ᐅ How can the durability of MALM drawers be improved?

Created on: 24 Feb 2017 09:12
A
albata
Hello everyone, I have a question that probably concerns some MALM owners here: How can the durability of the MALM drawers be improved?

I’m specifically referring to the longevity of the drawer slides and contact surfaces, as after about two years, opening and closing has become increasingly difficult, and there are now some minor damages on the edges.

What material are the runners made of, and which lubricants or maintenance products can be used safely? Are there any upgrades that can be installed by oneself, such as stronger slides or alternative bearings?

I look forward to your experiences and tips!
A
albata
25 Feb 2017 08:23
Good morning!

Thank you all for the responses and the many helpful tips and information.

Next, I will remove the plastic gliders and see if I can find suitable replacement parts. At the same time, I will order a silicone spray; the point about PTFE sounds reasonable.

I will also check how I can reinforce the support surfaces. A DIY solution using wooden strips doesn’t seem too difficult, but I will take precise measurements beforehand to ensure everything fits.

Can anyone recommend a specific product name (silicone spray) that works well for plastic gliders? Thanks in advance!
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INGRID34
25 Feb 2017 09:01
For silicone spray, I can recommend the "Muc-Off Dry Lube." It contains PTFE, is safe for plastics, and does not attract dirt.

Also, spray it on thinly, do not let it drip, and wipe off any excess with a cloth. It worked very well on my Malm.
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Luchen
25 Feb 2017 09:37
I can confirm that Muc-Off Dry Lube works very well on plastic sliders.

Always clean first, then spray on a thin layer, and allow it to penetrate.
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albata
25 Feb 2017 12:12
INGRID34 schrieb:
"Muc-Off Dry Lube"

Thanks for the tip! I’ve ordered the spray and will report back on how it feels.

I assume that if I clean regularly and then apply a thin layer for maintenance, the durability should improve significantly.
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tuFernando
25 Feb 2017 14:44
I find this topic very interesting and am glad the discussion is going well.

If you feel like it, you could also share a kind of "maintenance routine" with us after you have organized your drawers. That would surely help others as much as it helps me 🙂

Sometimes people underestimate the small effort that ultimately leads to significantly longer durability.
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Parbo
26 Feb 2017 08:57
A small addition: For some MALM drawers, it can help to regularly check the screws of the drawer slides and tighten them if necessary. Loosening often leads to increased wear and uneven movement, which reduces the holding strength of the drawers.

This is especially important for heavily loaded pieces of furniture.