ᐅ IKEA Malm dresser wobbles despite screws – how to stabilize it?
Created on: 6 Mar 2020 08:17
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Atakan4
Hello everyone, I have assembled an IKEA Malm chest of drawers. All the screws are tightened properly, but the furniture still wobbles slightly, especially when it is gently bumped or when opening the drawers. The chest stands on a fairly even floor, and I feel that either the screws do not provide enough grip or there might be a stability issue in the construction itself. Does anyone have experience with how to stabilize a Malm chest of drawers despite correct assembly? Maybe there are tricks or additions to minimize or completely eliminate the wobbling movement. Looking forward to your tips, thanks!
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Cecilera666 Mar 2020 12:02To prevent wobbling, it often helps to firmly tighten the back panel of the Malm chest of drawers. If the back panel is loose, it can have a noticeable effect. Check to see if it is fully flush and that all nails or screws are properly secured.
The stability of the IKEA Malm dresser largely depends on the correct assembly of the carcass joints and the alignment of the base panels. Wobbling, despite tight screws, can be caused by slight deformation of the base or the back panel.
My tip: Check if the back panel lies completely flat against the edges of the carcass and that the fasteners (nails, screws) are not only inserted but fully pressed in.
Additionally, the wall mounting bracket (included) significantly increases tilt and lateral stability. This is often underestimated, and using small metal furniture mounting strips on the backside can also help.
Finally, appropriate floor leveling elements are essential on uneven surfaces.
My tip: Check if the back panel lies completely flat against the edges of the carcass and that the fasteners (nails, screws) are not only inserted but fully pressed in.
Additionally, the wall mounting bracket (included) significantly increases tilt and lateral stability. This is often underestimated, and using small metal furniture mounting strips on the backside can also help.
Finally, appropriate floor leveling elements are essential on uneven surfaces.
I completely understand how annoying the wobbling can be – I experienced the same with my Malm dresser. What bothered me most was the uncertainty about whether it might tip over someday.
My advice: Take the time to carefully disassemble and reassemble the dresser step by step. I found that sometimes the wooden dowels or plates holding the screws can shift slightly or loosen a bit, which increases wobbling.
And very important: If you have pets or small children, definitely secure the furniture to the wall. This simply provides much greater safety.
My advice: Take the time to carefully disassemble and reassemble the dresser step by step. I found that sometimes the wooden dowels or plates holding the screws can shift slightly or loosen a bit, which increases wobbling.
And very important: If you have pets or small children, definitely secure the furniture to the wall. This simply provides much greater safety.
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chenValeri7 Mar 2020 08:42A quick fix for minor unevenness: attach small foam pads to the dresser legs. This makes the furniture more stable and prevents noise. However, wall mounting is the best option if greater stability is needed.
Thank you for the many valuable tips and advice!
Yesterday, I checked the dresser with a spirit level—there is a minimal height difference of about 3 mm (0.1 inches) at one corner. Today, I will get some small furniture wedges to place underneath and double-check the back panel to ensure it fits flush.
I will also install the wall anchor since I have children and want to reduce the risk of tipping. I wasn’t entirely sure if this is always necessary for the Malm, but now I see that it is definitely sensible and intended.
I’m curious if this will stop the wobbling. I’ll get back to you with feedback—thanks to you all!
Yesterday, I checked the dresser with a spirit level—there is a minimal height difference of about 3 mm (0.1 inches) at one corner. Today, I will get some small furniture wedges to place underneath and double-check the back panel to ensure it fits flush.
I will also install the wall anchor since I have children and want to reduce the risk of tipping. I wasn’t entirely sure if this is always necessary for the Malm, but now I see that it is definitely sensible and intended.
I’m curious if this will stop the wobbling. I’ll get back to you with feedback—thanks to you all!
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