Hello everyone,
I have a problem with an IKEA Malm chest of drawers where the drawers no longer slide as smoothly as they used to. They sometimes stick or jerk when being pulled out, especially the larger drawers with wooden or metal runners. Occasionally, it seems like the sliding rails may misalign slightly.
Has anyone had experience with what exactly can be done to restore the drawers to smooth, like-new operation? I have already considered cleaning and re-lubricating, but I would like to know precisely which lubricant is suitable and if there are any alignment issues to watch out for when adjusting the drawers.
I appreciate any helpful tips and possibly notes on known weak points of these MALM models. Thanks in advance!
I have a problem with an IKEA Malm chest of drawers where the drawers no longer slide as smoothly as they used to. They sometimes stick or jerk when being pulled out, especially the larger drawers with wooden or metal runners. Occasionally, it seems like the sliding rails may misalign slightly.
Has anyone had experience with what exactly can be done to restore the drawers to smooth, like-new operation? I have already considered cleaning and re-lubricating, but I would like to know precisely which lubricant is suitable and if there are any alignment issues to watch out for when adjusting the drawers.
I appreciate any helpful tips and possibly notes on known weak points of these MALM models. Thanks in advance!
For upgrading the Malm drawers:
1. Pull the drawer out completely, so it is extended but not fully detached.
2. Press or lift the small levers or clips on the runners (depending on the model) to disconnect the drawer.
3. Carefully remove the drawer.
Replacing the runners is straightforward, especially if the dimensions match, as the screw holes are identical. Important: do not use force; plastic components can break.
1. Pull the drawer out completely, so it is extended but not fully detached.
2. Press or lift the small levers or clips on the runners (depending on the model) to disconnect the drawer.
3. Carefully remove the drawer.
Replacing the runners is straightforward, especially if the dimensions match, as the screw holes are identical. Important: do not use force; plastic components can break.
T
Timmyse3627 Jul 2022 13:21I find it very helpful that tips on replacement and careful handling are being shared here. It becomes clear that the topic requires not only practical cleaning advice but also an open exchange about alternatives and problem-solving.
Thank you for the constructive atmosphere here 🙂
Thank you for the constructive atmosphere here 🙂
Thanks to everyone so far for the helpful contributions. Yesterday, I cleaned the sliding rails and treated them with silicone spray. Much better now, but I will keep the possibility of replacement in mind in case the problem reoccurs.
One last question: Does anyone have experience with a DIY tip on how to straighten or reinforce slight warping at the edges of drawers? Mine are slightly bent, which makes inserting them more difficult.
One last question: Does anyone have experience with a DIY tip on how to straighten or reinforce slight warping at the edges of drawers? Mine are slightly bent, which makes inserting them more difficult.
G
Genevieve27 Jul 2022 14:58dufifo schrieb:
Does anyone have experience with a DIY tip on how to straighten slight warping on drawer edges?Wood tends to warp with moisture and stress. One method is to slightly moisten the drawer and clamp it against a flat surface using C-clamps until it is completely dry. Be careful, as this can affect the finish, so test it first.
Alternatively, thin strips can be used as reinforcement on the inside, either screwed or glued in place.
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