ᐅ How can I disassemble Malm dressers without using any tools?

Created on: 7 Feb 2024 08:32
D
DOREO69
Good morning everyone, I hope you can help me.

I own an IKEA Malm chest of drawers that I want to disassemble without using any tools because I am traveling and don’t have any tools with me. I am especially concerned about the individual drawers and the side panels – I want to transport the chest as compactly as possible and later reassemble it without losing screws or causing significant damage.

My question is: How can I safely and easily take apart a Malm chest of drawers without tools? Are there any hidden mechanisms that can be manually released or special techniques to separate the parts?

I would really appreciate detailed tips or experiences, including things I should definitely avoid. Thanks in advance!
L
lyndon
7 Feb 2024 15:04
For transport without tools, I recommend completely removing the drawers, as mentioned before. You can also carefully pull off the back panel if it is only stapled or nailed, which is often the case with Malm dressers. This reduces both weight and volume.

However, be cautious: the side panels are not designed for tool-free disassembly.

If you need to transport the dresser regularly, it might be worth considering an alternative solution, such as carrying a small screwdriver set with you.
F
Fitigu
8 Feb 2024 08:47
In summary, the Malm chest of drawers is not designed to be disassembled without tools. The construction relies on screws and dowels to ensure stability.

Except for removing the drawers, the side connections cannot be undone without tools. Any attempts to use prying tools or similar instruments without a screwdriver carry a high risk of damaging the material.

So, if you are on the move and do not have any tools available, you should definitely keep the chest assembled and only take the drawers with you, if the goal is to save space during transport.
N
noge58
8 Feb 2024 11:22
Don't stress! 🙂

I once tried to disassemble a Malm chest of drawers without any tools—I didn’t manage to do it, but once I removed the drawers, it immediately felt much more manageable!

Maybe that will help you get started. Pulling out the drawers is actually simple and doesn’t require any tools. Plus, you can secure the chest well with a strong strap, without damaging it through improper prying 🙂

Keep at it, you’re doing great!
N
neoren
8 Feb 2024 14:55
One practical tip: If you have tools with you, you can unscrew the screws and take the dresser apart so that it can be reassembled more easily later. It’s best to mark the parts as you go.

Without tools, removing the drawers is the most you can do.
L
labar43
9 Feb 2024 09:33
noge58 schrieb:
I once tried to take apart a Malm dresser without any tools—I didn’t manage it, but after removing the drawers, it felt much easier to handle! 🙂

I’m glad that just removing the drawers made such a difference! ;-)

Sometimes it’s the small solution that makes a big impact. Keep your spirits up and good luck going forward!
K
KLO-KA
9 Feb 2024 12:11
Just to clarify: Without tools, only the drawers can definitely be removed. The remaining parts cannot be opened without a screwdriver or an Allen key.