I recently bought a Malm wardrobe from IKEA and unfortunately noticed that the screws tend to loosen repeatedly after some time. This not only causes unstable joints but also makes the wardrobe wobbly and uncomfortable to use. My question is directed to anyone experienced with furniture connections: Why do screws in Malm wardrobes loosen so frequently? Is it due to the material, the screws themselves, the assembly, or are there other technical reasons, such as vibrations or stresses in the structure, that cause this? I am looking for as detailed explanations as possible to better understand the issueâperhaps also tips on how to reliably prevent it.
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PECLARISSA3 Sep 2022 11:15I recently wondered, "Why do these screws always come loose?" đ Of course, if you pull on it, the whole thing wiggles.
Besides the points mentioned, it could also be that the screws are not tightened correctlyâeither too loose or too tight. Small rubber washers or similar can sometimes helpâthey distribute the pressure more evenly and provide a better grip. So donât just tighten the screws firmly, secure them smartly, and everything will stay properly together. 🙂
Besides the points mentioned, it could also be that the screws are not tightened correctlyâeither too loose or too tight. Small rubber washers or similar can sometimes helpâthey distribute the pressure more evenly and provide a better grip. So donât just tighten the screws firmly, secure them smartly, and everything will stay properly together. 🙂
Thank you for the responses so far! I now understand the topic of threadlocker or screw locking compounds. Iâm also interested to know if IKEA itself has any official recommendations on how to permanently prevent this issue? Are there any recommended tools or special mounting materials for Malm wardrobes? Or is it more common to add appropriate solutions like threadlocker or washers yourself?
mankla schrieb:
I am also interested to know if IKEA itself already provides any official guidance on how to permanently avoid this issue?IKEA usually only mentions tightening the screws again after initial use in their assembly instructions. Beyond that, there are no official recommendations for additional measures like threadlocker or rubber washers. Since the furniture is designed for home use, the focus is largely on simple assembly and adjustment. Therefore, it is quite common for experienced users to add their own securing methods to improve stability.
To summarize objectively:
- Malm cabinets are made of particleboard, which provides only limited holding strength for screws.
- The assembly with standard screws is designed without additional reinforcement.
- Vibrations, tensile, or compressive forces can cause loosening.
- IKEA only recommends retightening screws; no enhanced technical reinforcement is provided.
Conclusion: To prevent long-term loosening, additional measures are necessary, such as using thread-locking compounds or replacing screws with more suitable fasteners.
- Malm cabinets are made of particleboard, which provides only limited holding strength for screws.
- The assembly with standard screws is designed without additional reinforcement.
- Vibrations, tensile, or compressive forces can cause loosening.
- IKEA only recommends retightening screws; no enhanced technical reinforcement is provided.
Conclusion: To prevent long-term loosening, additional measures are necessary, such as using thread-locking compounds or replacing screws with more suitable fasteners.
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