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.
A few additional practical tips:
- Collect screws in a small container or magnet case to prevent losing them.
- It can be helpful to follow the order of disassembly: first loosen the tracks on the drawer, then those on the dresser. This way, you can better support the drawer.
- If possible, number where each screw belongs with a felt-tip pen or sticky notes. With IKEA furniture, this is usually not an issue since screws are often uniform, but it never hurts to be sure.
- Check the tracks during the work for any deformation that might require replacement.
- After assembly, open and close the drawer several times to ensure everything is properly aligned before fully tightening.
- Collect screws in a small container or magnet case to prevent losing them.
- It can be helpful to follow the order of disassembly: first loosen the tracks on the drawer, then those on the dresser. This way, you can better support the drawer.
- If possible, number where each screw belongs with a felt-tip pen or sticky notes. With IKEA furniture, this is usually not an issue since screws are often uniform, but it never hurts to be sure.
- Check the tracks during the work for any deformation that might require replacement.
- After assembly, open and close the drawer several times to ensure everything is properly aligned before fully tightening.
One more important note about the structural stability after a day: If you remove the drawer slides, the drawer will initially have no support at all. Do not let it fall or slip accidentally, especially without a second person to assist.
It’s best to prepare a soft surface (e.g., a blanket) to place the drawer on. This helps prevent damage to the surfaces or the drawer itself.
When the drawer is lying on its side, the rollers often collapse or small parts may fall out. Therefore, always work carefully and in a controlled manner.
It’s best to prepare a soft surface (e.g., a blanket) to place the drawer on. This helps prevent damage to the surfaces or the drawer itself.
When the drawer is lying on its side, the rollers often collapse or small parts may fall out. Therefore, always work carefully and in a controlled manner.
Similar topics