ᐅ Why do MALM drawers sometimes get stuck?

Hello everyone, I have a somewhat specific question: Why do MALM drawers sometimes stick?

I have noticed that the drawers of my MALM dresser occasionally get stuck or are difficult to open and close smoothly, even though I don’t overfill them or use them improperly. Especially when the drawers are open, the resistance feels unpleasant and uneven at a certain point.

Could this be related to the drawer slide system or the build quality? Maybe the material or installation is also a factor? I would like to understand better what causes this before I consider any major modifications or repairs.

I look forward to your experiences and technical explanations regarding this issue. Thank you!

MALM drawers usually stick because the runners are misaligned. Simply check if the runners are installed parallel and the screws are tight.

The jamming of MALM drawers often results from a combination of factors.

Firstly, the metal ball-bearing slides tend to bend slightly under load or shift a bit due to loosening screws. This significantly affects the smoothness of operation.

Secondly, the way the slides are installed—especially whether they are mounted precisely level and parallel—also impacts how smoothly the drawer runs. Paint or dust residues in the slides can additionally cause friction.

In terms of materials, the drawers made of MDF with a coating are generally fine; the main issue usually lies with the mechanics and alignment. Regularly checking and tightening the screws can often help resolve the problem.

Fubjarne3 schrieb:
Why do MALM drawers sometimes stick?

Hello! Very good question, I’m quite familiar with this problem.

Sometimes MALM drawers stick because the slides can bend slightly due to excessive weight inside the drawers. This causes the metal ball bearings to no longer roll smoothly. Uneven loading can also throw the drawers off balance.

In addition, moisture can cause the MDF material to expand slightly, which can quickly lead to sticking if clearances are small. Adjusting the slides or removing some items that overload the drawer can help here.

If you disassemble the drawer, you can also check for any loose screws, which are often overlooked. Unfortunately, the various components are not always very robust, especially with regular use and heavy loads. Patience helps—once corrected, the drawer usually works smoothly again.

Often, it is also related to dirt or small foreign objects in the tracks. Check the tracks for crumbs, dust, or hair, as this can sometimes fix the problem immediately.

valentino schrieb:
Slight bending under load or loosening of screws

Thank you, that already helps a lot! I will go ahead and check the screws right away.

Could the problem be related to the drawer slide if the drawer is hanging crooked due to improper installation? I wasn’t very thorough with that, and the chest of drawers was quite wobbly.

reece70 schrieb:
Dirt or small foreign objects in the drawer slides

I will check that as well. Thanks!