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 issue—perhaps also tips on how to reliably prevent it.
SUFOJE schrieb:
IKEA usually only mentions tightening the screws again after the first use in their assembly instructions.Exactly, and I would add: It is advisable to systematically check and retighten all connections after about two weeks. This is especially important if the cabinet is located in a more humid environment. Also, keep in mind that overtightening can cause the chipboard to fray, which then reduces the screw’s holding strength.
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PECLARISSA4 Sep 2022 10:05If I may add a humorous note: Sometimes it's not just the screws, but life itself, that makes us wobble. ;-)
Jokes aside – another tip: If the screws really keep coming loose, you can try damping the vibrations from the inside with tape or small felt pads. Not magical, but it helps! 🙂
Jokes aside – another tip: If the screws really keep coming loose, you can try damping the vibrations from the inside with tape or small felt pads. Not magical, but it helps! 🙂
I see, the cause is therefore a combination of material quality, installation method, and use. I will treat the screws with threadlocker and be careful when retightening to avoid damaging the chipboard. Regular inspections also make sense. Thank you very much for the detailed feedback, especially to those who addressed the technical details!
mankla schrieb:
I will treat the screws with threadlocker and be careful when retightening to avoid damaging the chipboard.That is exactly the right approach. It is important to use the correct screws, avoid overtightening, and if necessary, use slim wooden dowels in damaged drill holes to reinforce the connection.Similar topics