ᐅ Why do some Malm screws not hold firmly?

Hello everyone,

I have recently noticed several times that some confirmat screws do not sit firmly, even though it looks like they were tightened correctly. My question is: Why do some confirmat screws remain loose, despite being tightened with the correct tool and according to the instructions?

I am mainly thinking about factors such as the material used, thread quality, or possibly installation errors. I am interested in whether there are specific reasons why this problem occurs more frequently with confirmat screws and how it can be reliably prevented.

Does anyone have experience with this topic and can provide technical background or practical tips?

Often, the issue is caused by damaged or dirty threads. Always clean them before installation and consider using a lubricant.

Basically, there are two common reasons why confirming bolts do not hold securely: first, incorrect thread tolerances or poor-quality materials can affect the fit. Second, incorrect tightening torque or insufficient pre-cleaning can lead to inadequate grip.

It is advisable to always use the specified torque value and check the bolts for damage before installation.

BOSULE schrieb:
incorrect torque setting or insufficient pre-cleaning

I want to pick up on this again. Sometimes you might think the bolt is the star of the show, but one of the hidden culprits is often dirt or rust in the threads. A small particle of dirt can act like sand in the gears and prevent the bolt from properly tightening.

So occasionally cleaning both the bolt and the threads before installing them can work wonders! 🙂

To fully understand the issue of "Why do some Malm screws not hold firmly?" several technical factors need to be considered:

First, the material properties of both the screw and the mating material are crucial. Especially with soft materials or aluminum, threads can easily strip or deform. For Malm screws, which are often used in specific applications, this can be the reason for a loose fit.

Second, thread fit plays a major role. If screws with too much clearance tolerance are used, they can become loose more easily or may not engage properly at all. It is important to use the correct screw size and thread according to DIN standards.

Third, the assembly process: a torque wrench is not a luxury but a necessity. Excessive torque can damage the material, while too little torque prevents proper seating. Although many believe tightening well is enough, using the correct torque value is essential.

Fourth, preparation: threads should always be clean, free of corrosion, and lightly lubricated if the manufacturer permits. Dry assembly is not always advisable.

Finally, I would like to know in which application area the screws are used (wood, metal, mechanical engineering?) to tailor the advice better. The environment and load conditions also play a significant role.

Laukau5 schrieb:
Finally, I would like to know in which application area the screws will be used (wood, metal, mechanical engineering?) to optimize the answer?

Thank you for the detailed response. The Malm screws are mainly used in my case for furniture making and wood connections, and occasionally with lightweight metal profiles. The load is usually static but over a longer period.

Cordless screwdrivers are often used, so it’s difficult to apply the exact torque, but I pay attention to having a good feel when tightening.