Hello everyone, I recently got an Ikea Malm desk with the typical drawers and noticed that the drawer slides are sticking and sometimes not working smoothly anymore. I want to replace the drawer slides myself but don’t have a clear idea of the best way to approach this.
Specifically, I’m interested in how to properly remove the old drawer slides, which tools are essential, and what to pay attention to when installing the new slides to ensure the drawers run smoothly and remain stable.
Does anyone have a step-by-step guide or practical tips specifically for the Malm drawer slides? Thanks in advance!
Specifically, I’m interested in how to properly remove the old drawer slides, which tools are essential, and what to pay attention to when installing the new slides to ensure the drawers run smoothly and remain stable.
Does anyone have a step-by-step guide or practical tips specifically for the Malm drawer slides? Thanks in advance!
Hello chenbo,
I have worked on several Malm dressers before, so here is a structured guide for replacing the drawer slides:
1. Prepare the tools: Phillips screwdriver, possibly a small hammer, and a new set of Malm drawer slides (original or compatible).
2. Fully pull out the drawer. If it’s stuck, gently pry it loose with a lever, but do not use excessive force.
3. The old slides on the drawer sides and the cabinet are usually secured with small screws. Carefully remove them and keep the screws safe.
4. Clean the mounting surfaces to ensure the new slides can be installed properly.
5. First attach the new slides to the cabinet, then to the drawer. Important: align them precisely to prevent binding.
6. Reinsert the drawer and test it.
Common mistakes include misaligned installation or loose screws. Just pay attention to these.
If you want, I can later provide descriptions of the mounting points with pictures.
Best regards!
I have worked on several Malm dressers before, so here is a structured guide for replacing the drawer slides:
1. Prepare the tools: Phillips screwdriver, possibly a small hammer, and a new set of Malm drawer slides (original or compatible).
2. Fully pull out the drawer. If it’s stuck, gently pry it loose with a lever, but do not use excessive force.
3. The old slides on the drawer sides and the cabinet are usually secured with small screws. Carefully remove them and keep the screws safe.
4. Clean the mounting surfaces to ensure the new slides can be installed properly.
5. First attach the new slides to the cabinet, then to the drawer. Important: align them precisely to prevent binding.
6. Reinsert the drawer and test it.
Common mistakes include misaligned installation or loose screws. Just pay attention to these.
If you want, I can later provide descriptions of the mounting points with pictures.
Best regards!
Jensson schrieb:
5. Attach the new slides to the cabinet frame first, then to the drawer. Important: align them precisely to avoid any jamming.Thanks for the clear overview. Could you please tell me if the screw holes for the new slides always match the old ones exactly, or will I possibly need to pre-drill new holes?
Also, I’m wondering if the slides need to be the original IKEA ones, or if cheaper alternatives work without causing problems later?
I always find it a bit exaggerated to insist on using only original Ikea drawer slides. Many replicas work just as well, and the price difference is often significant.
However, as you already mentioned, it is crucial that the dimensions and drilling hole positions are an exact match. Otherwise, using replicas can lead to unnecessary extra work and frustration. So: replicas are fine, but it’s best to compare everything carefully beforehand, or the initially low price may end up costing you more due to rework.
However, as you already mentioned, it is crucial that the dimensions and drilling hole positions are an exact match. Otherwise, using replicas can lead to unnecessary extra work and frustration. So: replicas are fine, but it’s best to compare everything carefully beforehand, or the initially low price may end up costing you more due to rework.
K
Keatondra19 May 2022 09:14Hello chenbo,
to answer your questions in detail:
The screw holes of new Malm drawer runners generally match the original measurements, as Ikea does not change the standard. However, it is recommended to check the positioning before screwing them in to ensure there are no deviations with replicas. Pre-drilling is usually not necessary if you use original runners, but with replicas, it might be required since the material or the runner itself can vary slightly.
Regarding originals versus replicas: Original parts are generally more durable in the long term because they are specifically designed for the Malm. However, replicas often have surprisingly good quality, but the risk of slight fitting inaccuracies increases, which can especially affect the lifespan and smooth operation of the drawers.
As a general tip: Always work with a small screwdriver and try inserting the screws before fully tightening them to avoid any misalignment.
One more thing: Sometimes a drawer without feet sits crooked because the runner is not fully flush with the furniture body; you can adjust this by applying slight pressure.
to answer your questions in detail:
The screw holes of new Malm drawer runners generally match the original measurements, as Ikea does not change the standard. However, it is recommended to check the positioning before screwing them in to ensure there are no deviations with replicas. Pre-drilling is usually not necessary if you use original runners, but with replicas, it might be required since the material or the runner itself can vary slightly.
Regarding originals versus replicas: Original parts are generally more durable in the long term because they are specifically designed for the Malm. However, replicas often have surprisingly good quality, but the risk of slight fitting inaccuracies increases, which can especially affect the lifespan and smooth operation of the drawers.
As a general tip: Always work with a small screwdriver and try inserting the screws before fully tightening them to avoid any misalignment.
One more thing: Sometimes a drawer without feet sits crooked because the runner is not fully flush with the furniture body; you can adjust this by applying slight pressure.
For everyone planning to replace the Malm drawer slides this weekend, I recommend the following:
The drawer slides are often precision mechanical components consisting of several parts (e.g., ball bearing guides). When removing them, be careful not to lose the small metal balls, if present.
Additionally: If you fully remove the drawer, inspect the cabinet body for any damage or warping. Sometimes the issues with sticking are not only due to the slides but also caused by warped side panels.
Also check if the drawer still slides reasonably well without the guides. If not, it might be worth correcting the cabinet structure.
A more professional approach is to use a spirit level during installation to ensure everything is aligned properly.
The drawer slides are often precision mechanical components consisting of several parts (e.g., ball bearing guides). When removing them, be careful not to lose the small metal balls, if present.
Additionally: If you fully remove the drawer, inspect the cabinet body for any damage or warping. Sometimes the issues with sticking are not only due to the slides but also caused by warped side panels.
Also check if the drawer still slides reasonably well without the guides. If not, it might be worth correcting the cabinet structure.
A more professional approach is to use a spirit level during installation to ensure everything is aligned properly.
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