Hello everyone, I have an issue with my IKEA Malm chest of drawers that’s really bothering me: the top drawer doesn’t close properly anymore. When I push it shut, it doesn’t fully latch by itself and always stays slightly open, no matter how hard I press or adjust it. I’ve checked for anything stuck or blocking the drawer, but the interior is clear and the runners seem to be fine. Does anyone know this problem or can suggest steps to get the drawer closing smoothly again? I suspect it might be related to the mechanism on the runners, but I’m not sure how to fix it or which parts I should check or replace. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!
deosar schrieb:
I suspect it might have to do with the mechanism on the drawer slides Hi! That sounds really frustrating – but don’t worry, sometimes the Malm dresser can be a bit tricky ;-) Often the latch mechanism gets misaligned or the drawer isn’t properly seated. Try pulling the drawer fully out and cleaning the drawer slides thoroughly; dust or small crumbs can sometimes cause blockages.
It can also help to slightly adjust the slide – IKEA uses small plastic parts that can be gently repositioned to allow smoother movement. If you suspect a component is damaged, you might want to check if the replacement part is still available from IKEA. Good luck – and don’t let it get to you, the drawer will close smoothly again soon! 🙂
deosar schrieb:
The top drawer no longer closes properly I can understand how frustrating that can be. I once had a similar issue with another chest of drawers, where the wood itself had warped slightly due to moisture, causing the drawer not to sit properly on the runners. Have you checked if the front panel or the wood has warped?
Sometimes you don’t notice it right away, but that can block the drawer. It may also help to tighten the screws on the runners and make sure everything is securely fixed. If the chest of drawers is older, a small adjustment like this can work wonders. Good luck with your inspection!
botibo schrieb:
Try fully pulling out the drawer and cleaning the sliding rails thoroughly Thanks for the tip, I tried that right away. The rail was indeed a bit dusty, but after cleaning it, it barely made any difference.
Lisele schrieb:
Have you checked if the front panel or the wood is warped? I looked closely with a light, and it does actually look a bit different compared to the lower drawers. It might be that the front panel is slightly misaligned. Is there a simple way to tighten or adjust it? The screws seem fine, but I’m hesitant to turn them too much for fear of causing damage.
M
MATHIASDO11 Jan 2018 15:42deosar schrieb:
I’m hesitant to turn too much for fear of causing damage That’s understandable, but keep in mind: The drawers of the Malm dresser are designed to allow for slight adjustments. The screws on the runners are usually small Phillips screws that are generally safe to loosen or tighten carefully. It’s important to make only small adjustments at a time and regularly reinsert and test the drawer.
I also recommend checking the runners for wear or damage; sometimes small plastic components break off, which can cause malfunctions. Are there any visible issues with the plastic guides or the rollers?
You should never overlook the locking mechanism: If the “stopper” or “damper” is broken, the drawer won’t close properly. In your case, a close visual inspection of the drawer alignment, the runners, and the locking systems would be advisable.
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