Hello Community,
I have the following problem: The drawer slides on my Malm dressers are damaged, which results in rough movement, occasional detachment of the drawers, and generally difficult opening and closing. The slides seem to be wear parts after several years of use.
My question for you is: What is the best way to replace these Malm drawer slides?
I am interested in specific tips for disassembly, which screws need to be removed, whether I need any special tools, how to identify the correct replacement parts, and how to reassemble everything neatly so that the drawer does not stick or wobble.
Is there anything particular to watch out for with this model?
Thank you in advance for your detailed advice!
I have the following problem: The drawer slides on my Malm dressers are damaged, which results in rough movement, occasional detachment of the drawers, and generally difficult opening and closing. The slides seem to be wear parts after several years of use.
My question for you is: What is the best way to replace these Malm drawer slides?
I am interested in specific tips for disassembly, which screws need to be removed, whether I need any special tools, how to identify the correct replacement parts, and how to reassemble everything neatly so that the drawer does not stick or wobble.
Is there anything particular to watch out for with this model?
Thank you in advance for your detailed advice!
Hello Domo47,
have you already checked whether the slides are just dirty or actually damaged? Often, thoroughly cleaning the tracks and treating them with a suitable lubricant (e.g., silicone spray) helps before considering replacement.
If replacement is necessary, it is helpful to first completely remove the drawer. Usually, the slides can be easily loosened with a Phillips screwdriver – check the screws, which are often located along the inner cabinet side walls.
When ordering replacement parts, I recommend carefully reading the model number (usually found on the slide or on a small sticker). Compatible reproduction parts are available as original or aftermarket products.
For installation: make sure to align the slides precisely so the drawer doesn’t stick or run crooked. It’s best to check with a spirit level and initially tighten the screws only lightly, then fully secure them after testing.
If you want, I can write you a step-by-step guide.
Best regards!
have you already checked whether the slides are just dirty or actually damaged? Often, thoroughly cleaning the tracks and treating them with a suitable lubricant (e.g., silicone spray) helps before considering replacement.
If replacement is necessary, it is helpful to first completely remove the drawer. Usually, the slides can be easily loosened with a Phillips screwdriver – check the screws, which are often located along the inner cabinet side walls.
When ordering replacement parts, I recommend carefully reading the model number (usually found on the slide or on a small sticker). Compatible reproduction parts are available as original or aftermarket products.
For installation: make sure to align the slides precisely so the drawer doesn’t stick or run crooked. It’s best to check with a spirit level and initially tighten the screws only lightly, then fully secure them after testing.
If you want, I can write you a step-by-step guide.
Best regards!
Hello Domo47,
I’m happy to go into detail on this topic, as Malm dressers usually don’t have simple metal drawer slides but rather ball-bearing runners with special clips.
First, you should check whether your drawer uses side-mounted metal slides or under-mounted runners, as some models differ here.
1. Remove the drawer: Pull the drawer out completely and tilt it slightly to unhook the runners if needed. Malm drawers typically have a safety clip on the side that needs to be pressed or flipped up.
2. Disassemble the runner: Check the number and positions of the screws. Usually, there are 2-4 screws per runner holding the part in place. It’s important to loosen all screws and remember which ones came from where, as they often differ in length or diameter.
3. Identify replacement parts: IKEA generally does not sell runners individually, but third-party suppliers are available online. Provide the model number and your dresser’s size (e.g., width 80cm (31.5 inches)) to find the correct runners. Make sure to buy them in pairs to avoid problems later!
4. Installation: First, loosely screw in one side only, without tightening completely. Then reinsert the drawer, secure it, and move it gently several times to check for smooth motion.
5. Adjustments: If the drawer sticks, slightly adjust the position of the runners until it moves smoothly.
Can you specify exactly which materials and components are damaged? If springs or ball bearings are missing or broken, a different approach might be needed.
Best regards and good luck!
I’m happy to go into detail on this topic, as Malm dressers usually don’t have simple metal drawer slides but rather ball-bearing runners with special clips.
First, you should check whether your drawer uses side-mounted metal slides or under-mounted runners, as some models differ here.
1. Remove the drawer: Pull the drawer out completely and tilt it slightly to unhook the runners if needed. Malm drawers typically have a safety clip on the side that needs to be pressed or flipped up.
2. Disassemble the runner: Check the number and positions of the screws. Usually, there are 2-4 screws per runner holding the part in place. It’s important to loosen all screws and remember which ones came from where, as they often differ in length or diameter.
3. Identify replacement parts: IKEA generally does not sell runners individually, but third-party suppliers are available online. Provide the model number and your dresser’s size (e.g., width 80cm (31.5 inches)) to find the correct runners. Make sure to buy them in pairs to avoid problems later!
4. Installation: First, loosely screw in one side only, without tightening completely. Then reinsert the drawer, secure it, and move it gently several times to check for smooth motion.
5. Adjustments: If the drawer sticks, slightly adjust the position of the runners until it moves smoothly.
Can you specify exactly which materials and components are damaged? If springs or ball bearings are missing or broken, a different approach might be needed.
Best regards and good luck!
Z
zarHenning22 Apr 2022 11:03Pull out the drawer, loosen the screws on the guides, replace the broken parts, firmly screw in the new guides, put the drawer back in – done.
koneo schrieb:
If replacement is necessary, it’s helpful to remove the drawer completely first.I have already done that; the drawer can be fully removed.
glamo schrieb:
With Malm, there is usually a locking clip on the side that you need to press or lift up.That’s correct, I have to press the clip on the runner.
Regarding the damaged parts:
One drawer slide is bent and sticking, and some ball bearings in one runner have partially fallen out. The other runner still works but is quite stiff.
I don’t mind buying the correct replacement parts myself, but you’re right – getting original IKEA parts individually seems to be difficult.
I would prefer to install completely new runners since the old ones appear very worn.
Are there any special considerations during installation that I should definitely keep in mind? The alignment and adjustment process is still a bit unclear to me.
D
daalessio22 Apr 2022 14:28Hello Domo47,
accuracy is important when aligning the Malm drawer slides to ensure smooth drawer operation.
To prevent the drawer from sticking or running unevenly, I recommend lightly tightening all screws during installation first. Then insert the drawer and check if it runs smoothly.
Afterwards, gradually tighten the screws of the slides while repeatedly checking the fit.
Another tip: use a square or spirit level to verify that the slide rails are mounted perfectly parallel to the side panel. Even the smallest deviations can cause sticking.
If you are dealing with metal slides with ball bearings, greasing the bearings before installation can also help improve movement.
In your case, with the damaged slide and failed ball bearings, a complete replacement is definitely advisable.
Good luck!
accuracy is important when aligning the Malm drawer slides to ensure smooth drawer operation.
To prevent the drawer from sticking or running unevenly, I recommend lightly tightening all screws during installation first. Then insert the drawer and check if it runs smoothly.
Afterwards, gradually tighten the screws of the slides while repeatedly checking the fit.
Another tip: use a square or spirit level to verify that the slide rails are mounted perfectly parallel to the side panel. Even the smallest deviations can cause sticking.
If you are dealing with metal slides with ball bearings, greasing the bearings before installation can also help improve movement.
In your case, with the damaged slide and failed ball bearings, a complete replacement is definitely advisable.
Good luck!
Similar topics