Hello everyone,
I want to replace the drawer slides on my Ikea Malm bed because they no longer operate smoothly and are partially worn out. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a detailed guide on the best way to do this—specifically, how to properly remove the old rails and rollers and install the new ones, whether special tools are needed, and what to pay special attention to so that the drawers open easily and quietly again in the end. It’s also important for me to know if the parts can be purchased individually or if it’s better to buy a complete set.
Has anyone here replaced the Malm drawer slides and can describe the process in detail? Thanks!
I want to replace the drawer slides on my Ikea Malm bed because they no longer operate smoothly and are partially worn out. Unfortunately, I haven’t found a detailed guide on the best way to do this—specifically, how to properly remove the old rails and rollers and install the new ones, whether special tools are needed, and what to pay special attention to so that the drawers open easily and quietly again in the end. It’s also important for me to know if the parts can be purchased individually or if it’s better to buy a complete set.
Has anyone here replaced the Malm drawer slides and can describe the process in detail? Thanks!
Hello Ku_samed,
Replacing the Malm drawer slides is generally done in just a few steps. First, pull the drawer out completely and remove it. Usually, the rails are attached with small clips or screws.
It’s important not to damage the screws as much as possible to ensure you can install the new slides accurately. If the drawer runners are made of plastic, it can help to clean them beforehand with a bit of cleaning solution to prevent dirt from accumulating in the new rail.
Additionally, I recommend using original replacement parts from Ikea. They are designed to fit the furniture perfectly and offer the best compatibility. The only tools you’ll need are a Phillips screwdriver and sometimes a small flathead screwdriver to remove the clips.
Replacing the Malm drawer slides is generally done in just a few steps. First, pull the drawer out completely and remove it. Usually, the rails are attached with small clips or screws.
It’s important not to damage the screws as much as possible to ensure you can install the new slides accurately. If the drawer runners are made of plastic, it can help to clean them beforehand with a bit of cleaning solution to prevent dirt from accumulating in the new rail.
Additionally, I recommend using original replacement parts from Ikea. They are designed to fit the furniture perfectly and offer the best compatibility. The only tools you’ll need are a Phillips screwdriver and sometimes a small flathead screwdriver to remove the clips.
Hello Ku_samed,
I have replaced Malm drawer slides several times and would be happy to share some details: You should carefully pull the drawer out and then lift it slightly to detach it from the runners. Since the sliding rails are sometimes secured with snap connectors or clips, be sure to release these gently to avoid breaking anything.
If your old slides are damaged, replacing them makes sense, as stiff drawers can significantly reduce enjoyment of the furniture. When installing the new slides, I recommend initially tightening the screws by hand only, so you can make small adjustments after inserting the drawer.
If you notice the drawer is hard to operate or sits unevenly when reinserting, check that the runners are mounted straight and parallel.
I’m also happy to provide a step-by-step guide if you would like.
I have replaced Malm drawer slides several times and would be happy to share some details: You should carefully pull the drawer out and then lift it slightly to detach it from the runners. Since the sliding rails are sometimes secured with snap connectors or clips, be sure to release these gently to avoid breaking anything.
If your old slides are damaged, replacing them makes sense, as stiff drawers can significantly reduce enjoyment of the furniture. When installing the new slides, I recommend initially tightening the screws by hand only, so you can make small adjustments after inserting the drawer.
If you notice the drawer is hard to operate or sits unevenly when reinserting, check that the runners are mounted straight and parallel.
I’m also happy to provide a step-by-step guide if you would like.
Jeanbar schrieb:
If you notice the drawer is hard to slide or sits unevenly when reinstalling it, check whether the drawer slides are installed parallel and straight.Could you explain in more detail what exactly is meant by installing the slides “parallel and straight”? What should I specifically pay attention to? I have a feeling that one of my slides was slightly misaligned, which is why the drawer keeps sticking. I definitely want to avoid that.
Of course, happy to help!
When installing the rails, they should be flush with the front edge of the bed frame and perfectly aligned horizontally. It’s best to use a ruler or spirit level to ensure the rails are not tilted upwards or downwards.
The rail must also not be twisted or mounted crookedly, as this will cause the drawer to jam when opening and closing. Sometimes small gaps of 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 inches) can be critical, especially if the roller path is already tight.
The term parallel means that the rails on both sides of the bed must be installed exactly at the same height and position to prevent the drawer from running unevenly.
Once the rails are attached, test the drawer’s movement several times before fully tightening everything, so you can still make adjustments.
When installing the rails, they should be flush with the front edge of the bed frame and perfectly aligned horizontally. It’s best to use a ruler or spirit level to ensure the rails are not tilted upwards or downwards.
The rail must also not be twisted or mounted crookedly, as this will cause the drawer to jam when opening and closing. Sometimes small gaps of 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 inches) can be critical, especially if the roller path is already tight.
The term parallel means that the rails on both sides of the bed must be installed exactly at the same height and position to prevent the drawer from running unevenly.
Once the rails are attached, test the drawer’s movement several times before fully tightening everything, so you can still make adjustments.
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