Hello everyone,
I am currently faced with the task of replacing the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm dresser by myself. The runners seem worn out, the drawer doesn’t glide smoothly anymore and sometimes gets stuck. Unfortunately, I don’t have a second person available to help me with the removal.
So my question is: How exactly can I remove and reinstall the Malm drawer slides (the metal rails on which the drawer runs) on my own? Are there any particular tips or tools that make the process easier? Do I need to pull the drawer completely out of the dresser, or can it be done step by step?
If anyone has experience with this, I would really appreciate a step-by-step guide, including any advice on potential difficulties or common mistakes to avoid.
I am currently faced with the task of replacing the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm dresser by myself. The runners seem worn out, the drawer doesn’t glide smoothly anymore and sometimes gets stuck. Unfortunately, I don’t have a second person available to help me with the removal.
So my question is: How exactly can I remove and reinstall the Malm drawer slides (the metal rails on which the drawer runs) on my own? Are there any particular tips or tools that make the process easier? Do I need to pull the drawer completely out of the dresser, or can it be done step by step?
If anyone has experience with this, I would really appreciate a step-by-step guide, including any advice on potential difficulties or common mistakes to avoid.
Procedure: For the Malm dresser, it is common practice to fully remove the drawer to take off the drawer slides.
Step 1: Carefully pull the drawer out completely.
Step 2: Remove the old metal slides from the drawer itself; these are usually attached with screws.
Step 3: Use a screwdriver to loosen the guide rails fixed inside the dresser.
Tip: If you don’t have a second person, you can lean the drawer against the dresser while unscrewing the slides. An extra screwdriver with a magnetic tip can help hold the screws securely.
When reinstalling, first secure the guides to the dresser, then attach the new slides to the drawer. Slowly push the drawer back in until it clicks into place.
Caution: Be careful not to tighten the screws too much to avoid damaging the wood.
Step 1: Carefully pull the drawer out completely.
Step 2: Remove the old metal slides from the drawer itself; these are usually attached with screws.
Step 3: Use a screwdriver to loosen the guide rails fixed inside the dresser.
Tip: If you don’t have a second person, you can lean the drawer against the dresser while unscrewing the slides. An extra screwdriver with a magnetic tip can help hold the screws securely.
When reinstalling, first secure the guides to the dresser, then attach the new slides to the drawer. Slowly push the drawer back in until it clicks into place.
Caution: Be careful not to tighten the screws too much to avoid damaging the wood.
I completely understand your concern; working on something like this alone can be frustrating sometimes. 🙂
A while ago, I built a piece similar to the Malm dresser myself and from experience, I can say that it is definitely possible to replace the drawer slides on your own, but it does require some patience.
One tip: Have the new slides and all your tools within easy reach so you don’t have to keep searching for them.
If the drawer is very heavy or sticks, try tilting it slightly; this makes removing and installing it easier. If it gets stuck, don’t pull with force—it's better to double-check the screws first.
A while ago, I built a piece similar to the Malm dresser myself and from experience, I can say that it is definitely possible to replace the drawer slides on your own, but it does require some patience.
One tip: Have the new slides and all your tools within easy reach so you don’t have to keep searching for them.
If the drawer is very heavy or sticks, try tilting it slightly; this makes removing and installing it easier. If it gets stuck, don’t pull with force—it's better to double-check the screws first.
Step-by-step guide for disassembling Malm drawer slides (detailed):
1. Pull the drawer out completely. With Malm drawers, this can sometimes be a bit stiff at first because dust or dirt may be blocking the tracks.
2. Place the drawer securely upright, for example, leaning it against a wall, so both hands are free.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws on the drawer side that hold the slide rail. There are usually 3 to 4 screws.
4. Remove the old slide rail.
5. Check the guide rails inside the dresser—these also have screws to be removed, usually 3 to 4 screws per side, depending on the model.
6. When installing, I recommend first attaching the new slide rails to the dresser. Make sure to check their position and alignment carefully—being off by a few millimeters can quickly cause the drawer to stick or be difficult to move.
7. Next, mount the new slide rails onto the drawer. It helps to loosen all screws slightly at first, adjust the slide rail position, and then tighten all screws firmly.
8. Slowly push the drawer back in, paying close attention to how the slides align.
9. Finally, check that the drawer slides smoothly and easily.
One more question: What type of slides are installed? Full-extension or basic standard drawer slides? Full-extension slides often have a release mechanism that needs to be pressed during removal.
1. Pull the drawer out completely. With Malm drawers, this can sometimes be a bit stiff at first because dust or dirt may be blocking the tracks.
2. Place the drawer securely upright, for example, leaning it against a wall, so both hands are free.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws on the drawer side that hold the slide rail. There are usually 3 to 4 screws.
4. Remove the old slide rail.
5. Check the guide rails inside the dresser—these also have screws to be removed, usually 3 to 4 screws per side, depending on the model.
6. When installing, I recommend first attaching the new slide rails to the dresser. Make sure to check their position and alignment carefully—being off by a few millimeters can quickly cause the drawer to stick or be difficult to move.
7. Next, mount the new slide rails onto the drawer. It helps to loosen all screws slightly at first, adjust the slide rail position, and then tighten all screws firmly.
8. Slowly push the drawer back in, paying close attention to how the slides align.
9. Finally, check that the drawer slides smoothly and easily.
One more question: What type of slides are installed? Full-extension or basic standard drawer slides? Full-extension slides often have a release mechanism that needs to be pressed during removal.
Thanks for the tips so far!
@kaubi: The unlocking mechanism for full-extension slides is interesting. Mine seem to be simple metal rails with ball-bearing rollers, not soft-close or full-extension. So, I should be able to fully remove the rails by unscrewing them without unlocking anything.
Regarding tools: I have a regular Phillips screwdriver and a small flashlight. Is that enough, or would it be better to use a cordless drill with a low torque setting? What kind of screws do you (or you all) use to fix the rails? Just regular wood screws?
@kaubi: The unlocking mechanism for full-extension slides is interesting. Mine seem to be simple metal rails with ball-bearing rollers, not soft-close or full-extension. So, I should be able to fully remove the rails by unscrewing them without unlocking anything.
Regarding tools: I have a regular Phillips screwdriver and a small flashlight. Is that enough, or would it be better to use a cordless drill with a low torque setting? What kind of screws do you (or you all) use to fix the rails? Just regular wood screws?
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