ᐅ How can I completely disassemble MALM beds without leaving any damage or residue?
Created on: 15 Jan 2022 08:37
S
solviri
Good morning everyone, I have an IKEA Malm bed that I want to disassemble completely without leaving any marks on the wood, damaging screws, or bending any wooden parts, as I will be moving soon. My question is: What is the best way to take apart the MALM bed to ensure all parts stay intact and I can easily reassemble it later? Are there any special tools that are particularly suitable for this? Are there common pitfalls or weak points to be aware of during disassembly? It is a standard double bed with both side panels, a slatted frame, and drawers underneath. I would appreciate any detailed step-by-step guidance to help me avoid mistakes or losing parts while taking it apart.
The most commonly used hex keys for the Malm bed are 4mm. You should be fine using a 4mm Allen wrench; larger or smaller sizes are usually not compatible.
As for the order: start with the screws that connect the headboards to the side panels. Once these are loosened, proceed to the connections between the side panels and the footboard. It is important to fully loosen all screws at a connection point before separating the parts. This helps prevent warping or splitting.
Additionally, I recommend keeping the load balanced when removing and separating the parts. Leveraging can damage the wooden edges.
As for the order: start with the screws that connect the headboards to the side panels. Once these are loosened, proceed to the connections between the side panels and the footboard. It is important to fully loosen all screws at a connection point before separating the parts. This helps prevent warping or splitting.
Additionally, I recommend keeping the load balanced when removing and separating the parts. Leveraging can damage the wooden edges.
One more tip regarding the tools:
If the set includes different sizes, start with the 4mm (5/32 inch) Allen key, as this is usually the right fit. Take your time to carefully insert the key into the screw. A poor fit can damage the screw head.
Regarding the sequence: First, remove all the connecting screws from the head and foot sections, then from the side panels. Avoid unevenly stressing the boards by pulling too quickly. If any parts are stuck, gently use a rubber mallet or a piece of soft wood—never apply force!
If the set includes different sizes, start with the 4mm (5/32 inch) Allen key, as this is usually the right fit. Take your time to carefully insert the key into the screw. A poor fit can damage the screw head.
Regarding the sequence: First, remove all the connecting screws from the head and foot sections, then from the side panels. Avoid unevenly stressing the boards by pulling too quickly. If any parts are stuck, gently use a rubber mallet or a piece of soft wood—never apply force!
I would like to add that documenting the dismantling processes significantly simplifies the later assembly. A sensible step is to neatly organize all removed parts along with their screws.
Even if it sometimes seems tedious, after loosening the screws, double-check all connection points for any remaining dowels or adhesive spots. These can prevent a component from being removed without damage.
Even if it sometimes seems tedious, after loosening the screws, double-check all connection points for any remaining dowels or adhesive spots. These can prevent a component from being removed without damage.
R
reoleon4716 Jan 2022 12:07I reread the thread again 🙂 Your plan looks really solid, and I think it’s great that you’re taking such a systematic approach! 🙂
Here’s a little tip from me: Don’t destroy the small plastic anchors that kulau and Giagau mentioned! They’re really important to keep the bed stable. If they’re a bit difficult to remove, try gently levering them out with a wooden or rubber tool.
Take photos and note down which screw went where. This time, try to double-check everything—this way you’ll be on the safe side!
Here’s a little tip from me: Don’t destroy the small plastic anchors that kulau and Giagau mentioned! They’re really important to keep the bed stable. If they’re a bit difficult to remove, try gently levering them out with a wooden or rubber tool.
Take photos and note down which screw went where. This time, try to double-check everything—this way you’ll be on the safe side!
Additionally, I would like to share some practical tips, especially when dealing with older MALM beds:
Due to temperature changes and regular use, the fasteners may become a bit tight. I recommend carefully treating the connections with some WD-40 (or a similar lubricant) to make unscrewing easier.
Make sure to store the wooden parts on a soft surface to prevent damage to edges or surfaces. For screws and dowels, using a multi-part labeling or sorting system is helpful to avoid searching for them later.
If screws are bent or damaged, replace them – spare parts are usually available for order from IKEA. After all, a flawless condition also depends on the integrity of the connection hardware.
Proceed step by step, do not skip any connections, and avoid unevenly stressing the wood.
Due to temperature changes and regular use, the fasteners may become a bit tight. I recommend carefully treating the connections with some WD-40 (or a similar lubricant) to make unscrewing easier.
Make sure to store the wooden parts on a soft surface to prevent damage to edges or surfaces. For screws and dowels, using a multi-part labeling or sorting system is helpful to avoid searching for them later.
If screws are bent or damaged, replace them – spare parts are usually available for order from IKEA. After all, a flawless condition also depends on the integrity of the connection hardware.
Proceed step by step, do not skip any connections, and avoid unevenly stressing the wood.
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