Hello everyone,
I recently bought a Malm dresser system from IKEA and now want to equip the drawers with additional rollers to make them easier to pull out and push in. My question is: How do I properly install Malm drawer rollers so that they hold firmly, don’t get stuck, and allow the drawer to slide smoothly?
I understand there are different types of rollers (for example, running wheels with plastic or metal tires), but I couldn’t find any instructions or specific recommendations for attaching rollers to Malm drawers.
Is the installation straightforward and only requires a few screws? Are there pre-drilled holes for this? I would like to know what to pay attention to, so I don’t end up with problems later or damage the drawers.
Thanks in advance for any helpful tips and experiences!
I recently bought a Malm dresser system from IKEA and now want to equip the drawers with additional rollers to make them easier to pull out and push in. My question is: How do I properly install Malm drawer rollers so that they hold firmly, don’t get stuck, and allow the drawer to slide smoothly?
I understand there are different types of rollers (for example, running wheels with plastic or metal tires), but I couldn’t find any instructions or specific recommendations for attaching rollers to Malm drawers.
Is the installation straightforward and only requires a few screws? Are there pre-drilled holes for this? I would like to know what to pay attention to, so I don’t end up with problems later or damage the drawers.
Thanks in advance for any helpful tips and experiences!
Hello ROTAAN,
to add some information to your questions: Malm drawers are usually made from a combination of MDF and particleboard, which can withstand moderate loads, but drilling and screws in threaded holes can be critical points.
Therefore, I do recommend reinforcing them. For example, thin multiplex or plywood panels around the wheel mounting area can help prevent ripping. Alternatively, metal brackets or mounting plates are also useful.
Regarding wheel height: wheels from uniform sets generally ensure an even height. If individual wheels or sets are uneven, you can use thin washers or felt pads to make slight height adjustments. Don’t overdo it, as too large differences can affect smooth movement.
Also: when installing the wheels, it is advisable to position them about 2–3 cm (1–1¼ inches) from the edge to ensure stability and avoid contact with drawer slides.
Hope this helps!
to add some information to your questions: Malm drawers are usually made from a combination of MDF and particleboard, which can withstand moderate loads, but drilling and screws in threaded holes can be critical points.
Therefore, I do recommend reinforcing them. For example, thin multiplex or plywood panels around the wheel mounting area can help prevent ripping. Alternatively, metal brackets or mounting plates are also useful.
Regarding wheel height: wheels from uniform sets generally ensure an even height. If individual wheels or sets are uneven, you can use thin washers or felt pads to make slight height adjustments. Don’t overdo it, as too large differences can affect smooth movement.
Also: when installing the wheels, it is advisable to position them about 2–3 cm (1–1¼ inches) from the edge to ensure stability and avoid contact with drawer slides.
Hope this helps!
Hi everyone,
wow, this topic is really exciting! :-) I fitted my Malm drawers with rollers and I can only say: it makes handling them so much easier!!! It’s important to take your time when measuring because every roller counts!
My insider tip: use rollers with rubber wheels, not hard plastic. This protects the floor and runs very quietly.
I also placed small rubber buffers between the roller and the drawer – this cushions a bit and prevents slight wobbling.
I also find the combination of reinforcement and small washers practical, as already mentioned here. It’s really worth it – the result is excellent!
Don’t be discouraged, this is a great DIY project! 🙂
wow, this topic is really exciting! :-) I fitted my Malm drawers with rollers and I can only say: it makes handling them so much easier!!! It’s important to take your time when measuring because every roller counts!
My insider tip: use rollers with rubber wheels, not hard plastic. This protects the floor and runs very quietly.
I also placed small rubber buffers between the roller and the drawer – this cushions a bit and prevents slight wobbling.
I also find the combination of reinforcement and small washers practical, as already mentioned here. It’s really worth it – the result is excellent!
Don’t be discouraged, this is a great DIY project! 🙂
Screw the casters to the underside of the drawer, remembering to pre-drill. Keep them 2-3 cm (1 inch) from the front and back edges, and avoid driving the screws too deep. For MDF/particleboard, use additional reinforcement plates for increased stability.
Ensure the casters are all the same height; otherwise, the drawer will not slide smoothly.
Ensure the casters are all the same height; otherwise, the drawer will not slide smoothly.
pilous schrieb:
Has anyone had experience with reinforcement plates or something similar?Yes, reinforcement plates are highly recommended for Malm drawers. In my projects, I have glued and securely screwed 4mm (about 5/32 inch) plywood sheets to the underside of the drawers before installing the slides. This greatly increases stability and prevents the screws from pulling out of the thin MDF.
ROTAAN schrieb:
Can I also adjust the caster height with washers or something similar? Or is it better to use casters from a matched set?Using matched casters is definitely easier. But if you have individual casters, small height differences can also be compensated with appropriate washers or self-cut thin felt pads. The important thing is that all casters are securely mounted and don’t have too much play.
My tip: When drilling the holes, it’s better to drill slightly smaller and slowly screw in the screws to avoid splitting the wood. Proper pre-drilling makes a big difference, especially with these furniture boards.
renpeo schrieb:
Alternatively, metal brackets or mounting plates are also useful.Thank you, this is a good starting point for me. Metal brackets could help, especially if the drawer is heavily loaded. Do you think a combination of plywood panel and metal bracket is excessive or practical?
And one more concern: Can the screw holes deteriorate if the bracket doesn’t fit perfectly and there are misalignments?
pilous schrieb:
Metal brackets could help, especially if the drawer is heavily loaded.A combination of plywood reinforcement and additional metal brackets makes technical sense, provided that the brackets are precisely sized and positioned.
It is essential that the brackets fit without any stress to avoid unintended loads. Incorrectly installed metal brackets can cause structural strain and, in extreme cases, loosening of screws.
Therefore, it is recommended to assemble all components dry and carefully check them before final fastening. Distributing loads over larger areas through reinforcements significantly increases durability.
Oversizing is rarely necessary as long as the reinforcements are mechanically appropriate.
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