Hello everyone, I recently bought a Malm chest of drawers from Ikea and noticed during assembly that the supplied screws seem quite weak, at least in terms of stability. My question is: Are there better screws for Malm chests of drawers that can significantly improve the construction’s stability without affecting the appearance or damaging the wood? I have done some research and seen that some users recommend self-tapping or longer screws, but I am unsure which types are truly effective and whether this is even necessary. Perhaps someone has experience with alternative screws or can offer advice on which screws provide the best balance between durability and protecting the material. Thank you in advance!
The question about better screws for Malm dressers is definitely valid. The original screws from Ikea are designed for their intended use, but if you want to increase stability, using higher-quality screws is often worthwhile.
I recommend stainless steel screws with a fine metric thread (for example, M4 or M5, depending on the hole size) that are slightly longer than the originals. It is important to consider the thickness of the particleboard so that you do not drill through or damage the material.
Additionally, for Malm components, you can use dowel screws (also called connector bolts) to create a stronger joint. These are specifically designed for furniture and help protect the material. Make sure not to use screws that are too thick, as this can weaken the connection.
If you want advice on the correct screw size and type, feel free to specify which parts you want to reinforce.
I recommend stainless steel screws with a fine metric thread (for example, M4 or M5, depending on the hole size) that are slightly longer than the originals. It is important to consider the thickness of the particleboard so that you do not drill through or damage the material.
Additionally, for Malm components, you can use dowel screws (also called connector bolts) to create a stronger joint. These are specifically designed for furniture and help protect the material. Make sure not to use screws that are too thick, as this can weaken the connection.
If you want advice on the correct screw size and type, feel free to specify which parts you want to reinforce.
REN40 schrieb:
I recommend stainless steel screws with a metric fine thread ... slightly longer than the originals.That is the right approach. The screws supplied with Malm dressers are often not the most durable. Using longer, higher-quality screws provides better stability, but be sure to choose the correct diameters and tighten carefully to avoid splitting the wood.
I’ll take a somewhat more general approach here, as the topic of “better screws for Malm dressers” comes up quite often.
The original screws from Ikea are usually made of basic steel and generally serve their purpose under normal use. However, if the dresser is moved frequently or needs to support additional weight, this can cause issues.
A good alternative is screws with higher material strength, such as grade 8.8 or even 10.9 screws, provided the internal dimensions and materials allow for them. Additionally, using screws with a paint or corrosion-resistant coating is advisable if the dresser is used in a more humid environment.
The correct thread type is also important: screws with coarse threads work better for the particleboard that Malm dressers are made from, as they offer better grip. To avoid damage, it’s recommended to always drill an appropriate pilot hole before screwing in—otherwise, there’s a risk of the boards splitting.
If you have not assembled the dresser yet, alternative screws can definitely help make it more durable. If it’s already assembled, sometimes additional reinforcement with brackets or glue at the joints can help.
The original screws from Ikea are usually made of basic steel and generally serve their purpose under normal use. However, if the dresser is moved frequently or needs to support additional weight, this can cause issues.
A good alternative is screws with higher material strength, such as grade 8.8 or even 10.9 screws, provided the internal dimensions and materials allow for them. Additionally, using screws with a paint or corrosion-resistant coating is advisable if the dresser is used in a more humid environment.
The correct thread type is also important: screws with coarse threads work better for the particleboard that Malm dressers are made from, as they offer better grip. To avoid damage, it’s recommended to always drill an appropriate pilot hole before screwing in—otherwise, there’s a risk of the boards splitting.
If you have not assembled the dresser yet, alternative screws can definitely help make it more durable. If it’s already assembled, sometimes additional reinforcement with brackets or glue at the joints can help.
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