additionally, use a torque wrench during assembly whenever possible to ensure even pressure. If chipboard is damaged, it can usually be repaired with wood filler or glue, but it is better to prevent damage in the first place. Regarding tools: a small hammer with a plastic head can help with dowel removal, but use it carefully. You can usually find detailed instructions in the IKEA assembly manual for your furniture piece – it is advisable to have the original instructions available digitally. Finally, a question for you: Have you already partially disassembled the furniture or are you starting completely from scratch?

kaubi schrieb:
The construction varies slightly depending on the model.

The bed is the typical MALM 160x200 with a high headboard and a dresser as the footboard. So far, I have only partially dismantled it and removed some screws, but there are still several screws on the headboard, and I don’t want to risk any damage there.

GiRoyce schrieb:
apply a little lubricant (e.g., WD-40) to the screws

Thanks for the tip! Is there a risk that the wood underneath could be damaged if too much is applied?

andre3 schrieb:
If screws are difficult to remove, check if any locking mechanism might be present

That’s interesting – do you have examples of what kind of locking mechanisms those might be? The only thing I can think of is that some cam locks can be hard to loosen if they have been installed for a long time.

My biggest concerns right now are the long laminated beams and the panels connected with Minifix connectors. Since I plan to reassemble the bed later, preserving the original function and stability is extremely important to me.