ᐅ How to Make IKEA Malm Drawers Slide More Smoothly – Any Tips?
Created on: 30 Jun 2020 08:17
B
bege64
Hello everyone,
I recently bought an IKEA Malm dresser and overall I’m quite happy with it. However, after some time the drawers have become a bit stiff to open, which is especially annoying when they are fully loaded. I’m wondering how to make the Malm drawers slide more smoothly without having to remove the entire drawer or track system, or buy completely new rails.
Are there any proven tips, such as specific lubricants, adjustments, or simple maintenance steps that can improve this issue in the long term? Or do you have experience with a particular trick to make pulling the drawers much easier?
I look forward to your ideas and hope to get a variety of suggestions here. Thanks in advance!
I recently bought an IKEA Malm dresser and overall I’m quite happy with it. However, after some time the drawers have become a bit stiff to open, which is especially annoying when they are fully loaded. I’m wondering how to make the Malm drawers slide more smoothly without having to remove the entire drawer or track system, or buy completely new rails.
Are there any proven tips, such as specific lubricants, adjustments, or simple maintenance steps that can improve this issue in the long term? Or do you have experience with a particular trick to make pulling the drawers much easier?
I look forward to your ideas and hope to get a variety of suggestions here. Thanks in advance!
Additionally: If the dresser does end up permanently tilted due to an uneven floor, it makes sense to slightly glue felt or plastic pads under the guide rails to compensate for small irregularities.
However, be careful that the pads do not create excessive lateral pressure that could bend the rails.
The more precise the fit of the guides, the smoother the drawer operation will be overall.
However, be careful that the pads do not create excessive lateral pressure that could bend the rails.
The more precise the fit of the guides, the smoother the drawer operation will be overall.
One more note about lubricants and their lasting effects: Long-term experience with PTFE spray has shown that it remains most effective for about 6-12 months. After that, the process can be repeated.
It is also important not to overload the drawers. This helps prevent warping. For very heavy loads, it may be advisable to upgrade to more robust drawer slides, which IKEA also offers.
It is also important not to overload the drawers. This helps prevent warping. For very heavy loads, it may be advisable to upgrade to more robust drawer slides, which IKEA also offers.
I would like to add that when lubricating, the drawers should be fully opened and closed several times to ensure the lubricant is evenly distributed throughout. This helps prevent clumping or uneven lubrication spots.
And a tip: if desired, you can also cut thin strips of PTFE film and insert them into the runners. This provides a smooth and durable sliding surface.
And a tip: if desired, you can also cut thin strips of PTFE film and insert them into the runners. This provides a smooth and durable sliding surface.
Thank you all for the many detailed tips and suggestions!
Tonight, I will remove the drawers, clean them thoroughly, and then treat them with a PTFE spray that I will get from the hardware store. I will also place small rubber pads under the dresser to improve stability on the uneven floor.
The suggestion to align and check the fastenings is also on my to-do list. I will be happy to report back on how it went and whether the stiffness issue has been resolved.
Wishing everyone a relaxing day!
Tonight, I will remove the drawers, clean them thoroughly, and then treat them with a PTFE spray that I will get from the hardware store. I will also place small rubber pads under the dresser to improve stability on the uneven floor.
The suggestion to align and check the fastenings is also on my to-do list. I will be happy to report back on how it went and whether the stiffness issue has been resolved.
Wishing everyone a relaxing day!
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