Hello everyone, I am planning to disassemble an Ikea Malm chest of drawers, but I want to use only very few tools since I currently have limited workshop equipment available. I am therefore interested in which tools are minimally needed to take apart such a piece of furniture without damaging it, possibly including any special tips for the process, for example whether special techniques or aids are required for the screws or if ordinary household tools are sufficient. It would also be helpful to know if there are any particular joints or components in Malm furniture that are especially tricky and require extra care to avoid damage. I look forward to your experience and recommendations on how to proceed as efficiently and with as little effort as possible. Thanks in advance!
Hello Alfred63,
Regarding your question: To disassemble a Malm piece of furniture with minimal tools, you basically only need a screwdriver and a suitable pair of pliers – often a simple Phillips screwdriver is enough, as Ikea usually uses standard fittings.
Here is a brief step-by-step guide:
1. Locate the screws: Find all screws and connectors; Ikea often uses concealed dowels and small screws.
2. Unscrew: Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove all screws. If the screws are too tight, pliers can help provide extra torque.
3. Remove dowels: For wooden dowels, try to gently pull them out with the pliers or carefully pry them out slowly.
4. Be careful with the base and back panel: Malm often has a thin back panel that can tear easily, so handle this part cautiously.
A common mistake is to pull forcefully without fully loosening all screws – this can damage the boards or fray the connecting points. So it’s better to take your time and proceed methodically.
In short: a good-quality Phillips screwdriver and pliers should be enough for disassembly. If you don’t have pliers, a second person can help by holding or slightly tilting parts to loosen dowels. If you want more detailed tips about specific types of connections, just let me know!
Regarding your question: To disassemble a Malm piece of furniture with minimal tools, you basically only need a screwdriver and a suitable pair of pliers – often a simple Phillips screwdriver is enough, as Ikea usually uses standard fittings.
Here is a brief step-by-step guide:
1. Locate the screws: Find all screws and connectors; Ikea often uses concealed dowels and small screws.
2. Unscrew: Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove all screws. If the screws are too tight, pliers can help provide extra torque.
3. Remove dowels: For wooden dowels, try to gently pull them out with the pliers or carefully pry them out slowly.
4. Be careful with the base and back panel: Malm often has a thin back panel that can tear easily, so handle this part cautiously.
A common mistake is to pull forcefully without fully loosening all screws – this can damage the boards or fray the connecting points. So it’s better to take your time and proceed methodically.
In short: a good-quality Phillips screwdriver and pliers should be enough for disassembly. If you don’t have pliers, a second person can help by holding or slightly tilting parts to loosen dowels. If you want more detailed tips about specific types of connections, just let me know!
KUDAISY schrieb:
A good quality Phillips screwdriver and a pair of pliers should be enough for disassembly.I can only agree with that. Most Malm furniture uses standard furniture screws that can be removed with a Phillips screwdriver. A tip: use a screwdriver with a long shaft and a good grip to provide enough torque and avoid rounding off the screw heads.
Also, the back panel should be removed very carefully, as it is often attached with small nails or staples. I recommend gently prying between the panel and the frame with a small flat tool (e.g., a thin plastic spatula or a credit card if you don’t have a flat-head screwdriver) to avoid damage.
In addition: some Malm dressers have cam lock connectors. These can be loosened with a regular Phillips screwdriver, but often a slightly longer screwdriver helps to reach deeper into the recesses.
In summary: a Phillips screwdriver (preferably longer and sturdy), pliers, and if possible, a flat, thin plastic spatula or similar tool for the back panel. Everything else is usually unnecessary.
ALFRED63 schrieb:
which tools you need at a minimum A Phillips screwdriver and pliers are sufficient. Completely loosen screws and carefully remove anchors. Gently pry off the back panel with a flat tool to avoid damage.
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