Hello everyone,
I have noticed that some of the drawer fronts on my IKEA Malm dressers are slightly warped. This not only looks unattractive but also prevents the fronts from closing properly.
My question to the community is: How do you replace warped Malm drawer fronts?
I want to proceed as professionally as possible without damaging the entire drawer mechanism. Are there any special tools I should be aware of, or tricks that make the removal process especially gentle?
Additionally, I am interested to know whether it is necessary to use new IKEA original parts when replacing the fronts, or if there are compatible alternatives.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
I have noticed that some of the drawer fronts on my IKEA Malm dressers are slightly warped. This not only looks unattractive but also prevents the fronts from closing properly.
My question to the community is: How do you replace warped Malm drawer fronts?
I want to proceed as professionally as possible without damaging the entire drawer mechanism. Are there any special tools I should be aware of, or tricks that make the removal process especially gentle?
Additionally, I am interested to know whether it is necessary to use new IKEA original parts when replacing the fronts, or if there are compatible alternatives.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Regarding the installation: Malm drawer fronts are fairly easy to remove thanks to their click mechanism, but I still recommend planning the process carefully.
1. First, pull the drawer out completely.
2. On the sides, there are often two plastic clips or small screws that secure the front panel.
3. Gently unlock the clips – ideally using a small flathead screwdriver to provide leverage. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid breakage.
4. Once the clips are released, you can carefully pull the front panel off. If it’s warped, I advise against using force. Instead, consider preheating the panel (as Elodie suggested) to reduce material stress.
When installing the new front panel, make sure all attachment points are properly aligned so nothing sticks when closing.
PS: I’d be interested to know if you painted or laminated the fronts – it affects how careful you need to be.
1. First, pull the drawer out completely.
2. On the sides, there are often two plastic clips or small screws that secure the front panel.
3. Gently unlock the clips – ideally using a small flathead screwdriver to provide leverage. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid breakage.
4. Once the clips are released, you can carefully pull the front panel off. If it’s warped, I advise against using force. Instead, consider preheating the panel (as Elodie suggested) to reduce material stress.
When installing the new front panel, make sure all attachment points are properly aligned so nothing sticks when closing.
PS: I’d be interested to know if you painted or laminated the fronts – it affects how careful you need to be.
WARREN schrieb:
take photos of the fastenings before the expansionGood tip, thanks! I will do that.
Elodie schrieb:
gently warm up (e.g. with a hairdryer) to make it slightly flexibleThat sounds interesting. Could that also work if the front panel is painted? Mine have a matte paint finish.
C
chenValeri1 Aug 2022 16:02When the doors are painted, be sure to handle them carefully. Warmth helps, but avoid heat. It is best to let them cool down with the front removed before continuing work.
D
draFrederi2 Aug 2022 08:27Changing Malm drawer fronts is really fun once you get the hang of it. 🙂
One small tip: Wear rubber gloves during reassembly for a better grip. The clips will snap in more easily, and you won’t leave fingerprints on the surface.
Good luck!
One small tip: Wear rubber gloves during reassembly for a better grip. The clips will snap in more easily, and you won’t leave fingerprints on the surface.
Good luck!
draFrederi schrieb:
Rubber gloves for better gripThanks, I’ll give that a try!
Do I need to be careful when removing the clips to avoid breaking the holder? Or are they fairly sturdy?
Similar topics