ᐅ How can I avoid screw damage when assembling Malm furniture?

Hello everyone, I am currently working on assembling Malm dressers and frequently encounter the problem of screw heads getting damaged quickly when tightening them. This not only makes later adjustments more difficult but can also negatively affect the appearance and, in the worst case, impair functionality. Therefore, my specific question is: What proven methods or tips are there to avoid screw damage during Malm assembly, especially when tightening the screws? I have already tried using different screwdrivers and torque settings, but I am not always able to secure the screws without causing damage. Are there any special tools, techniques, or tricks that have helped you with this issue? Looking forward to your experiences and advice!

Always use the correct screwdriver that fits the screw head exactly. This prevents rounding off the heads. Also, apply moderate torque and avoid overtightening.

I understand your problem very well; it’s really frustrating when the screw heads get damaged and you can't properly fix them afterward. What helps me is to briefly check before driving the screws whether the tool is seated correctly and the screw is aligned straight. I also often press in at first just to get a feel for the material and the applied force.

Hello Kegidu, to avoid screw damage, I recommend using high-quality screwdrivers with precise tip profiles and keeping them clean. Also, briefly cleaning the screw heads before tightening can help, as dust or manufacturing residues often increase the risk of slipping. Another tip is not to tighten screws using pure force, but to do it in several short steps: first hand-tight, then with a torque wrench or a cordless screwdriver with torque settings. This reduces the risk of over-tightening and rounding off. Proper tool positioning is also important, so avoid applying it at an angle!

It's great that you're bringing up this topic here! 🙂 Screw damage can be so frustrating, but with a few tricks, it really gets easier! I swear by the small ratcheting screwdrivers! They give you such good control over the turning and prevent over-tightening. It also helps to lightly coat the screws with some wax or soap beforehand, so they go in more smoothly.

nedagla schrieb:
I swear by the small ratcheting screwdrivers!

That’s a good tip! Ratchet tools are indeed easier to control. One more point: Use cordless screwdrivers only on a low torque setting.