ᐅ How do I fix loose handles on Malm dressers?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that the handles on my Malm dresser have become increasingly loose after some use. Sometimes they even wobble, which feels awkward when touched and will likely affect stability over time. I suspect the screws have loosened over time or there may be some minor threading issues.

I would like to repair the handles myself, as buying a new one seems too cumbersome. Does anyone have practical tips on how to fix the handles on Malm dressers so they sit firmly again? Which tools and materials are useful, and are there proven methods to secure the handles without damaging the surface or the wood?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

First, fully unscrew the screws and check if the threads are still intact. If the threads are too large or damaged, you can replace the regular wood screws with suitable metal screws.

It is best to re-tighten the screws using some threadlocker to prevent them from loosening again.

Hello Afifken,

I’m happy to help with a simple step-by-step guide that often works well for loose handles on MALM dressers:

1. Carefully unscrew the handles.
2. Check the screws carefully: Are the threads damaged or are the screws too wide for the holes?
3. If the existing screws fit too loosely in the holes, it helps to fill the holes with wood glue and small wood pieces (e.g., toothpicks or wooden sticks) pushed inside. Then screw the handle back on after the glue has dried.
4. Alternatively, you can wrap a thin layer of adhesive tape or electrical tape around the screw to slightly increase its diameter and improve the hold.
5. Be careful not to overtighten the screws to avoid damaging the material.

Typical mistakes are using too much force when tightening or ignoring damaged screws or holes. With these tips, you should be able to reattach the handles quickly and securely.

If you have any questions about choosing materials or tools, feel free to ask! 🙂

sinhau schrieb:
If the existing screws fit too loosely in the holes, a common fix is to fill the holes with wood glue and small wooden pieces (e.g., toothpicks or wooden sticks).

That might be the usual answer, but isn’t that more of a temporary patch for an underlying issue? MALM dressers aren’t exactly known for durable quality, and the handles often become loose not just because of the screws but also due to cheap particleboard.

You could also consider replacing the handles with options that allow better attachment, or switch to completely different solutions instead of constantly struggling with the typical “wood glue + sticks” trick.

I sometimes find it more effective to tackle the root cause of the problem rather than repeatedly fixing the symptoms. Just something to think about.