Hello everyone, I have the following issue with my IKEA Malm chest of drawers: Recently, some of the drawers no longer open or close properly. They get stuck on the slides, and when pulling them out, it feels like they are either running crooked or catching on something. The front does not appear warped, and I have already checked if anything inside is blocking the drawer. The chest of drawers is about 3 years old, has not been overloaded, and stands firmly. Does anyone have an idea what might be causing this or how I can fix the problem? Could this be wear on the drawer slides or an adjustment that needs to be made? Thanks in advance for your advice!
PANAR schrieb:
They get stuck on the rails, and when pulling them out, it feels like they either run crooked or catch somewhere.I know that feeling all too well; it’s really frustrating! The rollers or guides might be dirty or slightly bent—especially if the dresser has been in use for a few years, dust or small debris can block the mechanism. Can you fully remove the drawer to clean the rails thoroughly? Sometimes a bit of silicone spray can help as well. I totally understand your frustration, since the MALM is supposed to be quite sturdy.
The MALM dresser typically uses a combination of ball-bearing drawer slides and plastic guides. If the drawer no longer opens smoothly, I would recommend first inspecting the slides carefully. Often, a layer of dust or small fibers on the wheels causes irregular movement.
The following steps:
1. Fully pull out the affected drawer to check the mechanics without any load.
2. Check for bent or worn slides. Aluminum can easily become deformed under excessive pressure.
3. Clean both the slides and the wheels with a lint-free cloth and, if necessary, a lubricant spray (silicone is often better than oil, as it attracts less dirt).
4. Also check the position of the drawer front in case it has shifted.
Could you please specify whether the drawers stick on just one side or overall? And has the dresser recently been moved or frequently relocated? These details are important, as misalignment can sometimes be due to the installation.
The following steps:
1. Fully pull out the affected drawer to check the mechanics without any load.
2. Check for bent or worn slides. Aluminum can easily become deformed under excessive pressure.
3. Clean both the slides and the wheels with a lint-free cloth and, if necessary, a lubricant spray (silicone is often better than oil, as it attracts less dirt).
4. Also check the position of the drawer front in case it has shifted.
Could you please specify whether the drawers stick on just one side or overall? And has the dresser recently been moved or frequently relocated? These details are important, as misalignment can sometimes be due to the installation.
F
flo-Theres10 Dec 2024 07:48Filippo schrieb:
1. Fully pull out the affected drawerThis is an important point. With MALM dressers, removing the drawer is relatively easy, but you should avoid forcing the sliding rails to prevent damaging the mechanisms.
Additionally, I would like to add: if the rail or ball bearing is broken, you can often order the sliding rails individually as replacement parts. IKEA also offers a repair service if you need original components.
If the drawer only sticks slightly and there is no damage, cleaning it or applying a drop of waterproof lubricant often helps. It’s best if the dresser is placed on a level floor, as unevenness can also cause problems.
To address the issue precisely, it would be helpful to understand exactly where the resistance occurs. It is especially common for the drawer to warp at the front edge when opening or not slide smoothly in parallel.
Here is a brief guide for inspection:
- Detach the drawer front from the drawer (usually with a screwdriver or the clips on the side).
- Check the drawer slides for signs of wear or damage.
- Inspect whether the drawer itself is warped.
A warped cabinet carcass can also cause uneven movement. Please check if the cabinet still stands firmly and if there are any visible deformations in the frame.
Do you have the possibility to specify whether the problem occurs only with certain drawers or with all of them?
Here is a brief guide for inspection:
- Detach the drawer front from the drawer (usually with a screwdriver or the clips on the side).
- Check the drawer slides for signs of wear or damage.
- Inspect whether the drawer itself is warped.
A warped cabinet carcass can also cause uneven movement. Please check if the cabinet still stands firmly and if there are any visible deformations in the frame.
Do you have the possibility to specify whether the problem occurs only with certain drawers or with all of them?
Filippo schrieb:
Could you please specify whether the drawers stick only on one side or generally?Thank you for the detailed response! For me, they usually stick on the right side when opening; the sliding noise sounds uneven each time. The left side still runs quite smoothly, the front isn’t warped, and the chest of drawers is on a fairly level floor. I will try to remove the drawer tonight and inspect it more closely.
flo-Theres schrieb:
It’s best if the chest of drawers is placed on a level floorThat’s good to know. Our floor is level, but I will double-check with a spirit level.
If I find anything unusual, I will get back with more detailed information.
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