Hello everyone, I am currently facing the task of replacing the handles on my IKEA Malm wardrobe and would like to know the best way to go about it.
My handles are the original ones, fixed with screws from the inside. I want to replace them without damaging the furniture and achieve a clean result. Are there any special tips to consider when removing them?
It would also be helpful to know if the screws can be reused or if it is better to get new ones, possibly of different lengths or types.
I would also appreciate advice on the choice of tools – should I use a cordless drill or rather a manual screwdriver?
Thank you very much in advance!
My handles are the original ones, fixed with screws from the inside. I want to replace them without damaging the furniture and achieve a clean result. Are there any special tips to consider when removing them?
It would also be helpful to know if the screws can be reused or if it is better to get new ones, possibly of different lengths or types.
I would also appreciate advice on the choice of tools – should I use a cordless drill or rather a manual screwdriver?
Thank you very much in advance!
Hey Leoneo7, great question – it’s awesome that you want to replace your MALM furniture handles! 🙂
From my own experience, I’d recommend starting by carefully loosening the screws from the back, preferably using a small Phillips screwdriver. If you have a cordless drill, set it to a low torque level to avoid any damage!
You can usually use the original screws with the new handles. If the screws are too short for the new handles, you can simply buy longer ones; IKEA sells them, or you can find them at a hardware store as well.
It’s best to work on one handle at a time, so you always have something to hold onto and the cabinet stays stable. Good luck – it’s a great project to refresh your furniture by replacing the old handles! :-)
From my own experience, I’d recommend starting by carefully loosening the screws from the back, preferably using a small Phillips screwdriver. If you have a cordless drill, set it to a low torque level to avoid any damage!
You can usually use the original screws with the new handles. If the screws are too short for the new handles, you can simply buy longer ones; IKEA sells them, or you can find them at a hardware store as well.
It’s best to work on one handle at a time, so you always have something to hold onto and the cabinet stays stable. Good luck – it’s a great project to refresh your furniture by replacing the old handles! :-)
To properly replace the MALM furniture handles, start by loosening the existing screws from the inside of the furniture.
Be careful not to apply too much torque to avoid damaging the wood. A manual screwdriver with a suitable Phillips head is sufficient; a cordless drill can be used on a low setting but carries some risk.
Regarding the screws: Original screws are usually M4 with a length of about 30mm (1.2 inches). New handles may require different screw lengths. It helps to measure the depth of the new handle and adjust accordingly.
Secure the furniture pieces during the replacement process to prevent any deformation.
Be careful not to apply too much torque to avoid damaging the wood. A manual screwdriver with a suitable Phillips head is sufficient; a cordless drill can be used on a low setting but carries some risk.
Regarding the screws: Original screws are usually M4 with a length of about 30mm (1.2 inches). New handles may require different screw lengths. It helps to measure the depth of the new handle and adjust accordingly.
Secure the furniture pieces during the replacement process to prevent any deformation.
Hello Leoneo7, I’m happy to help with your project!
Replacing the MALM furniture handles is usually straightforward: the handles are attached from the back, so you need to slightly open the cabinet door or drawer and loosen the screws.
Use a medium-sized Phillips screwdriver. A cordless drill can be helpful, but please be careful, as too much force may damage the wood or strip the screws.
Tip: If the screws are very tight, a little oil (WD-40 or similar) can make them easier to loosen.
If you like, I can also explain how to accurately measure the correct screw lengths.
Replacing the MALM furniture handles is usually straightforward: the handles are attached from the back, so you need to slightly open the cabinet door or drawer and loosen the screws.
parnar schrieb:That is true in most cases. However, if the new handles have a different shape or, for example, are thicker than the old ones, you should buy new screws to ensure a secure attachment.
you can usually use the old screws with the new handles
Use a medium-sized Phillips screwdriver. A cordless drill can be helpful, but please be careful, as too much force may damage the wood or strip the screws.
Tip: If the screws are very tight, a little oil (WD-40 or similar) can make them easier to loosen.
If you like, I can also explain how to accurately measure the correct screw lengths.
Interesting thread here. I see one point that is often overlooked: the stability of the furniture piece when changing handles.
That sounds sensible, but I recommend making sure the drawers remain stable before removing all the handles, especially if they carry weight. With MALM, this can vary depending on the model.
Also: using old screws should not be standard practice. Screws wear out over time, especially if they have been frequently removed and reinserted. For a long-lasting fix, I recommend new screws made of stainless steel. These are corrosion-resistant and provide higher stability.
Ultimately, much depends on the individual situation – which model, the condition of the screws, and so on.
parnar schrieb:
It’s best to start with one handle at a time
That sounds sensible, but I recommend making sure the drawers remain stable before removing all the handles, especially if they carry weight. With MALM, this can vary depending on the model.
Also: using old screws should not be standard practice. Screws wear out over time, especially if they have been frequently removed and reinserted. For a long-lasting fix, I recommend new screws made of stainless steel. These are corrosion-resistant and provide higher stability.
Ultimately, much depends on the individual situation – which model, the condition of the screws, and so on.
So, I’ll jump in too! 🙂
I recently upgraded my MALM dressers with new handles. The important thing, as already mentioned, is to proceed gently – don’t go at it with the cordless drill like a construction worker! ;-)
I totally agree with that! But please use only a tiny bit, or the dresser might end up smelling like a workshop 😉
One more tip from me: label the screws or put them in small bags if you have several different handles. That way, you’ll save yourself a lot of guesswork later!
Have fun with the screwing!
I recently upgraded my MALM dressers with new handles. The important thing, as already mentioned, is to proceed gently – don’t go at it with the cordless drill like a construction worker! ;-)
angel schrieb:
If the screws are very tight, a little oil can help
I totally agree with that! But please use only a tiny bit, or the dresser might end up smelling like a workshop 😉
One more tip from me: label the screws or put them in small bags if you have several different handles. That way, you’ll save yourself a lot of guesswork later!
Have fun with the screwing!
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