Hello everyone, I have an IKEA Malm chest of drawers and have noticed several times that the drawers come out on their own when I load them fully or pull them out a bit roughly. This is very frustrating, and I want to avoid them getting damaged or falling out completely.
Can someone provide a detailed explanation on how to reliably prevent the Malm drawers from falling out? Specific mechanical advice regarding the drawer slide mechanism or tips to stop the drawer from slipping out of the guide profile would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance!
Can someone provide a detailed explanation on how to reliably prevent the Malm drawers from falling out? Specific mechanical advice regarding the drawer slide mechanism or tips to stop the drawer from slipping out of the guide profile would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance!
Hello Barlas43,
Your issue with the MALM dresser is quite common, so here is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to prevent the drawers from falling out:
1. Check the drawer slides: The MALM features a kinetic mechanism with guide rails. First, check if the metal pin (stopper) at the end of the rail is properly engaged. Sometimes the stopper comes loose, allowing the drawer to be pulled beyond the edge of the rails.
2. Insert the drawer correctly: Remove the drawer completely again, align it properly on the rails, and push it in evenly with light pressure until you hear it click into place. This helps prevent the drawer from being pulled out too far.
3. Distribute weight evenly: Heavy loads can cause issues. Distribute heavy items evenly and as close to the back as possible, so the front of the drawer is not overly stressed.
4. Add or replace stoppers: If the stoppers are missing or damaged, you can purchase replacements from IKEA or third-party suppliers. These reliably prevent over-extension.
5. Check the locking mechanisms: Regularly inspect whether the locking catches on the drawer are still intact and functioning properly.
In summary: Most problems are caused by incorrect drawer insertion or missing stoppers. Careful assembly and the correct stoppers reliably prevent the drawer from falling out.
I hope this helps you!
Your issue with the MALM dresser is quite common, so here is a clear, step-by-step guide on how to prevent the drawers from falling out:
1. Check the drawer slides: The MALM features a kinetic mechanism with guide rails. First, check if the metal pin (stopper) at the end of the rail is properly engaged. Sometimes the stopper comes loose, allowing the drawer to be pulled beyond the edge of the rails.
2. Insert the drawer correctly: Remove the drawer completely again, align it properly on the rails, and push it in evenly with light pressure until you hear it click into place. This helps prevent the drawer from being pulled out too far.
3. Distribute weight evenly: Heavy loads can cause issues. Distribute heavy items evenly and as close to the back as possible, so the front of the drawer is not overly stressed.
4. Add or replace stoppers: If the stoppers are missing or damaged, you can purchase replacements from IKEA or third-party suppliers. These reliably prevent over-extension.
5. Check the locking mechanisms: Regularly inspect whether the locking catches on the drawer are still intact and functioning properly.
In summary: Most problems are caused by incorrect drawer insertion or missing stoppers. Careful assembly and the correct stoppers reliably prevent the drawer from falling out.
I hope this helps you!
LAURE-TA schrieb:
Most mistakes happen due to incorrect drawer installation or missing stops.I believe IKEA should really include a much better safety solution for such simple furniture instead of leaving everything up to us users. A simple drawer brake system or an overload protection would be great, but nothing like that exists! I think this drawer falling out is a design flaw that can only be worked around with improvised tricks.
Of course, you can use technical hacks, but that’s not really a proper solution, is it?
Wow, I think this topic is really important! 🙂 Especially because the MALM is so popular, I want to encourage everyone: If you do it right once – insert the drawers properly, check the stoppers, and balance the load smartly – you’ll have a lot less trouble! It’s really great once you know how!
I had the same problem until I completely removed the drawer, checked all the stoppers, and then carefully reinstalled it. Since then, everything runs very smoothly, and no drawer falls out anymore. 🙂
So stick with it and don’t get frustrated too quickly! Great furniture if you take a bit of care!
I had the same problem until I completely removed the drawer, checked all the stoppers, and then carefully reinstalled it. Since then, everything runs very smoothly, and no drawer falls out anymore. 🙂
So stick with it and don’t get frustrated too quickly! Great furniture if you take a bit of care!
Hello Barlas43, I would like to take a closer look at your case, as I have assembled many MALM dressers myself and have systematically analyzed why the drawers fall out.
Basically, the system is designed so that:
- The drawer rests on two side metal runners.
- At the rear end of the runner, there are plastic or metal stoppers that prevent the drawer from being pulled out too far.
- The drawer itself is equipped with hanging or locking mechanisms that are meant to additionally prevent it from falling out.
Common mistakes or causes for the drawer falling out are:
1. Installation errors: If the rails are not installed perfectly parallel, the stopper cannot engage properly.
2. Wear of the stoppers: Plastic stoppers can shift, crack, or deform over time.
3. Overloading the drawer: When fully extended and heavily loaded, the weight puts pressure on the connecting piece, causing it to become unhooked.
4. Improper pulling: If the drawer is pulled out at an angle or with too much force, the stopper and runner are stressed.
Recommended steps to fix the issue:
- Make sure to check the exact position of the runners. They should not be installed crooked and must be fully secured to the back panel.
- Inspect the stoppers at the end of the runner and replace them if damaged or misaligned.
- Insert the drawer straight in with light pressure, so it runs smoothly on the runners.
- Check the locking mechanisms under the drawer (which vary depending on the model) for proper function.
- If possible, avoid heavy loading and unloading, especially when the drawer is fully extended.
If you like, you can also describe exactly how you installed the dresser and how often the drawers fall out, so I can help you more specifically.
Basically, the system is designed so that:
- The drawer rests on two side metal runners.
- At the rear end of the runner, there are plastic or metal stoppers that prevent the drawer from being pulled out too far.
- The drawer itself is equipped with hanging or locking mechanisms that are meant to additionally prevent it from falling out.
Common mistakes or causes for the drawer falling out are:
1. Installation errors: If the rails are not installed perfectly parallel, the stopper cannot engage properly.
2. Wear of the stoppers: Plastic stoppers can shift, crack, or deform over time.
3. Overloading the drawer: When fully extended and heavily loaded, the weight puts pressure on the connecting piece, causing it to become unhooked.
4. Improper pulling: If the drawer is pulled out at an angle or with too much force, the stopper and runner are stressed.
Recommended steps to fix the issue:
- Make sure to check the exact position of the runners. They should not be installed crooked and must be fully secured to the back panel.
- Inspect the stoppers at the end of the runner and replace them if damaged or misaligned.
- Insert the drawer straight in with light pressure, so it runs smoothly on the runners.
- Check the locking mechanisms under the drawer (which vary depending on the model) for proper function.
- If possible, avoid heavy loading and unloading, especially when the drawer is fully extended.
If you like, you can also describe exactly how you installed the dresser and how often the drawers fall out, so I can help you more specifically.
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