Hello everyone, I have a Malm dresser set from IKEA, and I want to replace the drawer runners because they no longer run smoothly and sometimes scrape. Specifically, I would like to know the best way to proceed with changing the runners: Do I need to completely remove the drawer? Are there specific screws or clips to watch out for? And which replacement runners are compatible or recommended? If anyone has experience repairing or replacing the runners in Malm drawers, I would be very grateful for a detailed step-by-step guide. Thanks in advance!
Hello Nondu,
first of all, great job describing your problem in such detail – that really helps! When replacing the drawer rollers of an IKEA Malm dresser, you can proceed as follows:
1. Fully pull out the drawer – most Malm drawers do not have complicated slide mechanisms.
2. At the back of the drawer, you will find the rollers, which are usually attached with screws.
3. Remove the screws, take off the old rollers, and install the new ones accordingly. Make sure to use exactly the same rollers, as IKEA often has special sizes.
4. Then, put the drawer back in and check if it slides smoothly.
A common mistake is trying to replace the rollers while the drawer is still installed, which unnecessarily increases the effort. A tip: if the screws are stuck, use the appropriate screwdriver and apply some WD-40 to make it easier.
Regarding the choice of rollers: IKEA does not always offer replacement rollers directly in their store, so they can often be found through third-party sellers or spare parts dealers. Some recommend rollers from the "Malm" or "Alex" model lines, but be sure to check the measurements carefully.
If you want, I can also put together a list with links to suitable spare parts for you. Good luck!
first of all, great job describing your problem in such detail – that really helps! When replacing the drawer rollers of an IKEA Malm dresser, you can proceed as follows:
1. Fully pull out the drawer – most Malm drawers do not have complicated slide mechanisms.
2. At the back of the drawer, you will find the rollers, which are usually attached with screws.
3. Remove the screws, take off the old rollers, and install the new ones accordingly. Make sure to use exactly the same rollers, as IKEA often has special sizes.
4. Then, put the drawer back in and check if it slides smoothly.
A common mistake is trying to replace the rollers while the drawer is still installed, which unnecessarily increases the effort. A tip: if the screws are stuck, use the appropriate screwdriver and apply some WD-40 to make it easier.
Regarding the choice of rollers: IKEA does not always offer replacement rollers directly in their store, so they can often be found through third-party sellers or spare parts dealers. Some recommend rollers from the "Malm" or "Alex" model lines, but be sure to check the measurements carefully.
If you want, I can also put together a list with links to suitable spare parts for you. Good luck!
refinar schrieb:
1. Fully pull out the drawer – most Malm drawers don’t have complicated extension mechanisms.Haha, that pretty much sums it up. I once tried to keep the rollers in and just force the drawer out – spoiler: didn’t end well. 😀
So definitely take the drawer out. Oh, and I’d also recommend quickly wiping the bottom with a damp cloth beforehand – otherwise, dust just settles back in quickly when you’re already at it.
refinar schrieb:
If the screws are stuck, use the right screwdriver and apply some WD-40Sounds good, although my screwdriver without a slip clutch was a bit annoying, it still worked in the end. My recommendation: get a good screwdriver (if needed), it makes things a lot easier 😉
For replacement rollers, definitely pay attention to reviews. Sometimes the cheap ones wear out surprisingly fast. IKEA replacement parts are pricier but usually last longer.
I really appreciate how thoroughly you are covering the details here. I personally got quite frustrated as well when my drawers became difficult to open after extended use.
One thing I would add: take your time and, if possible, take photos of the drawer assembly beforehand. This can be very helpful later if you’re unsure how everything fits together.
I also understand feeling uncertain about how tight to screw in the screws – too loose and the drawer wobbles, too tight and the material might crack. However, you usually get a feel for it after the first time 🙂
If you have any tips or experiences on how to stay motivated when doing these small furniture repairs, I’m really interested. Maybe this could even turn into a little repair guide for Malm drawers?
One thing I would add: take your time and, if possible, take photos of the drawer assembly beforehand. This can be very helpful later if you’re unsure how everything fits together.
I also understand feeling uncertain about how tight to screw in the screws – too loose and the drawer wobbles, too tight and the material might crack. However, you usually get a feel for it after the first time 🙂
If you have any tips or experiences on how to stay motivated when doing these small furniture repairs, I’m really interested. Maybe this could even turn into a little repair guide for Malm drawers?
Hello Nondu and everyone interested,
I would like to add to the discussion since I have repaired several Malm drawers myself. As already correctly mentioned, it is advisable to completely remove the drawer. It is important to carefully pull out the drawer while paying attention to the guides at the front and back to avoid damaging them.
In Malm drawers, the wheels are usually attached with small Phillips screws, typically 2-3 millimeters (about 0.08–0.12 inches) long. If you are looking for replacement wheels, make sure the axle position and diameter match exactly; otherwise, the drawer will not slide smoothly.
One more note: often, it’s not the wheel itself that is damaged but the bearing inside it, which causes noise or scraping. Sometimes, a drop of oil (not WD-40) can help to make the wheels run quieter and smoother again without having to replace them entirely.
To summarize:
- Remove the drawer
- Unscrew the wheels
- Purchase new wheels with the exact same dimensions
- Optionally try oiling old wheels
- Tighten screws firmly but avoid over-tightening
I hope this helps you move forward! If you like, I can also provide more details on the care and maintenance of drawers.
I would like to add to the discussion since I have repaired several Malm drawers myself. As already correctly mentioned, it is advisable to completely remove the drawer. It is important to carefully pull out the drawer while paying attention to the guides at the front and back to avoid damaging them.
In Malm drawers, the wheels are usually attached with small Phillips screws, typically 2-3 millimeters (about 0.08–0.12 inches) long. If you are looking for replacement wheels, make sure the axle position and diameter match exactly; otherwise, the drawer will not slide smoothly.
One more note: often, it’s not the wheel itself that is damaged but the bearing inside it, which causes noise or scraping. Sometimes, a drop of oil (not WD-40) can help to make the wheels run quieter and smoother again without having to replace them entirely.
To summarize:
- Remove the drawer
- Unscrew the wheels
- Purchase new wheels with the exact same dimensions
- Optionally try oiling old wheels
- Tighten screws firmly but avoid over-tightening
I hope this helps you move forward! If you like, I can also provide more details on the care and maintenance of drawers.
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