Hello everyone,
A few months ago, I bought a Malm bed from IKEA and tightened the screws properly according to the assembly instructions. However, I have noticed that they keep loosening over time. My question is: why does this happen?
Many people mention that the Malm screws tend to loosen after a while, even when tightened correctly. Is this due to the material quality, the design, or the type of screws used?
I would like to understand what causes this issue and how to prevent it. Are there specific techniques, replacement screws, or other tips to solve this problem permanently?
A few months ago, I bought a Malm bed from IKEA and tightened the screws properly according to the assembly instructions. However, I have noticed that they keep loosening over time. My question is: why does this happen?
Many people mention that the Malm screws tend to loosen after a while, even when tightened correctly. Is this due to the material quality, the design, or the type of screws used?
I would like to understand what causes this issue and how to prevent it. Are there specific techniques, replacement screws, or other tips to solve this problem permanently?
Hey, great topic! 🙂 I’ve experienced the same issue with my Malm table. What helped me was simply retightening all the screws properly after some time and using a medium-strength threadlocker!
That holds really well and keeps everything stable. Of course, with furniture you can’t tighten screws as much as with machines requiring very high torque, but this method is stable enough and the screws don’t come loose so easily anymore.
Give it a try!
That holds really well and keeps everything stable. Of course, with furniture you can’t tighten screws as much as with machines requiring very high torque, but this method is stable enough and the screws don’t come loose so easily anymore.
Give it a try!
Parmin schrieb:
In my opinion, not only the material quality matters, but also the specific design of the screw connections in MALM.I fully agree with that.
The connection method used in MALM beds is a kind of dowel-cam combination, where the screw basically presses against a pre-inserted metal sleeve. This sleeve is clamped inside the particleboard.
If this sleeve becomes loose or if there is any play in the threading, the connection can quickly weaken. This means that even if the screw itself doesn’t unscrew, the development of play causes the connection to seem loose.
My recommendation is therefore to check the tightness and consider replacing or reinforcing the connecting sleeves if needed.
Good morning,
I would like to briefly summarize and ask for confirmation:
- The cause lies in the combination of MDF/particleboard and the fastening technique (cam lock, connecting bolts).
- Dynamic stress and material properties cause the connection to loosen.
- Wood glue can help reinforce the material.
- Screws can be stabilized with threadlocker.
- Retightening is absolutely necessary.
Is this correct?
Additionally, I am interested if there are any experience-based estimates on how long the screws typically hold before they actually feel loose?
I would like to briefly summarize and ask for confirmation:
- The cause lies in the combination of MDF/particleboard and the fastening technique (cam lock, connecting bolts).
- Dynamic stress and material properties cause the connection to loosen.
- Wood glue can help reinforce the material.
- Screws can be stabilized with threadlocker.
- Retightening is absolutely necessary.
Is this correct?
Additionally, I am interested if there are any experience-based estimates on how long the screws typically hold before they actually feel loose?
lafra schrieb:
Is this correct?That is exactly right.
The lifespan depends greatly on usage and load. Usually, the first loosening becomes noticeable after 6 to 12 months at the latest.
Regular retightening every 3 months or so is a good practice, especially under heavy stress.
I would also recommend considering reinforcements like metal brackets or additional anchors if the looseness becomes significant, as long as it doesn’t compromise the appearance too much.
mifusau schrieb:
If this sleeve becomes loose or there is play in the thread, the connection can quickly weaken.This is exactly where I see the core of the problem: this sleeve is prone to wear.
I wonder why IKEA does not use more durable metal threaded inserts that provide a significantly better fixation.
Does anyone here know if there are official replacement parts or improvements from IKEA? Or if users have developed their own retrofit solutions?
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