ᐅ IKEA Malm drawer handles keep breaking – what can I do?

Hello everyone,

I have replaced the handles of the IKEA Malm dresser drawers several times now because they keep breaking. The problem especially occurs with the plastic handles, which in my opinion are not sturdy enough to withstand the stresses of normal use over time. I’m curious if anyone here knows of a permanently stable solution or if there are alternative handles that fit well without impairing the drawer function. Maybe there are some DIY tips or modifications that can be applied to attach the handle more securely.

I would appreciate any helpful information, as I’ve been dealing with this issue for months and am getting really frustrated.

Naufalzar schrieb:
The problem occurs especially with the plastic handles, which in my opinion are not sturdy enough to withstand the stresses of normal use over time.

This is an accurate observation. The IKEA Malm handles are made of brittle plastic that becomes more fragile and breaks with frequent pulling and stress. One solution is to switch to metal handles that have exactly the same mounting holes.

Alternatively, silicone or other rubber-like protective rings can be placed in the center to distribute the pressure when tightening the screws. Reinforcement plates on the inside of the drawer are also suitable for this purpose.

IKEA itself does not offer official metal replacement handles, but third-party options are available. It is important to better distribute the load to prevent the handle from breaking at a single point.

Buy metal handles, use the same screws, and install metal directly instead of plastic.

Alternatively, pull drawers more gently so that the handle experiences less strain.

Rodolfo schrieb:
The IKEA Malm handles are made of brittle plastic

Great, once again the Swedish cheap goods designed for short-term use. No wonder the handles keep breaking.

Kurtis5 schrieb:
Buy metal handles

Why not switch directly to much more durable alternative models and add a touch of your own style at the same time? I see a lot of potential for upcycling and personalization here instead of just complaining about brand XY. This is a very popular solution, especially with IKEA furniture.

My advice: check out stainless steel or aluminum handles at your local hardware store or online – their appearance also lasts much longer than plastic.

I had the same experience with my Malm dressers. The handles really frustrated me because they kept breaking, and I didn’t want to replace the entire handle every time.

I then tried not to tighten the screws too much to avoid stressing the material and also used washers to distribute the load better. This helped the handles last a few months longer.

It’s really annoying that IKEA uses so much plastic instead of more durable materials. Personally, I have now switched to metal handles because they are more cost-effective in the long run. I can definitely understand your frustration and hope these tips help you as well.