ᐅ How is the base of Malm dressers properly attached?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Malm chest of drawers from IKEA, and I noticed that the feet of these chests can apparently be attached in different ways. I’m specifically wondering: How do you properly attach the feet of Malm chests to ensure stability and prevent damage to the furniture?

I am particularly interested in whether there are special screws or techniques that need to be used. For example, do you need to pre-drill, or are the feet simply screwed in? Are there differences between the various Malm models?

Maybe some of you have experience or tips on the best approach, especially if you want to retrofit an older chest. Thanks in advance!

laetitia30 schrieb:
How do you properly attach the feet of Malm dressers to ensure stability and prevent damage to the dresser?

Hello laetitia30,

I’m happy to help. The feet of Malm dressers usually have threaded screws that simply screw into pre-installed threaded inserts on the bottom of the dresser.

It’s important to use only the screws provided. The feet are screwed directly into the threaded inserts, so no pre-drilling is needed—everything is pre-assembled or prepared by IKEA.

If you have older dressers where the threaded inserts are missing or damaged, you can retrofit threaded inserts or knock-in nuts. For this, you should lightly drill the appropriate spots and insert the nuts so the screws will hold securely.

In summary:
1. Screw the foot into the thread until it is firmly seated.
2. Do not overtighten, as this could damage the insert.
3. If threaded inserts are missing, reinforce with retrofitted inserts for a secure hold.

In my experience, this is the best way to ensure a secure attachment.

naujon schrieb:
The legs of Malm dressers are usually fitted with threaded screws that simply screw into pre-installed metal inserts on the underside of the dresser.

I agree with you, but depending on how the dresser is used, the load can vary significantly.

I think most people underestimate how important it is for a leg to be securely attached. Simply “screw it in and done” is, in my opinion, not always sufficient, especially if the dresser is moved frequently or if there are children in the household.

You should also check whether the legs sit completely flat. Sometimes one is slightly crooked, and then even the best fastening won’t help.

Additionally, I see an alternative in reinforcing the legs with small mounting brackets. This is not a standard practice for Malm dressers, but it significantly increases durability if you are handy.

BERONAR schrieb:
I think most people underestimate how important a firmly secured foot is.

From a technical perspective, the attachment of the Malm legs is standardized and designed for product functionality. The legs have M8 threads with matching threaded inserts on the underside of the dresser. Pre-drilling is not intended, as all threaded inserts are factory-installed.

If there is wear or insufficient stability, I recommend replacing the nut inserts with new ones that can be precisely retrofitted. This involves drilling a hole with the correct diameter using a drill and countersinking the nuts with a special tool.

General guidelines are:
- Screwing in the original screws without force from squeezing or misalignment
- Checking the contact point of the foot on the floor
- In case of damage or wobbling: retrofitting threaded inserts is the proper way to ensure long-term stability

In conclusion: For normal use, the factory settings are sufficient. For specific requirements, the attachment should be technically adjusted.