Hello everyone,
A few months ago, I bought Malm dressers from IKEA and have now noticed that some of the drawers no longer close smoothly, tend to catch slightly, or are not aligned at the same height. The issue mainly appears as some drawers running a bit crooked or slightly sagging downward, which not only looks untidy over time but also makes closing them more difficult.
My specific question is: How can I readjust the drawers of the IKEA Malm dresser to correct the sliding direction and properly set the height? Are there special adjustment options on the mechanism, or do parts possibly need to be replaced? I am aware that these drawers use metal runners, but I am not familiar with the exact method for fine-tuning.
I appreciate any tips, shared experiences, or recommendations regarding tools and procedures that have proven effective. Thanks in advance!
A few months ago, I bought Malm dressers from IKEA and have now noticed that some of the drawers no longer close smoothly, tend to catch slightly, or are not aligned at the same height. The issue mainly appears as some drawers running a bit crooked or slightly sagging downward, which not only looks untidy over time but also makes closing them more difficult.
My specific question is: How can I readjust the drawers of the IKEA Malm dresser to correct the sliding direction and properly set the height? Are there special adjustment options on the mechanism, or do parts possibly need to be replaced? I am aware that these drawers use metal runners, but I am not familiar with the exact method for fine-tuning.
I appreciate any tips, shared experiences, or recommendations regarding tools and procedures that have proven effective. Thanks in advance!
For precise adjustment of the Malm drawers, I recommend the following steps:
1. Fully pull out the drawer and remove it from the runners.
2. Check the metal rails inside the cabinet carcass. At certain points, you will find small adjustment screws or plastic elements.
3. These plastic clips are used to slightly raise or lower the height of the drawer.
In older models without a screw mechanism, adjustment is often done by sliding the plastic parts within the rail. The clips need to be carefully released, the position adjusted, and then snapped back into place.
Important: Handle the clips carefully to avoid damage, as replacements can sometimes be difficult to obtain.
1. Fully pull out the drawer and remove it from the runners.
2. Check the metal rails inside the cabinet carcass. At certain points, you will find small adjustment screws or plastic elements.
3. These plastic clips are used to slightly raise or lower the height of the drawer.
In older models without a screw mechanism, adjustment is often done by sliding the plastic parts within the rail. The clips need to be carefully released, the position adjusted, and then snapped back into place.
Important: Handle the clips carefully to avoid damage, as replacements can sometimes be difficult to obtain.
Fine-tuning the Malm drawers can be a bit tricky, as the mechanism offers only limited adjustment options. Here is a detailed guide based on how I have handled this in several projects:
1. Fully remove the drawer. WARNING: Sometimes you need to slightly press the metal lever on the side of the rail to release the drawer.
2. Check the rollers: If they are worn or dirty, this can cause the drawer to catch. Cleaning them with isopropanol and, if needed, lubricating with a small amount of silicone spray helps.
3. The actual adjustment is done on the plastic clips that can be moved along the metal rail. They are often secured with a click mechanism:
- To correct the height, move the clips up or down.
- Try several positions as a test and always check after reinserting the drawer.
4. If the drawer does not run centrally, it is advisable to also check the side retaining clips and the position of the drawer sides.
5. The gap to the cabinet should be even. If there is too much play, small felt pads or thin plastic shims can be used to compensate for minor irregularities.
Could you tell us if your drawers tend to tilt inward or outward, and whether the problem occurs in just one drawer or multiple? This could help narrow down the cause.
1. Fully remove the drawer. WARNING: Sometimes you need to slightly press the metal lever on the side of the rail to release the drawer.
2. Check the rollers: If they are worn or dirty, this can cause the drawer to catch. Cleaning them with isopropanol and, if needed, lubricating with a small amount of silicone spray helps.
3. The actual adjustment is done on the plastic clips that can be moved along the metal rail. They are often secured with a click mechanism:
- To correct the height, move the clips up or down.
- Try several positions as a test and always check after reinserting the drawer.
4. If the drawer does not run centrally, it is advisable to also check the side retaining clips and the position of the drawer sides.
5. The gap to the cabinet should be even. If there is too much play, small felt pads or thin plastic shims can be used to compensate for minor irregularities.
Could you tell us if your drawers tend to tilt inward or outward, and whether the problem occurs in just one drawer or multiple? This could help narrow down the cause.
bapar schrieb:
Could you say whether your drawers tend to tilt inward or outward,Thank you for the detailed tips! In my case, the drawers usually sag slightly downward to the right when viewed from the front, so they are leaning unevenly on one side. However, this doesn’t happen with all of them—only certain drawers. The sticking or resistance mainly affects the middle drawers. The bottom drawer still operates smoothly. I suspect that weight plays a role, as the drawers that carry more load are more affected.
Such misalignment, especially if the drawers sag slightly, often indicates that the clips on the runners are not positioned correctly or have loosened over time.
Here is my suggestion:
1. Completely remove the drawer.
2. Check if the plastic clips on the inside of the runners are still securely attached.
3. Gently slide the clips up or down to eliminate the sagging.
4. Make sure the clips on both sides of the drawer are at the same height and properly aligned; otherwise, the problem will persist.
A common mistake is not reinserting the drawers correctly afterward, which increases rubbing. Therefore, pay attention to the correct fit when putting the drawer back in.
If the runners themselves are bent, replacement is the only solution.
Here is my suggestion:
1. Completely remove the drawer.
2. Check if the plastic clips on the inside of the runners are still securely attached.
3. Gently slide the clips up or down to eliminate the sagging.
4. Make sure the clips on both sides of the drawer are at the same height and properly aligned; otherwise, the problem will persist.
A common mistake is not reinserting the drawers correctly afterward, which increases rubbing. Therefore, pay attention to the correct fit when putting the drawer back in.
If the runners themselves are bent, replacement is the only solution.
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