ᐅ My KALLAX unit always gets stuck or jammed when I try to move it – any tips?

Created on: 19 Aug 2020 08:23
Y
yekta0
Hello everyone,

I have a rather annoying problem with my KALLAX shelf from IKEA. Whenever I try to move or shift the module, it tends to get stuck or jammed. It feels as if the individual parts no longer fit properly on the floor beneath or on the caster wheels – the whole thing becomes unstable and is difficult to move without risking damage. Has anyone else experienced something similar or knows what might be causing this? I assembled the shelf just over a year ago, and it stands on a relatively smooth laminate floor. I would really appreciate any tips on how to fix or at least reduce this jamming issue. Thanks in advance!
B
BAUEVA
20 Aug 2020 09:55
yekta0 schrieb:
Would it help to somehow fix the shelf to the wall, or could that actually make the misalignment problem worse?

Attaching the shelf to the wall can definitely help reduce the misalignment issue by preventing it from tipping and allowing for a more stable load distribution. However, this is only beneficial if the attachment is secure and properly installed; otherwise, there could be shifts at other points that might worsen the misalignment.

Regarding the load, I would recommend distributing the weight as evenly as possible across the shelf, rather than concentrating it at the bottom. Uneven loads can create leverage effects that encourage misalignment.

Additionally, the positioning of the casters also affects how the shelf moves. If the casters are mounted mainly at the front and back and the shelf is loaded unevenly, there is a higher risk of tipping when it is being moved.

One last tip: if it suits you, you might consider replacing the original casters with higher-quality, self-rolling furniture casters that run more smoothly and flexibly.
J
jelite
21 Aug 2020 11:04
Here is a brief guide on how to systematically address the tilting of your KALLAX unit when moving it:

1. Check the casters:
- Are all casters fully installed and tightened?
- Do all casters roll freely and evenly?

2. Even load distribution on the shelf:
- Especially books and heavy items should not be concentrated in just one area.

3. Inspect the floor:
- Even seemingly level floors can have slight unevenness. Try leveling the unit using a spirit level.

4. Wall attachment:
- Secure the unit to the wall to prevent tipping.
- The attachment should be sturdy to avoid additional stress.

5. Alternative casters or floor protection:
- Consider whether higher-quality casters make sense for you.
- A non-slip mat can help but isn’t always the best solution.

If you haven’t done so yet: tighten all connections and, if necessary, reassemble the unit to rule out any unnoticed inaccuracies caused by assembly errors.

A small tip: When moving the unit, always use both hands and apply force evenly to prevent tilting. This is often an underestimated factor.

I hope this helps! 🙂