ᐅ How do you fix loose screws on Malm beds?

Hello everyone,

I have an issue with my IKEA Malm bed: the screws keep loosening, even though I tighten them regularly. Especially the connection between the bed frame and the slatted base keeps feeling noticeably unstable. I’ve noticed that the wood sometimes slightly gives way, so the screws no longer hold firmly.

Does anyone have experience or tips on how to permanently secure these loose screws? Are there special methods or materials to fix the screws without damaging the wood?

I would really appreciate detailed advice, as I don’t want to completely disassemble or replace the bed. Thank you very much for your help!

Hi Diilhan,

I’m familiar with the issue with Malm beds – those screws can be real headaches sometimes 😉. Have you tried stabilizing the screws with a bit of wood glue? Just apply some glue to the threads and then tighten the screws. This provides better grip without making it permanently sticky, and you can still loosen them later.

Sometimes a little PTFE tape (Teflon tape) wrapped around the threads helps improve the hold. But be careful not to wrap it too thickly, or the screws won’t fit properly.

Good luck, you’ll definitely get it fixed! 🙂

TARAON schrieb:
Have you ever tried stabilizing the screws with a bit of wood glue?

Wood glue is generally not an ideal solution for screws, as it hardens and makes later disassembly difficult. Instead, I recommend the following step-by-step approach:

1. Completely unscrew the screw and check both the wood threads and the screw.
2. If the wood threads are stripped (which often happens with particleboard), simply use a longer screw with the same diameter that also reaches into the solid wood.
3. Optional: Mix a little wood shavings with wood glue and fill the drill hole before screwing the screw back in – this effectively creates new “threads.”
4. For additional hold, you can use medium-strength thread locker (e.g., blue threadlocker) – this prevents loosening from vibrations but can still be removed later.

I’m curious: Have you checked exactly what material is holding the screw? Some flat-pack beds have inserts made of particleboard, which do not offer much grip. If so, the only solution might be to install so-called "thread inserts" or "wood thread bushings."

kla69 schrieb:
Wood glue is generally not an ideal solution for screws, as it hardens and makes later disassembly difficult.

Thank you for the detailed reply! The idea of using longer screws sounds interesting – I’ll check if I can find more suitable options.

Regarding the material: It is actually particleboard, and in some spots you can really feel the wood crumbling a bit when removing the screw.

Your tip about filling with a woodchip-glue mixture sounds technically reasonable.

One more question: Would such "threaded inserts" be easy to install in my bed, or is this something better left to a professional carpenter?

Thanks in advance for your support!

Hello Diilhan,

I would like to answer your question, especially since the issue of “loose screws in Malm beds” occurs quite frequently.

1. Check condition: As you already noticed, particleboard is often the weak point. First, check all screws for looseness and carefully remove them. If the screw hole is damaged, the next step will help.

2. Repair hole: Fill the hole with a mixture of wood shavings (from chiseling or filing) and wood glue. This mixture acts as “new wood threads.” Let it dry thoroughly (at least several hours).

3. Secure screws: Use original screws or higher-quality replacement screws that are long enough to grip deeper and more securely.

4. Thread inserts: For larger damages, installing brass or plastic threaded inserts is a very good solution. You can pre-drill the hole with a drill according to the instructions and screw in the insert, then reinsert the screw firmly. This ensures a secure hold and prevents further loosening.

5. Screw locking compound: As an additional measure, a medium-strength threadlocker is recommended. It keeps the screw in place but still allows for readjustment.

A tip: Try not to disassemble and reassemble the bed too frequently on your own, as this promotes loosening of the connections.

I hope this helps! If you like, I can also write you a short step-by-step guide on how to install threaded inserts.

miAlessio schrieb:
If you want, I can write a short step-by-step guide for installing threaded inserts.

That would be great! 🙂 I’ve had similar issues myself and never really knew how to secure screws permanently.

For everyone here in the forum: threaded inserts are a really effective solution against loose screws, even in furniture that is frequently moved or stressed.

Looking forward to your guide, miAlessio! Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and motivation! 🙂