ᐅ Malm drawers sometimes come loose or fall out – how can I secure them properly?
Created on: 27 Feb 2023 09:12
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Pesireo
Hello everyone,
I have a problem with my IKEA Malm dressers where the drawers sometimes simply fall out if I pull them out too far. They run on metal runners, but it seems the catch is not reliable enough. Is there a simple and secure way to lock the drawers so they don’t come all the way out, without restricting their functionality?
Maybe someone has experience retrofitting safety stops or knows a simple trick that can be done by yourself. It’s important that the solution is sturdy because the dresser is used frequently and I don’t want to take any risks.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
I have a problem with my IKEA Malm dressers where the drawers sometimes simply fall out if I pull them out too far. They run on metal runners, but it seems the catch is not reliable enough. Is there a simple and secure way to lock the drawers so they don’t come all the way out, without restricting their functionality?
Maybe someone has experience retrofitting safety stops or knows a simple trick that can be done by yourself. It’s important that the solution is sturdy because the dresser is used frequently and I don’t want to take any risks.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
F
FeAndreas11 Mar 2023 14:08To supplement and systematize, here is a detailed technical approach:
1. Inspection of the slides: Malm typically uses simple lengthwise drawer slides that do not have built-in anti-drop features. Over time, the plastic or metal fixtures holding the drawer box are often the weak points.
2. Check whether the drawers run on standard side-mounted slides or on ball-bearing slides. This determines the selection of appropriate safety devices.
3. As a long-term solution, it is best to replace the original drawer slides with ones that have an integrated drawer lock, which are available online and from specialist retailers. These come with built-in anti-pinch functionality.
4. If replacement is not desired or feasible, installing drawer extension stops (for example, clip-stop sets) is recommended; these are mounted between the slide rail and the drawer.
5. A practical alternative can also be a simple wooden or metal strip fixed inside the side panel of the dresser, acting as a physical stop.
Finally, it is important: if the drawer has already fallen out, the entire drawer slide system should be checked for damaged components and replaced if necessary. Safety devices are only a temporary measure, not a substitute for defective mechanics.
How large are the drawers overall, and how heavy is the usual load? This information helps in selecting the right stops.
1. Inspection of the slides: Malm typically uses simple lengthwise drawer slides that do not have built-in anti-drop features. Over time, the plastic or metal fixtures holding the drawer box are often the weak points.
2. Check whether the drawers run on standard side-mounted slides or on ball-bearing slides. This determines the selection of appropriate safety devices.
3. As a long-term solution, it is best to replace the original drawer slides with ones that have an integrated drawer lock, which are available online and from specialist retailers. These come with built-in anti-pinch functionality.
4. If replacement is not desired or feasible, installing drawer extension stops (for example, clip-stop sets) is recommended; these are mounted between the slide rail and the drawer.
5. A practical alternative can also be a simple wooden or metal strip fixed inside the side panel of the dresser, acting as a physical stop.
Finally, it is important: if the drawer has already fallen out, the entire drawer slide system should be checked for damaged components and replaced if necessary. Safety devices are only a temporary measure, not a substitute for defective mechanics.
How large are the drawers overall, and how heavy is the usual load? This information helps in selecting the right stops.
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