Hello everyone,
I’m having issues with the metal drawer runners or slides on several drawers of my IKEA Malm dresser set. They seem to catch and don’t run smoothly anymore. Some drawers are difficult to open and close or occasionally stick, especially on the left side. I have already checked for bent rails, but visually everything appears to be in good condition.
I’m particularly interested in how to properly repair these drawer slides without having to replace the entire runner. Is it possible to fix this with lubricants? Or are certain screws or adjustments often the cause of these problems? I would appreciate a step-by-step guide or at least a clear overview on how to proceed—from diagnosis to treatment and final testing.
Does anyone here have experience repairing Malm drawers and can share specific tips? Thanks in advance!
I’m having issues with the metal drawer runners or slides on several drawers of my IKEA Malm dresser set. They seem to catch and don’t run smoothly anymore. Some drawers are difficult to open and close or occasionally stick, especially on the left side. I have already checked for bent rails, but visually everything appears to be in good condition.
I’m particularly interested in how to properly repair these drawer slides without having to replace the entire runner. Is it possible to fix this with lubricants? Or are certain screws or adjustments often the cause of these problems? I would appreciate a step-by-step guide or at least a clear overview on how to proceed—from diagnosis to treatment and final testing.
Does anyone here have experience repairing Malm drawers and can share specific tips? Thanks in advance!
Hello ANNAFA,
First of all, it’s good that you have already visually inspected the condition of the drawer slides. With Malm drawers, issues often arise not only from the visible condition of the slides but also from proper adjustment and lubrication.
Here is my detailed approach:
1. Removing the drawer: Fully pull out the affected drawer by lifting it (with most Malm models, you need to slightly lift it to release the lock on the slide mechanism).
2. Inspecting the drawer slides: Carefully check for dirt (dust, fibers) or deformations in the slide, including areas that are not immediately visible. Sometimes a small fiber knot or a hair gets caught in the track, causing mechanical obstruction.
3. Adjusting the slides: There are screw points on the inside of the drawer and on the cabinet side. With a Phillips screwdriver, you can slightly change the alignment here. Loose screws may cause the drawer to stick or run unevenly.
4. Lubrication: Use an appropriate lubricant, ideally a white Teflon spray or a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid commercial WD-40 products, as they often provide only short-term relief and attract dust. Spray sparingly on the rollers and inside the slides, not directly into the openings.
5. Reassembly and testing: Reinsert the drawer, paying attention to the correct angle and the engagement of the slides. Then test opening and closing several times to observe the effects of the adjustment and lubrication.
One important question for you: Are all affected drawers of the same type/slide mechanism, or are there differences? This is important because, for example, older Malm series sometimes use different drawer systems.
If the drawer slides are bent, replacement is the only option. I can provide more details based on your feedback.
I hope this helps as a starting point. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
First of all, it’s good that you have already visually inspected the condition of the drawer slides. With Malm drawers, issues often arise not only from the visible condition of the slides but also from proper adjustment and lubrication.
Here is my detailed approach:
1. Removing the drawer: Fully pull out the affected drawer by lifting it (with most Malm models, you need to slightly lift it to release the lock on the slide mechanism).
2. Inspecting the drawer slides: Carefully check for dirt (dust, fibers) or deformations in the slide, including areas that are not immediately visible. Sometimes a small fiber knot or a hair gets caught in the track, causing mechanical obstruction.
3. Adjusting the slides: There are screw points on the inside of the drawer and on the cabinet side. With a Phillips screwdriver, you can slightly change the alignment here. Loose screws may cause the drawer to stick or run unevenly.
4. Lubrication: Use an appropriate lubricant, ideally a white Teflon spray or a silicone-based lubricant. Avoid commercial WD-40 products, as they often provide only short-term relief and attract dust. Spray sparingly on the rollers and inside the slides, not directly into the openings.
5. Reassembly and testing: Reinsert the drawer, paying attention to the correct angle and the engagement of the slides. Then test opening and closing several times to observe the effects of the adjustment and lubrication.
One important question for you: Are all affected drawers of the same type/slide mechanism, or are there differences? This is important because, for example, older Malm series sometimes use different drawer systems.
If the drawer slides are bent, replacement is the only option. I can provide more details based on your feedback.
I hope this helps as a starting point. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
M
Marcellela23 Sep 2024 16:19Filippo schrieb:
Avoid commercial WD-40 products, as they often only provide short-term relief and attract dust.I agree, Teflon or silicone spray works better.
My advice: check the screws and tighten them if necessary, as this often resolves sticking.
After lubrication, the drawers should slide smoothly.
Hello ANNAFA,
I would like to add to the discussion with a brief, structured repair guide, as I have repaired several Malm drawers and found a systematic approach very helpful:
1. Safety Phase: Pull out all drawers and check mechanically for any broken or excessively bent parts. Note any deformations on the rails or damaged clips. Replacement parts can often be found inexpensively directly from IKEA or through online retailers.
2. Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust, hair, or fibers from the drawer slides and rollers. Small particles often accumulate here, causing the drawer to catch or stick.
3. Screw Check: Using the appropriate screwdriver, check all screws attaching the drawer and its slides. Loose screws often cause the drawer to run crooked and jam.
4. Adjustment: If the drawer is running unevenly, try slightly adjusting the slides. Often there is a small amount of play behind the screws that allows for alignment changes. Frequently, a screw is slightly loose, causing the slide to sag.
5. Lubrication: I recommend sprays containing PTFE (Teflon). Apply the lubricant sparingly to the moving parts of the slides and the rollers. If you don’t have a spray, specific sliding greases work as well, but avoid oily products like typical WD-40.
6. Reassembly & Testing: Insert the drawer and check if it runs smoothly. Sometimes repeatedly opening and closing the drawer helps distribute the lubricant evenly throughout the mechanism.
Common mistake: Drawers are often reinstalled incorrectly or the locking clips on the slides are not properly engaged – this frequently causes catching.
If your problem persists, feel free to provide me with more precise details about your model and production year, and I can offer more specific advice.
Good luck with the repair!
I would like to add to the discussion with a brief, structured repair guide, as I have repaired several Malm drawers and found a systematic approach very helpful:
1. Safety Phase: Pull out all drawers and check mechanically for any broken or excessively bent parts. Note any deformations on the rails or damaged clips. Replacement parts can often be found inexpensively directly from IKEA or through online retailers.
2. Cleaning: Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust, hair, or fibers from the drawer slides and rollers. Small particles often accumulate here, causing the drawer to catch or stick.
3. Screw Check: Using the appropriate screwdriver, check all screws attaching the drawer and its slides. Loose screws often cause the drawer to run crooked and jam.
4. Adjustment: If the drawer is running unevenly, try slightly adjusting the slides. Often there is a small amount of play behind the screws that allows for alignment changes. Frequently, a screw is slightly loose, causing the slide to sag.
5. Lubrication: I recommend sprays containing PTFE (Teflon). Apply the lubricant sparingly to the moving parts of the slides and the rollers. If you don’t have a spray, specific sliding greases work as well, but avoid oily products like typical WD-40.
6. Reassembly & Testing: Insert the drawer and check if it runs smoothly. Sometimes repeatedly opening and closing the drawer helps distribute the lubricant evenly throughout the mechanism.
Common mistake: Drawers are often reinstalled incorrectly or the locking clips on the slides are not properly engaged – this frequently causes catching.
If your problem persists, feel free to provide me with more precise details about your model and production year, and I can offer more specific advice.
Good luck with the repair!
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