ᐅ Malm Furniture Loosens Shortly After Assembly – How to Tighten It?
Created on: 5 Aug 2021 08:37
P
pradaHello everyone,
I recently purchased and assembled a Malm dresser set, but I have noticed that some screws seem to become a bit loose shortly after assembly. My question is: What is the best way and with which tools can I tighten the connections on Malm furniture without damaging the material or compromising stability? Are there any specific procedures to follow, especially for this model? It would also be great if someone could explain how often it makes sense to retighten the screws and if there are certain tools that should be avoided.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
I recently purchased and assembled a Malm dresser set, but I have noticed that some screws seem to become a bit loose shortly after assembly. My question is: What is the best way and with which tools can I tighten the connections on Malm furniture without damaging the material or compromising stability? Are there any specific procedures to follow, especially for this model? It would also be great if someone could explain how often it makes sense to retighten the screws and if there are certain tools that should be avoided.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hello prada,
First of all, it is quite normal for furniture like Malm to settle slightly or for some joints to become a bit loose shortly after assembly or due to natural settling. This usually happens because the wood moves and the joints loosen minimally.
Regarding your concern: To tighten the screws, you should definitely use the correct size hex key (Allen wrench) that fits the screw head exactly. Using a key that is too large or too small can damage the screw or round off the head. Especially with Malm furniture, connections are often made with cam locks or dowel connectors, which should be tightened carefully and gradually.
Important: Do not just tighten every joint as much as possible blindly. The material is usually particle board with a veneer, and too much force can damage the material or pull out the connector. Instead, tighten each joint by about a quarter turn and then check if the stability has improved. After a few days, recheck because often there is a slight further settling.
For tools, a torque screwdriver is recommended if you have one, or at least a good quality hex key. Avoid using cordless drills to tighten screws, as they often apply too much torque.
How often to retighten? It is sufficient to check two to three times during the first two weeks after assembly – usually after that, everything stays in place. If something loosens over the long term, it makes sense to carefully retighten the screws.
One more question: Are the loose joints cam lock connectors or simple screws? Then I can give you more specific advice.
Best regards!
First of all, it is quite normal for furniture like Malm to settle slightly or for some joints to become a bit loose shortly after assembly or due to natural settling. This usually happens because the wood moves and the joints loosen minimally.
Regarding your concern: To tighten the screws, you should definitely use the correct size hex key (Allen wrench) that fits the screw head exactly. Using a key that is too large or too small can damage the screw or round off the head. Especially with Malm furniture, connections are often made with cam locks or dowel connectors, which should be tightened carefully and gradually.
Important: Do not just tighten every joint as much as possible blindly. The material is usually particle board with a veneer, and too much force can damage the material or pull out the connector. Instead, tighten each joint by about a quarter turn and then check if the stability has improved. After a few days, recheck because often there is a slight further settling.
For tools, a torque screwdriver is recommended if you have one, or at least a good quality hex key. Avoid using cordless drills to tighten screws, as they often apply too much torque.
How often to retighten? It is sufficient to check two to three times during the first two weeks after assembly – usually after that, everything stays in place. If something loosens over the long term, it makes sense to carefully retighten the screws.
One more question: Are the loose joints cam lock connectors or simple screws? Then I can give you more specific advice.
Best regards!
kibutar schrieb:
Important: Don’t just tighten every connection excessively without reason.I think this is an important point – it’s exactly what I was concerned about. In my case, there are actually cam lock fasteners on the side panels and simple wood screws at the back.
kibutar schrieb:
Avoid using cordless drills to retighten, as they often apply too much torque.I suspected that, but since I don’t have a torque tool, I wanted to ask if it works well using just a regular Allen key without pressing hard.
Thanks in advance for the detailed explanation!
Hello prada,
I completely understand how frustrating it is when the furniture isn’t fully stable, especially after a tiring assembly. I had the same experience with my Malm wardrobe.
My advice: Take your time when tightening the connections. Feel when the joint is secure but not overtightened or twisted. It helps to occasionally apply light pressure or gently push on the furniture while tightening to check if everything is holding firm.
I felt that the furniture “settled” after a short time – like
If you notice individual screws loosening frequently despite tightening, a small drop of wood glue on the dowels might help. But be careful to keep it invisible.
Good luck, it will work out!
I completely understand how frustrating it is when the furniture isn’t fully stable, especially after a tiring assembly. I had the same experience with my Malm wardrobe.
My advice: Take your time when tightening the connections. Feel when the joint is secure but not overtightened or twisted. It helps to occasionally apply light pressure or gently push on the furniture while tightening to check if everything is holding firm.
I felt that the furniture “settled” after a short time – like
kibutar schrieb:. That’s why I rechecked it twice during the first week. This gave me peace of mind and also meant my furniture remains stable today.
wood expands and contracts, causing connections to loosen slightly
If you notice individual screws loosening frequently despite tightening, a small drop of wood glue on the dowels might help. But be careful to keep it invisible.
Good luck, it will work out!
Hello prada and everyone here,
I find this topic really interesting! Especially with furniture you assemble yourself, you immediately feel proud when it stands firmly! 🙂
Tightening screws is really important, but even more important: don’t get frustrated if they loosen again. With my Malm furniture, I always checked and retightened the screws after 3-4 days. That gave me peace of mind, and now the pieces are rock solid!!
A little tip: If you’re not sure whether a screw can be tightened more, try turning it with your finger – if it still turns easily, it should be tightened. If not, better not force it.
This way, you’ll soon make friends with your furniture! Good luck! 🙂
I find this topic really interesting! Especially with furniture you assemble yourself, you immediately feel proud when it stands firmly! 🙂
Tightening screws is really important, but even more important: don’t get frustrated if they loosen again. With my Malm furniture, I always checked and retightened the screws after 3-4 days. That gave me peace of mind, and now the pieces are rock solid!!
A little tip: If you’re not sure whether a screw can be tightened more, try turning it with your finger – if it still turns easily, it should be tightened. If not, better not force it.
This way, you’ll soon make friends with your furniture! Good luck! 🙂
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