Hello everyone, I am currently facing the problem of correctly installing the drawers of my new Malm dressers. The instructions seem a bit unclear to me in some parts, especially when it comes to the proper positioning of the side rails and inserting the drawer itself, which appear tricky. Could someone explain in detail how to hang the MALM drawers so that they slide smoothly and don’t get stuck? I am especially interested in tips on potential pitfalls or common mistakes to avoid. Thanks in advance!
Hello @ronbe, I’m happy to help! Basically, with the MALM chest of drawers, you first attach the runner rails to the sides of the drawers. It’s important to mount the rails exactly parallel and at the same height—otherwise, the drawer will stick later on. Then, the corresponding runner rails are attached inside the chest so that the drawer can sit centered. To hang the drawer, you insert the front of the drawer into the lower guide rails and tilt it back until it clicks into place. A common mistake is not tightening the screws enough or installing the rails slightly crooked, which causes the drawer to move unevenly. If you like, I can provide a more detailed step-by-step guide.
Hey @ronbe, I recently tried this myself and totally understand how frustrating it can be when the drawers don’t slide smoothly right away. For me, the rails were initially screwed in too loosely, which caused some sticking. I also think it’s really important to work with everything perfectly level and to keep checking the alignment regularly using a spirit level. And don’t pull too hard! 🙂 Sometimes it helps to test-fit the drawer on its own before fixing everything in place to see if it slides easily. A small tip from me: be patient the first time around—it’s not rocket science, but it is precision work.
Hello, @ronbe, to approach the problem systematically, here is a detailed explanation:
1. Preparation: Check that all parts are properly sorted and undamaged. Pay special attention to the drawer slides, as they look quite similar but have different functions.
2. Side Mounting of the Drawer Slides: The slides on the sides of the cabinet must be aligned perfectly parallel to each other. A tip is to slightly align the slide with the inner hole pattern before tightening the screws. This prevents the drawer from jamming.
3. Drawer Slides on the Drawer: It is crucial to screw the slides on as precisely as possible. I recommend measuring twice with a tape measure to ensure the bottom and top screw holes are perfectly aligned.
4. Hanging the Drawer: To hang the drawer, you need to position it on the lower guide rails. This works best if you press the drawer slightly upward while hooking it in at the back. Sometimes it helps to lean the drawer slightly at the front and fix it at the back before sliding it all the way in.
5. Checking: If the drawer does not move smoothly, check whether the slides are parallel and the screws are tight. Loose mounting of the slides can also cause different running noises.
Could you describe where exactly you’re having difficulty? Then I can assist you more specifically.
1. Preparation: Check that all parts are properly sorted and undamaged. Pay special attention to the drawer slides, as they look quite similar but have different functions.
2. Side Mounting of the Drawer Slides: The slides on the sides of the cabinet must be aligned perfectly parallel to each other. A tip is to slightly align the slide with the inner hole pattern before tightening the screws. This prevents the drawer from jamming.
3. Drawer Slides on the Drawer: It is crucial to screw the slides on as precisely as possible. I recommend measuring twice with a tape measure to ensure the bottom and top screw holes are perfectly aligned.
4. Hanging the Drawer: To hang the drawer, you need to position it on the lower guide rails. This works best if you press the drawer slightly upward while hooking it in at the back. Sometimes it helps to lean the drawer slightly at the front and fix it at the back before sliding it all the way in.
5. Checking: If the drawer does not move smoothly, check whether the slides are parallel and the screws are tight. Loose mounting of the slides can also cause different running noises.
Could you describe where exactly you’re having difficulty? Then I can assist you more specifically.
Filippo schrieb:
Could you please describe exactly where you are having the most trouble? That way I can help more effectively.Thank you for your detailed response! I find it most difficult to hook the drawer in from the back. The drawer doesn’t seem to engage properly with the runner, and I feel like the runner isn’t positioned at the exact right height, even though I’ve checked several times with a spirit level. Unfortunately, IKEA’s instructions are a bit brief and vague on this part. Sometimes the drawer itself is also a bit stiff when closing.
Hello @ronbe, I have put together a brief step-by-step guide specifically for installing the MALM drawers:
1. Check the drawer slides on the dresser carefully for height and alignment.
2. Place the drawer with the slides facing down in front of you.
3. Insert the front of the drawer into the lower guide rails. The front edge of the drawer should be slightly lifted.
4. Now push the back of the drawer upwards until the upper guide rails on the dresser click into place.
5. Slowly release the drawer and check if it moves smoothly.
A common mistake is not lifting the back part high enough, which prevents the drawer from properly engaging with the guide rails.
I recommend testing the drawer’s movement before tightening the screws. A slight play is normal and ensures smooth operation.
1. Check the drawer slides on the dresser carefully for height and alignment.
2. Place the drawer with the slides facing down in front of you.
3. Insert the front of the drawer into the lower guide rails. The front edge of the drawer should be slightly lifted.
4. Now push the back of the drawer upwards until the upper guide rails on the dresser click into place.
5. Slowly release the drawer and check if it moves smoothly.
A common mistake is not lifting the back part high enough, which prevents the drawer from properly engaging with the guide rails.
I recommend testing the drawer’s movement before tightening the screws. A slight play is normal and ensures smooth operation.
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