Hello everyone,
I want to repair the Malm dresser from Ikea myself because the drawer slides (runners) on one of my drawers are damaged or sticking. My question is: How do I replace the Malm drawer slides on my own?
I’m particularly interested in which tools I need, whether the drawer slides can be fully removed or if it’s possible to replace just certain parts, and if there are any special precautions I should take to avoid causing damage.
I have basic DIY skills but I’m not a professional. Thanks for any helpful tips and a step-by-step guide, if possible!
I want to repair the Malm dresser from Ikea myself because the drawer slides (runners) on one of my drawers are damaged or sticking. My question is: How do I replace the Malm drawer slides on my own?
I’m particularly interested in which tools I need, whether the drawer slides can be fully removed or if it’s possible to replace just certain parts, and if there are any special precautions I should take to avoid causing damage.
I have basic DIY skills but I’m not a professional. Thanks for any helpful tips and a step-by-step guide, if possible!
Replacing the Malm drawer slides is generally not difficult, but there are some technical details to keep in mind:
1. First, completely remove the drawer from the carcass by fully pulling it out and slightly lifting it.
2. The guide rails consist of two parts: one attached to the drawer and one fixed to the bottom or side of the carcass. Both must be disassembled.
3. You will mainly need a Phillips screwdriver size PH2. Sometimes the screws can be a bit tight, so use a screwdriver with a good grip.
4. Important: When installing the new rails, pay close attention to the alignment – the sliding rails must be installed flush and parallel to the drawer or carcass edge. Otherwise, there may be sticking or the drawer will not slide smoothly.
5. It is usually recommended to replace the entire set of replacement glides or sliding rails. Individual components (e.g., rollers) can sometimes be replaced, but Ikea typically only sells them as a complete set.
Can you provide more specific information about which type of sliding rail is defective? The production years and versions of the Malm chest of drawers vary in some cases.
1. First, completely remove the drawer from the carcass by fully pulling it out and slightly lifting it.
2. The guide rails consist of two parts: one attached to the drawer and one fixed to the bottom or side of the carcass. Both must be disassembled.
3. You will mainly need a Phillips screwdriver size PH2. Sometimes the screws can be a bit tight, so use a screwdriver with a good grip.
4. Important: When installing the new rails, pay close attention to the alignment – the sliding rails must be installed flush and parallel to the drawer or carcass edge. Otherwise, there may be sticking or the drawer will not slide smoothly.
5. It is usually recommended to replace the entire set of replacement glides or sliding rails. Individual components (e.g., rollers) can sometimes be replaced, but Ikea typically only sells them as a complete set.
Can you provide more specific information about which type of sliding rail is defective? The production years and versions of the Malm chest of drawers vary in some cases.
Hi Masan,
to approach your question more systematically, here is a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Pull the drawer out completely and lift it so it comes entirely out of the cabinet.
2. Use an appropriate screwdriver, usually a Phillips head, to loosen the screws holding the slides to both the drawer and the cabinet.
3. Carefully remove the old drawer slides. Check if any plastic parts or small metal clips fall out, and keep these safely.
4. Align the new slides. It is important to mount the slides exactly parallel to prevent jamming later on.
5. Tighten the screws of the new slides securely.
6. Reinstall the drawer and test if it operates smoothly.
Common mistakes are screws not tightened enough, slides not installed parallel, or accidentally mixing up parts.
A helpful tip: Take photos of the existing slides and their installation before starting, so you know exactly how they were aligned when reinstalling.
Good luck!
to approach your question more systematically, here is a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Pull the drawer out completely and lift it so it comes entirely out of the cabinet.
2. Use an appropriate screwdriver, usually a Phillips head, to loosen the screws holding the slides to both the drawer and the cabinet.
3. Carefully remove the old drawer slides. Check if any plastic parts or small metal clips fall out, and keep these safely.
4. Align the new slides. It is important to mount the slides exactly parallel to prevent jamming later on.
5. Tighten the screws of the new slides securely.
6. Reinstall the drawer and test if it operates smoothly.
Common mistakes are screws not tightened enough, slides not installed parallel, or accidentally mixing up parts.
A helpful tip: Take photos of the existing slides and their installation before starting, so you know exactly how they were aligned when reinstalling.
Good luck!
gasidney schrieb:
You basically only need a Phillips screwdriver.That sounds good at first, but I have seen in some videos that the screws on the Malm dresser can be quite hard to reach.
Palenar schrieb:
Sometimes the screws can be a bit stuck.Is there perhaps a trick to gently loosen stuck screws without damaging the surface or the frame? I’d rather avoid causing any damage since the dresser is new.
Hello Masan,
If screws are stuck, I first recommend using a screwdriver that fits the screw head exactly to prevent slipping.
If the screws are very tight, you can apply a few drops of WD-40 or another penetrating oil, which makes loosening much easier. Let it sit for a few minutes afterwards.
If nothing helps, you can try gently tapping the handle of the screwdriver with a light hammer to assist in loosening — but be very careful.
And of course, avoid using too much force to prevent chipping or scratches. It’s also best to place a soft cloth underneath in case anything slips.
This is how I have managed to take apart my Malm several times without any damage.
If screws are stuck, I first recommend using a screwdriver that fits the screw head exactly to prevent slipping.
If the screws are very tight, you can apply a few drops of WD-40 or another penetrating oil, which makes loosening much easier. Let it sit for a few minutes afterwards.
If nothing helps, you can try gently tapping the handle of the screwdriver with a light hammer to assist in loosening — but be very careful.
And of course, avoid using too much force to prevent chipping or scratches. It’s also best to place a soft cloth underneath in case anything slips.
This is how I have managed to take apart my Malm several times without any damage.
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