ᐅ How do I install MALM drawers correctly to prevent jamming?

Hello everyone,

I am currently assembling my new Malm dresser from IKEA, specifically the drawers. Unfortunately, I have the problem that the drawers sometimes get jammed and don’t close or slide out properly.

My question is: How do I correctly assemble Malm drawers to avoid jamming?

I would like to know what I should pay special attention to, for example, when aligning the runners, securing the parts, or the order of the assembly steps. Are there any tips that IKEA doesn’t mention but are important to ensure smooth operation?

I suspect the drawers can tilt slightly if the runners are not perfectly level, but I’m not sure.

I look forward to tips and detailed advice, especially from those who have assembled the same unit before. Thank you very much!

Hello suphilli56,

I can definitely help you with this. The cause of the MALM drawers misaligning often lies in how the drawer slides are attached to both the cabinet and the drawer itself. It is essential that the slides are installed perfectly level and parallel to each other. This means:

- Ideally, use a spirit level or at least a straight measuring tape during installation.
- Make sure the screws securing the slides are tightened firmly because if they are a bit loose, the position can shift.

suphilli56 schrieb:
I suspect that the drawers can rotate slightly if the slides aren’t exactly level

That’s exactly the point. Misalignment often occurs when the slides are mounted crooked or offset. Also, keep in mind that the front slide on the dresser is slightly longer than the rear one – this must be taken into account during installation.

Another tip: Check if the supplied rollers or guides run smoothly and don’t get stuck. Sometimes small wood chips or production debris remain inside the sliding system, preventing the drawer from running smoothly.

Finally, when hanging the drawer in place, make sure it is clicked in fully straight and evenly; otherwise, it can also cause misalignment.

I hope this detailed explanation helps! If you like, I can also summarize the key steps for you.

Short and concise:
1. Attach the rails exactly parallel and horizontal.
2. Tighten the screws firmly.
3. Carefully insert the drawer, pressing it straight in.

Misalignment is often caused by crooked rails.

I would like to add an important aspect that is often overlooked: the dimensional accuracy of the cabinet sides.

In the case of MALM, the construction is relatively delicate. If the side panels of the carcass are not perfectly vertical, this directly affects the sliding direction of the drawer runners.

Before installing the rails, you should check whether the carcass is really square. A protractor or a simple miter box can be used for this purpose.

Marlenepa schrieb:
The cause of MALM drawers sticking often lies in the mounting of the runners to the carcass and the drawer itself.

Exactly, this can only be done optimally if the carcass is straight.

Furthermore, it makes sense to carry out a dry assembly before final screwing to check the position.

In summary: leveling, squareness, and secure mounting are essential to prevent the drawers from sticking.

One additional tip: for certain MALM models, lightly lubricating the drawer runner with some silicone spray can help if it sticks.

Hey, who would have thought that furniture assembly could be such an art? 🙂

I had exactly the same problem with my MALM — the drawers just refused to slide smoothly and kept twisting somehow.

My tip: Take your time during assembly and start by screwing the screws in carefully, so the rail is still slightly adjustable. Then insert the drawer as a test and check if it slides easily. If not, you can adjust the rails a little before tightening everything firmly.

gojan7 schrieb:
Misalignment is often caused by crooked rails.

Absolutely right. And if you fine-tune the rails afterwards a bit, you’ll end up with a drawer that slides like butter. 🙂

Also: It’s better to check one time too many than to have to annoyingly adjust it later.

Good luck! And don’t worry, you’ll get it! 😉

From a technical perspective, there is one aspect that is often underestimated which I would like to add.

Most MALM drawers use roller slides with plastic glides. If these are not running perfectly within the track, or if the screws are not tightened to the specified torque, the entire slide can tilt and cause misalignment.

Additionally, it is advisable to pre-mark the appropriate holes before assembly and not to insert the screws hastily. Precision in positioning prevents shifts that lead to misalignment.

Furthermore, when assembling the drawer, make sure that the drawer bottom rests exactly within the slide to eliminate any vertical play.

gesar32 schrieb:
Leveling, squareness, and firmness of the installation are crucial to avoid misalignment.

Nothing more to add to that.

Recommendation: Ensure the workspace is well-lit and proceed slowly when tightening screws to detect deviations early.