ᐅ Why do Malm drawers sometimes suddenly get stuck?

Created on: 17 Sep 2022 08:36
J
jermainefr
Hello everyone,

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed that the drawers of my IKEA Malm dressers sometimes stick unexpectedly or only open with some effort. I am curious why this happens, even though the drawers are installed properly and aligned well, and don’t appear to be overloaded.

Are there common causes for this issue? Could it be due to material warping, mechanical tolerances, or perhaps how the rails or rollers function?

I look forward to your insights and advice on how to fix this problem permanently.
R
rebufar
18 Sep 2022 08:24
I think this issue is often overestimated. Malm is essentially a low-budget piece of furniture, so minor fitting inaccuracies are normal.

If you prefer precise drawers, you shouldn't expect too much from IKEA, of course. Maybe the problem also lies in the expectation that everything should work perfectly without any adjustments.
Joe52 schrieb:
that small adjustments to the drawer slides often work wonders?

That's exactly the magic word – even with supposedly inexpensive furniture, you can make improvements. Not every drawer will come out of the factory perfectly.
P
peovin
19 Sep 2022 14:09
The role of moisture should not be underestimated. In poorly heated or damp rooms, the wooden component may swell, causing it to stick. Usually, this is not an issue in dry air. So, be sure to also consider basements and bathrooms.
S
SETHBLA
19 Sep 2022 14:53
As a supplement: Check if all screws on the guide rails are tightened evenly. Uneven pressure can cause tension and jamming. Then, fully pull out the drawer and gently push it back in.
J
Joe52
20 Sep 2022 17:26
rebufar schrieb:
Maybe the issue is also the expectation that everything should work perfectly without adjustments.

There is definitely some truth to that. However, I also think it’s reasonable to expect solid workmanship.

For me personally, it’s less about perfection and more about durability. Making minor adjustments is fine, but if the drawers start sticking after a short time, it means material or workmanship was compromised.
Giagau schrieb:
Material changes caused by moisture affect the drawer slides.

That explains a lot, especially when furniture is placed in varying climate zones. Thanks for pointing that out 🙂