Hello everyone,
I have an IKEA Malm chest of drawers with the original drawer handles and am considering replacing them with more modern handle bars or possibly even leather handles. Now my question is: Is it worth doing it myself (DIY installation), or is this better handled by professional tradespeople?
I would like to know how difficult it is to remove the original handles, whether special tools are needed, and what to watch out for when fitting the new handles. I’m also interested in whether the Malm drawer model has any particular features that make changing the handles more complicated.
Does anyone here have experience with DIY installation of drawer handles on IKEA Malm furniture or any tips on how to best approach this project?
I have an IKEA Malm chest of drawers with the original drawer handles and am considering replacing them with more modern handle bars or possibly even leather handles. Now my question is: Is it worth doing it myself (DIY installation), or is this better handled by professional tradespeople?
I would like to know how difficult it is to remove the original handles, whether special tools are needed, and what to watch out for when fitting the new handles. I’m also interested in whether the Malm drawer model has any particular features that make changing the handles more complicated.
Does anyone here have experience with DIY installation of drawer handles on IKEA Malm furniture or any tips on how to best approach this project?
For removing the handles on Malm drawers, I recommend fully pulling out the drawer first to easily access the screws on the inside. An affordable Phillips screwdriver or a small cordless screwdriver makes the job easier.
When installing the new handles, make sure the screws are not too long to avoid damaging the drawer back panel. Also, check whether the holes of the new handles match the existing ones; otherwise, you may need to carefully drill new holes.
When installing the new handles, make sure the screws are not too long to avoid damaging the drawer back panel. Also, check whether the holes of the new handles match the existing ones; otherwise, you may need to carefully drill new holes.
I know the feeling of starting a DIY project on a piece of furniture like the Malm and sometimes feeling unsure if you’re doing everything correctly. It’s great that you’re taking the effort to modify something yourself!
What helped me was patience and carefully reading the included assembly instructions or watching a video online. If the drawers seem hard to pull out, don’t use too much force to avoid causing damage. In my experience, changing a handle like this is completely manageable and can be fun 🙂
What helped me was patience and carefully reading the included assembly instructions or watching a video online. If the drawers seem hard to pull out, don’t use too much force to avoid causing damage. In my experience, changing a handle like this is completely manageable and can be fun 🙂
It’s great that you want to change the handles! New handles can completely transform a piece of furniture, and it feels fantastic when you do it yourself! 🙂
I recently installed leather handles on my furniture – it was easy, looked great, and I got a lot of compliments! Don’t be afraid to do your own renovations! Just remove the old handles, screw on the new ones – and you’re done! Good luck!!!
I recently installed leather handles on my furniture – it was easy, looked great, and I got a lot of compliments! Don’t be afraid to do your own renovations! Just remove the old handles, screw on the new ones – and you’re done! Good luck!!!
As an addition: Malm drawers generally have standardized drill holes specific to the handle type. When changing handles, it should be ensured that the new handles either have the same hole spacing or that adjustments are made carefully.
For self-installation, these factors are crucial:
1. Appropriate screw length
2. Accurate alignment of the drill holes
3. Avoiding over-tightening the screws to prevent damage to the material.
The required tools are minimal; a good Phillips screwdriver is sufficient. If uncertain, a small cordless drill can be useful to make the task easier.
Proper preparation and careful work reduce the risk of damage.
For self-installation, these factors are crucial:
1. Appropriate screw length
2. Accurate alignment of the drill holes
3. Avoiding over-tightening the screws to prevent damage to the material.
The required tools are minimal; a good Phillips screwdriver is sufficient. If uncertain, a small cordless drill can be useful to make the task easier.
Proper preparation and careful work reduce the risk of damage.
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