ᐅ How do you replace broken Malm drawer handles?

Hello everyone,

I noticed that several drawer handles on my Ikea Malm chest of drawers are damaged—some are broken or worn out, making the drawers difficult to open. Since I want to replace the handles, I’m wondering: What is the proper way to change defective Malm drawer handles?

I’m particularly interested in the best procedure, the tools required, and whether it’s necessary to use original replacement handles from Ikea or if alternatives will fit. Are there any special considerations during installation to avoid damaging the furniture?

I appreciate any tips that can help me complete this repair neatly and lasting. Thanks!

Hello Fletcherla,

I’m happy to answer your question about replacing the Malm drawer handles with a simple step-by-step guide.

1. Preparation: Get the correct replacement handles, preferably original Ikea ones, as the hole spacing and screw length fit perfectly. You will also need a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Removal: Open the drawer and loosen the existing screws on the inside of the handle using the screwdriver. If the handles are broken, this can be a bit tricky due to sharp edges.

3. Cleaning: Check the drill holes — sometimes dirt or glue residue has built up. You should remove this to ensure the new handle sits flush.

4. Installation: Place the new handle from the front into the holes, then screw the screws back in from the inside and tighten them firmly but not excessively to avoid splitting the wood.

5. Check: The drawer should now open smoothly again.

A common mistake is overtightening the screws, which can damage the wood. If you are not installing Ikea handles, be sure to pay close attention to the distance between the screw holes (usually 128mm (5 inches) for Malm).

Best regards!

LAURE-TA schrieb:
I’m happy to answer your question about replacing the Malm drawer pulls with a simple step-by-step guide.

This is a very good overview! I would like to add that for anyone who has no experience with furniture handles, it’s important to note that the screws are usually installed from the inside of the drawer.

If the handles are broken, sometimes the interior wood can be damaged as well. For heavily damaged drill holes, it is recommended to use so-called dowels for reinforcement before installing new handles.

And to answer your question about alternatives to Ikea handles: There are many standard handles with the same hole spacing, which can save costs, but the appearance may vary. Just make sure to measure beforehand!

Also, be sure that the screw length matches the drawer depth; otherwise, they won’t grip properly or may stick out.

Remove the drawer, loosen the screws, replace the handles, and then reinsert the screws. Important: Do not tighten the screws too much.

In addition to the points already mentioned, I would like to point out that with Ikea Malm, the handles are attached using metric screws (usually M4). If you want to use replacements, be sure to check the thread pitch and size to avoid compatibility issues.

Furthermore, it can occasionally happen that the veneer around the drilled holes becomes brittle due to moisture or aging. In such cases, using wood filler is recommended to improve stability before reattaching.

Whether an alternative is better than an original handle depends on individual preferences regarding appearance and durability. Deviations from the original drilling dimensions may lead to unsightly gaps or unstable attachments.

If you can’t reach the screws from the inside, you can remove the drawer completely. This makes it easier. You should use the correct screwdriver to avoid stripping the screws.