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!
Additional note: Temperature fluctuations in the room also play a role. Particle boards expand slightly and contract again. This movement causes screws to loosen more quickly than with solid wood.
Frequent opening and closing further intensifies this effect.
A tighter fit can be achieved with insert nuts or even longer screws, if technically feasible.
Frequent opening and closing further intensifies this effect.
A tighter fit can be achieved with insert nuts or even longer screws, if technically feasible.
A technical addendum: Screws that loosen in furniture often do so because of insufficient friction in the screw connection.
In plywood, the screw pushes aside the wood fibers and does not "grip" like it does in solid wood. This encourages slow unscrewing under repeated stress.
Therefore, screws with a ribbed shank or special wood screws are advisable.
Also important: regular inspection and retightening, especially during the first weeks.
I can only agree with that; moisture in particular causes swelling and shrinking.
In plywood, the screw pushes aside the wood fibers and does not "grip" like it does in solid wood. This encourages slow unscrewing under repeated stress.
Therefore, screws with a ribbed shank or special wood screws are advisable.
Also important: regular inspection and retightening, especially during the first weeks.
Jukin schrieb:
Temperature fluctuations and moisture play a major role.
I can only agree with that; moisture in particular causes swelling and shrinking.
Thanks for the useful information so far, I have another idea:
Maybe manufacturers choose simpler screws to save costs, which don’t provide as strong a hold. Especially for furniture like Malm, which is affordable and widely purchased.
Sometimes assembling furniture really feels like an experiment when you realize that "standard" screws are not ideal for the job.
Thirdly, it could also be due to the assembly tools. If you don’t tighten the screws precisely, they might loosen more quickly, I think.
It would be interesting to know if Malm products would perform better with different types of screws.
Fitigu schrieb:
Screws with a ribbed shaft are practical.
Maybe manufacturers choose simpler screws to save costs, which don’t provide as strong a hold. Especially for furniture like Malm, which is affordable and widely purchased.
Sometimes assembling furniture really feels like an experiment when you realize that "standard" screws are not ideal for the job.
Thirdly, it could also be due to the assembly tools. If you don’t tighten the screws precisely, they might loosen more quickly, I think.
It would be interesting to know if Malm products would perform better with different types of screws.
Good point about the types of screws. Manufacturers often choose fastening methods that reduce assembly stability in order to lower costs. These compromises lead to the problems described here.
Regarding assembly tools: ratchets or cordless screwdrivers with torque control are recommended. Otherwise, you either don’t tighten enough or risk damaging the wood.
That’s true :-).
In my experience, careful assembly using the appropriate torque control and thread-locking adhesive is one of the best ways to prevent later loosening.
Regarding assembly tools: ratchets or cordless screwdrivers with torque control are recommended. Otherwise, you either don’t tighten enough or risk damaging the wood.
koduga schrieb:
sometimes it feels like experimenting...
That’s true :-).
In my experience, careful assembly using the appropriate torque control and thread-locking adhesive is one of the best ways to prevent later loosening.
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