ᐅ Are there any installation or assembly issues with older models?
Created on: 1 Jan 2023 08:14
T
tankiHello everyone,
I am currently looking into whether there are specific assembly issues with older models of the Malm shelving unit from IKEA that are no longer present in newer versions. I have noticed that online and in several forum posts, there are recurring mentions of difficulties when assembling older Malm models—whether due to hole alignment, stability, or unclear assembly instructions.
Therefore, my question to the community is whether anyone has experience with these types of problems, especially with older Malm versions, and if there are any practical tips on how to avoid them or if it might be better to choose alternative furniture instead.
I look forward to your opinions and experiences!
I am currently looking into whether there are specific assembly issues with older models of the Malm shelving unit from IKEA that are no longer present in newer versions. I have noticed that online and in several forum posts, there are recurring mentions of difficulties when assembling older Malm models—whether due to hole alignment, stability, or unclear assembly instructions.
Therefore, my question to the community is whether anyone has experience with these types of problems, especially with older Malm versions, and if there are any practical tips on how to avoid them or if it might be better to choose alternative furniture instead.
I look forward to your opinions and experiences!
F
Friedrich1 Jan 2023 08:49That’s a very good question you’re asking!
A few years ago, I assembled a Malm dresser model myself and remember that the instructions were not always completely clear. Especially the fit of the wooden parts was sometimes a bit tricky, particularly since the model was already a few years old. It’s possible that the parts warped slightly due to storage and minor changes in humidity or have small manufacturing variations that made assembly more difficult.
I find this is not unusual for older small-batch furniture. With new editions, IKEA usually improves the instructions or makes slight adjustments to the parts.
How about the rest of you? Was this just my copy? 🙂
A few years ago, I assembled a Malm dresser model myself and remember that the instructions were not always completely clear. Especially the fit of the wooden parts was sometimes a bit tricky, particularly since the model was already a few years old. It’s possible that the parts warped slightly due to storage and minor changes in humidity or have small manufacturing variations that made assembly more difficult.
I find this is not unusual for older small-batch furniture. With new editions, IKEA usually improves the instructions or makes slight adjustments to the parts.
How about the rest of you? Was this just my copy? 🙂
It’s great that this topic is being brought up!
Some time ago, I also assembled a Malm desk from older production series, and yes, I can confirm that the drill holes don’t always line up perfectly. But that’s something to expect when dealing with furniture that’s a bit older. My advice: it’s better to pre-drill carefully and avoid forcing everything together too hard 😉 Otherwise, the furniture itself is really enjoyable to build and quite sturdy!
Keep it up, I’m looking forward to more tips!
Some time ago, I also assembled a Malm desk from older production series, and yes, I can confirm that the drill holes don’t always line up perfectly. But that’s something to expect when dealing with furniture that’s a bit older. My advice: it’s better to pre-drill carefully and avoid forcing everything together too hard 😉 Otherwise, the furniture itself is really enjoyable to build and quite sturdy!
Keep it up, I’m looking forward to more tips!
Hello!
I would like to share some basic tips because there are often misunderstandings regarding the Malm shelf and its older versions. Older models can indeed cause a few issues during assembly:
1. The hole alignment can vary slightly depending on the production year, as IKEA has tightened its manufacturing standards over time.
2. Sometimes the wooden dowels are not perfectly round, or lubrication for the screws is missing, which makes fitting parts together more difficult.
3. The assembly instructions for older sets were not always as clearly illustrated as they are today, leaving more room for interpretation.
One tip: Before starting assembly, sort all parts and check if everything is complete and undamaged. It often helps to watch alternative assembly videos for older models online, as this can make the process easier.
If you like, I can also provide a list of the main screws and dowels used in both versions (old & new).
I would like to share some basic tips because there are often misunderstandings regarding the Malm shelf and its older versions. Older models can indeed cause a few issues during assembly:
1. The hole alignment can vary slightly depending on the production year, as IKEA has tightened its manufacturing standards over time.
2. Sometimes the wooden dowels are not perfectly round, or lubrication for the screws is missing, which makes fitting parts together more difficult.
3. The assembly instructions for older sets were not always as clearly illustrated as they are today, leaving more room for interpretation.
One tip: Before starting assembly, sort all parts and check if everything is complete and undamaged. It often helps to watch alternative assembly videos for older models online, as this can make the process easier.
If you like, I can also provide a list of the main screws and dowels used in both versions (old & new).
From my perspective, the older Malm models do have certain technical challenges that can make assembly more difficult. However, most of these issues are usually due to storage and wear rather than the design itself.
One important aspect is the wood thickness of the panels: with older models, these can sometimes have slight warping, which complicates installation. The quality of fasteners was also occasionally more variable in the past compared to today.
Therefore, I recommend carefully checking the connections before assembly and, if necessary, obtaining replacement parts such as suitable screws or new dowels that match the specific model. Exercising a bit of patience during assembly is definitely worthwhile.
One important aspect is the wood thickness of the panels: with older models, these can sometimes have slight warping, which complicates installation. The quality of fasteners was also occasionally more variable in the past compared to today.
Therefore, I recommend carefully checking the connections before assembly and, if necessary, obtaining replacement parts such as suitable screws or new dowels that match the specific model. Exercising a bit of patience during assembly is definitely worthwhile.
Here is a structured approach to addressing common assembly issues with older Malm models:
1. Preparation
- Check all parts for completeness and damage
- Inspect wooden panels for warping
2. Tools
- Screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic tip)
- Possibly a small hammer and wood glue
3. Assembly Instructions
- Pre-drill holes if the screws are too tight
- Insert dowels carefully, do not force them
- Assemble parts loosely first to test the fit
4. Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Do not rush; follow the step-by-step instructions
- Get help when carrying or aligning the panels
Using this method, I have successfully assembled several older models. It is worth starting well prepared!
1. Preparation
- Check all parts for completeness and damage
- Inspect wooden panels for warping
2. Tools
- Screwdriver (preferably with a magnetic tip)
- Possibly a small hammer and wood glue
3. Assembly Instructions
- Pre-drill holes if the screws are too tight
- Insert dowels carefully, do not force them
- Assemble parts loosely first to test the fit
4. Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Do not rush; follow the step-by-step instructions
- Get help when carrying or aligning the panels
Using this method, I have successfully assembled several older models. It is worth starting well prepared!
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