Hello everyone,
I have a Malm dresser from IKEA and I’m planning to replace the drawers because they are slightly damaged and I would like new fronts and drawer slides. My question is: How easy or difficult is it generally to replace the drawers or the drawer fronts and the metal slides installed in the MALM series?
I’ve read that some MALM drawers can be pulled out without disassembling the entire dresser, but what about the drawer slides specifically? Do I need to take the whole drawer apart? Are special tools required?
Who has experience with this or can offer tips on what to watch out for when replacing the drawers of a MALM dresser? Thanks in advance for your help!
I have a Malm dresser from IKEA and I’m planning to replace the drawers because they are slightly damaged and I would like new fronts and drawer slides. My question is: How easy or difficult is it generally to replace the drawers or the drawer fronts and the metal slides installed in the MALM series?
I’ve read that some MALM drawers can be pulled out without disassembling the entire dresser, but what about the drawer slides specifically? Do I need to take the whole drawer apart? Are special tools required?
Who has experience with this or can offer tips on what to watch out for when replacing the drawers of a MALM dresser? Thanks in advance for your help!
It is important to determine which production year version of the Malm dresser you have before replacing parts, as the drawer systems have undergone minor changes over the years.
I recommend the following procedure:
- Remove the drawers completely.
- Unscrew the fronts, as they are attached separately.
- Check the condition of the drawer runners and verify whether they are screwed or clipped in.
- No special tools are required to replace the runners themselves, but disassembly and proper reassembly require careful attention.
Additionally, when replacing the runners, matching replacement parts of the same model should be used to ensure compatibility.
The risk of damage is greatest when excessive force is applied. Therefore, I advise caution.
I recommend the following procedure:
- Remove the drawers completely.
- Unscrew the fronts, as they are attached separately.
- Check the condition of the drawer runners and verify whether they are screwed or clipped in.
- No special tools are required to replace the runners themselves, but disassembly and proper reassembly require careful attention.
Additionally, when replacing the runners, matching replacement parts of the same model should be used to ensure compatibility.
The risk of damage is greatest when excessive force is applied. Therefore, I advise caution.
I personally experienced how frustrating it can be to fail when replacing the MALM drawer fronts. If you are doing it for the first time, you often underestimate the cables and clips of the drawer slides.
My advice: take your time and don’t rush. Even if you think you can do it quickly, a few extra minutes of patience are better than frustration later on. And if you’re unsure, just ask someone with experience.
No reason to get upset or discouraged! 🙂
My advice: take your time and don’t rush. Even if you think you can do it quickly, a few extra minutes of patience are better than frustration later on. And if you’re unsure, just ask someone with experience.
No reason to get upset or discouraged! 🙂
floga schrieb:
When doing this for the first time, people often underestimate the cables and clips of the guide rails.I think that’s a good point. Handling the clips requires a bit of dexterity; otherwise, parts can easily break.
lofar schrieb:
Replacing the drives yourself is not recommended; it’s better to get a complete drawer unit.That’s definitely something to keep in mind, since IKEA products are rarely designed for individual spare parts. Usually, you get a full drawer as a replacement.
Thanks for all the information and assessments so far!
I’m still interested in how exactly the plastic clips work. I’ve seen online that some MALM drawers have lever-like clips on the side, while others use more of a snap mechanism. Are there multiple versions?
Also, how do these clips interact with the drawer slides? Do I need to pay attention to any specific instructions, like pressing the clips at a certain angle or something similar?
Regarding the drawer slides: I hope I can disassemble the drawer enough to preassemble the front and slide unit for replacement without having to alter the main frame. Does anyone have advice on the exact procedure?
I’m still interested in how exactly the plastic clips work. I’ve seen online that some MALM drawers have lever-like clips on the side, while others use more of a snap mechanism. Are there multiple versions?
Also, how do these clips interact with the drawer slides? Do I need to pay attention to any specific instructions, like pressing the clips at a certain angle or something similar?
Regarding the drawer slides: I hope I can disassemble the drawer enough to preassemble the front and slide unit for replacement without having to alter the main frame. Does anyone have advice on the exact procedure?
Similar topics