Hello everyone, I have a problem with my Malm dressers from Ikea. The drawers don’t slide properly anymore: they stick, jam, or sometimes even fall out, although nothing seems obviously damaged. Especially the drawer slides feel a bit stiff, and I suspect that the mechanism inside might be worn out or loose. Does anyone have experience with repairing or replacing the drawer runners and rollers? I want to avoid replacing the entire dresser but I’m not very skilled with DIY, so I’m looking for a clear and easy-to-follow guide. How exactly should I proceed to make the drawers slide smoothly and securely again?
A small addition: If the creaking persists despite cleaning and lubrication, a slightly damaged sliding track could also be the cause. The material may have deformed slightly over time, preventing the roller from running smoothly. In such cases, ordering replacement rollers from Ikea or measuring corresponding rollers at a specialist store can help. If necessary, a thin felt strip used as a sliding layer to compensate can also be helpful.
Vinlen schrieb:
A small addition: If the creaking remains despite cleaning and lubrication, a slightly damaged runner rail could also be the cause.The idea of using a felt strip as a sliding layer sounds interesting! Does anyone have experience with the best way to attach it? Should a special adhesive be used? I just tried silicone spray, which helped somewhat, but a small cushion between the metal and the roller might completely solve the problem. I would appreciate any tips!
E
edisonbla3 Jul 2022 09:59Felt pads as a sliding layer work great—I’ve used them myself! 😊 Just use self-adhesive felt pads from the hardware store—they come in various thicknesses. It’s important that the surface is clean and dry before applying the pad; otherwise, the adhesive won’t hold well. They stand up well to daily use without slipping. 🙂 Definitely a little tip for squeaky or slightly stiff drawers!
edisonbla schrieb:
Felt as a sliding layer is greatThanks for the tip, I got some self-adhesive felt pads and stuck them on the drawer slides. The drawer now glides much more smoothly and the noise is gone! 🙂
One question remains: Should the drawer slides be occasionally adjusted or lubricated? Is there a specific maintenance routine you recommend to keep the drawers running smoothly in the long term? I’d like to take preventive measures rather than reacting once problems occur.
fakeix schrieb:
The only question left is: Should the drawer slides be occasionally adjusted or re-lubricated?Yes, regular maintenance definitely pays off! I recommend removing the drawers once a year to inspect the slides and rollers and refresh the lubrication. Silicone spray can be reapplied every 6 to 12 months, depending on the conditions: in dusty or damp rooms, more frequent checks are advisable.
It’s also important to make sure the drawer isn’t inserted at an angle, as this prevents unnecessary wear. If you frequently move the drawers, a maintenance check twice a year won’t hurt.
Similar topics