ᐅ How can I repair Malm drawer slides myself?

Hello everyone,

I am facing an issue with the drawer slides on my Malm dresser model. The drawer sticks when pulling out and does not close smoothly anymore, even though I cannot see any visible damage.

I have read that Malm drawer slides are often made of metal with ball bearings, but I am unsure how to repair them myself without having to replace the entire slide.

Could someone please explain the exact steps needed to restore such a slide? Are there common problems to watch out for, such as dirty ball bearings or bent rails?

Also, I would like to know if special tools are required, or if most issues can be fixed using standard tools and some basic DIY skills.

Thank you very much for any help!

Basically, Malm drawer slides work as telescopic rails with ball bearings that ensure smooth opening and closing. If the drawer sticks, one of the following causes is usually the reason:

1. Dirt: Dust or debris in the ball bearings blocks movement.
2. Bending: A bent rail increases resistance.
3. Lack of lubrication: The metal components occasionally need oil or a special lubricant.

For repair, I recommend these steps:

- Remove the drawer completely.
- Detach the rails from both the chest and the drawer.
- Visually inspect for damage.
- Clean with a lint-free cloth and, if necessary, some rubbing alcohol.
- Carefully check the ball bearings for blockages.
- Then apply a thin layer of a suitable lubricant (e.g., silicone spray, not WD-40).
- Reattach the rail and test its function.

For tools, screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips), possibly an Allen key, and a cloth are sufficient. I would only replace the rails if there is significant damage.

As a supplement:

I would primarily pay attention to the internal guidance mechanism. Malm drawer slides typically use ball retainers that hold the balls in place. If these retainers are damaged or dirty, jamming can easily occur.

It is important not to lose any parts when disassembling and to clean the ball units carefully—ideally with a mild solvent. Make sure no dirt gets into the balls, then lubricate with silicone spray or lithium grease; the grease should not be too thick to allow the balls to move freely.

A subtle tip: bent rails can be reshaped by gently bending them, but you should avoid applying sudden or excessive force, as this can impede the movement of the balls.

One more question for you: Do you use the drawers very frequently, or might they have been overloaded? This information could help better understand the cause.

Dilen schrieb:
One more question for you: Do you use the drawers very often, or were they possibly overloaded?

Thank you for the detailed advice! The drawer usage is typical for an average household, about 3-4 openings per day, with no noticeable overloading.

Since I plan to approach the removal and installation carefully, my main concern is the risk of damaging the ball bearings. Are there cases when it’s better to install a new slide rather than attempt a repair?

What should I consider as a “safety limit”: if a rail is warped or bent unevenly, or if some of the balls are missing? I don’t want to risk causing more damage by trying to repair it.

irvinlu45 schrieb:
What should I consider as the "limit for safety": when a rail is bent with waves, or when balls are missing?

Repair is only worthwhile if the rail is mostly straight and undamaged. Minor deformations can be corrected, but large waves permanently affect functionality.

If balls are missing, the ball cage is usually irreparably damaged, as the balls cannot simply be replaced. In this case, replacing the entire rail is recommended. This is usually not a major task and ensures long-term functionality.

With some manual skill and patience, you can perform cleaning and lubrication. If significant problems persist after reassembly, replacement is the more sustainable solution.

If the rail is bent incorrectly or balls are missing, it’s better to buy a new guide.

Cleaning and lubricating usually helps a lot, but damaged parts need to be replaced.