Hello everyone,
I recently purchased a MALM chest of drawers unit from IKEA, and now I’m wondering how to properly attach the drawer rollers. Specifically, I mean the small rollers that sit in the side rails and allow the drawer to slide open and closed.
I have already looked through the instructions, but they only give a very general guideline to insert the rollers, without detailed advice on the best way to do it, whether special tools are needed, or if there are any precautions to take.
I’m also interested in how to best ensure that the rollers are securely and evenly positioned so that the drawer doesn’t stick or jam later on.
Does anyone have experience with the exact installation of these rollers on MALM drawers? Are there any tips, pitfalls, or special techniques that should be known?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I recently purchased a MALM chest of drawers unit from IKEA, and now I’m wondering how to properly attach the drawer rollers. Specifically, I mean the small rollers that sit in the side rails and allow the drawer to slide open and closed.
I have already looked through the instructions, but they only give a very general guideline to insert the rollers, without detailed advice on the best way to do it, whether special tools are needed, or if there are any precautions to take.
I’m also interested in how to best ensure that the rollers are securely and evenly positioned so that the drawer doesn’t stick or jam later on.
Does anyone have experience with the exact installation of these rollers on MALM drawers? Are there any tips, pitfalls, or special techniques that should be known?
Thanks in advance for your help!
R
reoleon4723 Jan 2021 17:36Hey, it’s great that you’re going into so much detail here! 🙂
I had an issue with my Malm drawer where the rollers were clicked in but still felt a bit jerky. My trick was to first remove all the rollers completely from the tracks, then clean the guides thoroughly with a damp cloth (dust can really be a problem!), and then slowly and carefully reinsert the rollers one by one.
Important: Always check after inserting each roller whether it spins freely. If you feel any resistance, take it out and reinsert it. Eventually, you’ll find the perfect fit and the drawer will glide smoothly!
Fingers crossed it works out just as well for you! 🙂
I had an issue with my Malm drawer where the rollers were clicked in but still felt a bit jerky. My trick was to first remove all the rollers completely from the tracks, then clean the guides thoroughly with a damp cloth (dust can really be a problem!), and then slowly and carefully reinsert the rollers one by one.
Important: Always check after inserting each roller whether it spins freely. If you feel any resistance, take it out and reinsert it. Eventually, you’ll find the perfect fit and the drawer will glide smoothly!
Fingers crossed it works out just as well for you! 🙂
Additional information and summary:
The MALM drawer rollers are typically secured by hooking them into the side rails. It is important to ensure precise alignment: the rollers must fit exactly into the designated cutout and must not have any lateral tension.
You can make sure to:
- Clean the guides (remove dust and any old dirt)
- Check that the rollers rotate smoothly
- Insert the rollers correctly, paying attention to straight alignment
- After installation, move the drawer several times to check for smooth operation
If a roller is installed at an angle or wobbles, it should be removed and reinstalled. Additional fastening is not intended, as the system relies on precise fit.
Tools are generally not required; a screwdriver may be needed if screws have to be fastened on the roller brackets, but this is rarely the case with MALM.
I recommend practicing installation on one drawer thoroughly before proceeding with the others. This helps prevent mistakes and ensures consistent results.
The MALM drawer rollers are typically secured by hooking them into the side rails. It is important to ensure precise alignment: the rollers must fit exactly into the designated cutout and must not have any lateral tension.
You can make sure to:
- Clean the guides (remove dust and any old dirt)
- Check that the rollers rotate smoothly
- Insert the rollers correctly, paying attention to straight alignment
- After installation, move the drawer several times to check for smooth operation
If a roller is installed at an angle or wobbles, it should be removed and reinstalled. Additional fastening is not intended, as the system relies on precise fit.
Tools are generally not required; a screwdriver may be needed if screws have to be fastened on the roller brackets, but this is rarely the case with MALM.
I recommend practicing installation on one drawer thoroughly before proceeding with the others. This helps prevent mistakes and ensures consistent results.
All I can say is: keep at it, it is really doable!
My advice: if the roller doesn’t fit perfectly right away, don’t get discouraged! Sometimes you have to remove and reinstall it several times until it runs smoothly. Small misalignments can be corrected by slightly adjusting the retaining clips.
Oh, and take your time, for example in the evening with good lighting, so you can see the details better. Also, when testing it installed, you often notice where the roller needs fine-tuning.
Good luck, you’ll manage it! 🙂
My advice: if the roller doesn’t fit perfectly right away, don’t get discouraged! Sometimes you have to remove and reinstall it several times until it runs smoothly. Small misalignments can be corrected by slightly adjusting the retaining clips.
Oh, and take your time, for example in the evening with good lighting, so you can see the details better. Also, when testing it installed, you often notice where the roller needs fine-tuning.
Good luck, you’ll manage it! 🙂
Similar topics