Hello everyone,
I have a somewhat specific question that has been on my mind for a while: Why do the screws in Malm furniture—especially in drawers and shelves—often come loose after some time?
I’ve noticed that the screws aren’t just loose because they weren’t tightened enough. It seems like the material or the construction somehow causes the screws to loosen on their own over time.
Does anyone here know the reasons behind this, such as the furniture material, the type of screws, or the assembly method? Are there particular technical reasons or physical factors (like load, vibrations, moisture) that make this problem occur more frequently in Malm furniture?
I would appreciate detailed explanations and, of course, tips on how to prevent this. Thanks in advance!
I have a somewhat specific question that has been on my mind for a while: Why do the screws in Malm furniture—especially in drawers and shelves—often come loose after some time?
I’ve noticed that the screws aren’t just loose because they weren’t tightened enough. It seems like the material or the construction somehow causes the screws to loosen on their own over time.
Does anyone here know the reasons behind this, such as the furniture material, the type of screws, or the assembly method? Are there particular technical reasons or physical factors (like load, vibrations, moisture) that make this problem occur more frequently in Malm furniture?
I would appreciate detailed explanations and, of course, tips on how to prevent this. Thanks in advance!
Hello Dulous,
I can totally understand how frustrating it is when screws keep loosening. I have experienced something similar, especially with inexpensive furniture where the screws often became loose after some time.
I believe with Malm furniture, this is due to the combination of particleboard and the use of connector fittings that are not designed for continuous stress. Additionally, some furniture is moved around during everyday use, which causes slight vibrations.
Yes, that’s really the case. Screws in particleboard can loosen over time because the material gives way. From my experience, you have to be very careful during assembly, and it’s best to use a bit of wood glue at the joints.
If anyone here has more technical details, I’d be happy to hear them!
I can totally understand how frustrating it is when screws keep loosening. I have experienced something similar, especially with inexpensive furniture where the screws often became loose after some time.
I believe with Malm furniture, this is due to the combination of particleboard and the use of connector fittings that are not designed for continuous stress. Additionally, some furniture is moved around during everyday use, which causes slight vibrations.
Dulous schrieb:
It seems like the material or the construction somehow causes the screws to loosen on their own over time.
Yes, that’s really the case. Screws in particleboard can loosen over time because the material gives way. From my experience, you have to be very careful during assembly, and it’s best to use a bit of wood glue at the joints.
If anyone here has more technical details, I’d be happy to hear them!
Hello Dulous and koduga,
the issue of screws loosening in furniture, especially in modular pieces like IKEA’s Malm series, can actually be explained quite well from a physical perspective and is frequently discussed in technical literature.
Fundamentally, the causes are related to the material properties and the joining techniques used. Malm furniture is mainly made from particleboard or MDF, coated with decorative paper. These materials have lower strength compared to solid wood, particularly around connection points where screws are inserted.
This “yielding” causes minimal movement of the screw within the hole, gradually unscrewing the thread. Everyday vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and moisture all play a significant role in this process.
Another point is the assembly hardware: such furniture often uses cam connectors or small screws that only engage with a shallow depth. This results in a lack of long-term holding power.
To prevent this, I recommend:
- Using threadlocker (Loctite) during assembly
- For thicker screws, achieving greater screw depth by pre-drilling holes
- Reinforcing with knock-in nuts or metal threaded inserts, if possible
I hope this helps you a bit.
the issue of screws loosening in furniture, especially in modular pieces like IKEA’s Malm series, can actually be explained quite well from a physical perspective and is frequently discussed in technical literature.
Fundamentally, the causes are related to the material properties and the joining techniques used. Malm furniture is mainly made from particleboard or MDF, coated with decorative paper. These materials have lower strength compared to solid wood, particularly around connection points where screws are inserted.
koduga schrieb:
Screws in pressboard can loosen over time because the material yields.
This “yielding” causes minimal movement of the screw within the hole, gradually unscrewing the thread. Everyday vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and moisture all play a significant role in this process.
Another point is the assembly hardware: such furniture often uses cam connectors or small screws that only engage with a shallow depth. This results in a lack of long-term holding power.
To prevent this, I recommend:
- Using threadlocker (Loctite) during assembly
- For thicker screws, achieving greater screw depth by pre-drilling holes
- Reinforcing with knock-in nuts or metal threaded inserts, if possible
I hope this helps you a bit.
Technical details: The Malm series uses particle boards with furniture foil, typically joined with minifix screws and cam locks. Particle boards are less dimensionally stable than solid wood, which can cause long-term deformation and thus reduce the holding strength of the screws.
The result is frequent loosening of the screws.
From a technical perspective, many such pieces of furniture were designed for short-term loads. Continuous, heavy use—such as frequent opening and closing of drawers—accelerates the loosening.
Mechanically, light shear and tensile forces act, and everyday vibrations and temperature fluctuations cause micro-movements at the connection points.
Practical tip: Additional securing with threadlocker or embedding metal nuts can help.
The result is frequent loosening of the screws.
From a technical perspective, many such pieces of furniture were designed for short-term loads. Continuous, heavy use—such as frequent opening and closing of drawers—accelerates the loosening.
Mechanically, light shear and tensile forces act, and everyday vibrations and temperature fluctuations cause micro-movements at the connection points.
Practical tip: Additional securing with threadlocker or embedding metal nuts can help.
Here is a brief "tutorial" on how to repair Malm furniture when the screws become loose:
1. Completely unscrew and carefully take the furniture part apart.
2. Check the threads in the particleboard – often the holes are worn out.
3. Mix wood glue with wood shavings in the hole and, if necessary, insert small wooden plugs for a denser structure.
4. After drying, reinsert the screws using threadlocker (e.g., screw adhesive).
5. If possible, use metal threaded inserts – these ensure a durable screw hold.
6. Carefully reassemble the furniture, making sure there is no overstressing or uneven load.
Yes, the material properties of particleboard and the load dynamics cause this.
1. Completely unscrew and carefully take the furniture part apart.
2. Check the threads in the particleboard – often the holes are worn out.
3. Mix wood glue with wood shavings in the hole and, if necessary, insert small wooden plugs for a denser structure.
4. After drying, reinsert the screws using threadlocker (e.g., screw adhesive).
5. If possible, use metal threaded inserts – these ensure a durable screw hold.
6. Carefully reassemble the furniture, making sure there is no overstressing or uneven load.
Dulous schrieb:
Gibt es da bestimmte technische Gründe oder physikalische Prozesse ...
Yes, the material properties of particleboard and the load dynamics cause this.
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