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Sarhanne5418 Oct 2021 08:34Hello everyone,
I have a specific issue with my Malm furniture (IKEA): the screws that connect the individual parts keep loosening, even though I have tightened them several times. This mainly affects the heavily loaded joints, such as the connections between the side panels and shelves.
I wonder if this is simply due to the type of wood or the quality of the screws, or if I am making a fundamental mistake during assembly. Are there any special tips or tools that can help prevent this constant need for retightening?
I hope someone here has experience and can explain why this happens and how I can fix it reliably—without having to check the screws all the time.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I have a specific issue with my Malm furniture (IKEA): the screws that connect the individual parts keep loosening, even though I have tightened them several times. This mainly affects the heavily loaded joints, such as the connections between the side panels and shelves.
I wonder if this is simply due to the type of wood or the quality of the screws, or if I am making a fundamental mistake during assembly. Are there any special tips or tools that can help prevent this constant need for retightening?
I hope someone here has experience and can explain why this happens and how I can fix it reliably—without having to check the screws all the time.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hey Sarhanne54,
It’s great that you brought up this topic – it can really be frustrating when screws keep coming loose. 😊
Often, this happens because the screws don’t hold firmly in the wood due to movement and stress, which causes them to gradually loosen. A simple but very effective method is to secure the screws with a threadlocker adhesive, such as Loctite or a similar product.
Alternatively, you can place small wooden or plastic shims underneath – these increase friction and help prevent the joints from loosening so quickly.
Sometimes, lightly re-drilling and using dowels or larger screws can help, but that requires a bit more hands-on work.
Give it a try and feel free to share how it goes! 😉
It’s great that you brought up this topic – it can really be frustrating when screws keep coming loose. 😊
Often, this happens because the screws don’t hold firmly in the wood due to movement and stress, which causes them to gradually loosen. A simple but very effective method is to secure the screws with a threadlocker adhesive, such as Loctite or a similar product.
Alternatively, you can place small wooden or plastic shims underneath – these increase friction and help prevent the joints from loosening so quickly.
Sometimes, lightly re-drilling and using dowels or larger screws can help, but that requires a bit more hands-on work.
Give it a try and feel free to share how it goes! 😉
Hello,
to approach the problem in a structured way: the repeated loosening of screws in Malm furniture often has the following causes:
1. Material fatigue or low density of the medium-density fiberboard (MDF) used by IKEA.
2. The screw threads gradually damaging the drilled holes.
3. Lack of threadlocker or suitable washers.
Possible solutions include:
- Using medium-strength threadlocker (e.g., Loctite 243).
- Inserting reinforcing sleeves or wood glue into the holes if damaged.
- Alternative screws with a larger diameter (must be well fitted).
- Installing additional corner braces or fittings for improved stability.
The issue is not necessarily due to assembly but often related to the material quality and the stresses on the furniture.
to approach the problem in a structured way: the repeated loosening of screws in Malm furniture often has the following causes:
1. Material fatigue or low density of the medium-density fiberboard (MDF) used by IKEA.
2. The screw threads gradually damaging the drilled holes.
3. Lack of threadlocker or suitable washers.
Possible solutions include:
- Using medium-strength threadlocker (e.g., Loctite 243).
- Inserting reinforcing sleeves or wood glue into the holes if damaged.
- Alternative screws with a larger diameter (must be well fitted).
- Installing additional corner braces or fittings for improved stability.
The issue is not necessarily due to assembly but often related to the material quality and the stresses on the furniture.
To clarify the topic precisely: The specific joining techniques used in Malm furniture mainly rely on so-called "biscuit joints" and cylinder bolts. These are not primarily designed for continuous heavy loads or frequent load changes.
Here are a few practical tips:
- Tighten all screws using a torque wrench, as tightening them "by hand" often results in too little or too much force.
- Before screwing, lightly apply wood glue to the holes to encourage swelling and thereby create a firm hold.
- For screws that frequently become loose, the holes are often stripped—use dowels or larger screws in these cases.
These points have proven effective in practice.
Here are a few practical tips:
- Tighten all screws using a torque wrench, as tightening them "by hand" often results in too little or too much force.
- Before screwing, lightly apply wood glue to the holes to encourage swelling and thereby create a firm hold.
- For screws that frequently become loose, the holes are often stripped—use dowels or larger screws in these cases.
These points have proven effective in practice.
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Sarhanne5418 Oct 2021 10:12TAUPLO schrieb:
Often it’s because the screws don’t hold straight in the wood due to movement and stress, causing them to slowly loosen.That sounds logical, thanks!
Benge5 schrieb:
Missing screw locking or appropriate washers.A question regarding this point: Are there specific washers that provide better grip with MDF wood? So far, I have used standard metal washers, but maybe there’s something that improves holding strength – does anyone have a recommendation?
Also, I haven’t used any adhesive yet. I wasn’t sure if it makes sense for furniture that might need to be taken apart again.
Hey Sarhanne54,
I agree with TAUPLO – a bit of threadlocker is often the best way to prevent screws from loosening over time.
Regarding your washers: there are so-called “spring washers” or tooth washers that provide more grip than simple flat washers. They press better into the wood surface and help prevent loosening more effectively.
And don’t worry about adhesives: there are removable threadlockers that can be undone with heat or mechanical force. So, avoid using superglue right away.
Oh, and if the wood is already a bit worn, sometimes using new, slightly thicker screws helps – but be careful not to overtighten.
If you want, try both: spring washers + threadlocker. 🙂
I agree with TAUPLO – a bit of threadlocker is often the best way to prevent screws from loosening over time.
Regarding your washers: there are so-called “spring washers” or tooth washers that provide more grip than simple flat washers. They press better into the wood surface and help prevent loosening more effectively.
And don’t worry about adhesives: there are removable threadlockers that can be undone with heat or mechanical force. So, avoid using superglue right away.
Oh, and if the wood is already a bit worn, sometimes using new, slightly thicker screws helps – but be careful not to overtighten.
If you want, try both: spring washers + threadlocker. 🙂
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