IKEA MALM 104.731.50 3 Drawer Chest instructions manual

The IKEA MALM 104.731.50 is a 3-drawer chest constructed from particleboard, fiberboard, and ABS plastic. It features a clean, modern design with smooth-running drawers, a sturdy frame, and optional wall attachment for safety. Below are key sections for safety, parts list, assembly, installation, use, care, and troubleshooting.

1. Parts & Hardware 2. Safety Information 3. Assembly Instructions 4. Wall Attachment 5. Specifications 6. Drawer Installation & Use 7. Care & Maintenance 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty & Support

Parts & Hardware

Before assembly, verify all parts are present. Check packaging materials thoroughly.

Part DescriptionQuantityImage Ref.
Side Panel (Left & Right)2A1, A2
Back Panel1B
Drawer Fronts (Small)3C1-C3
Drawer Bottoms3D1-D3
Drawer Sides & Backs Set3 setsE
Top Panel1F
Base Front/Rail1G
Cam Lock Nuts10101
Screws20102
Wood Dowels10103
Drawer Glides (Left & Right sets)6 pieces104
Wall Attachment Bracket & Screws1 set105

Note: All hardware is included. Do not use substitute fasteners.

Safety Information

WARNING! SERIOUS OR FATAL CRUSHING HAZARD. Unanchored furniture can tip over. Always secure this chest to the wall using the provided wall attachment device.

  1. Tip-Over Prevention: Use the included wall attachment hardware to secure the chest to a solid wall stud. This is mandatory, especially in households with children.
  2. Assembly Surface: Assemble on a soft, clean surface (e.g., carpet, blanket) to prevent scratching.
  3. Lifting: The assembled unit is heavy. Lift with your legs, not your back. Use two people.
  4. Tool Safety: Use the provided Allen key carefully. Keep tools away from children.
  5. Drawer Safety: Do not allow children to climb on or play in the drawers. Do not overload drawers beyond capacity.

CAUTION! Follow all steps in order. Do not skip the wall attachment step.

Assembly Instructions

Estimated assembly time: 45-60 minutes. Tools needed: Supplied Allen key.

  1. Prepare Parts: Lay out all parts as shown in the manual illustration. Identify left (A1) and right (A2) side panels.
  2. Attach Drawer Glides: For each side panel, attach the three drawer glide rails (104) using screws (102). Ensure they are level and aligned with the pre-drilled holes.
  3. Connect Side Panels to Back Panel: Insert wood dowels (103) into the side panels. Align the back panel (B) and connect it to both side panels. Secure with cam lock nuts (101) by turning clockwise until tight.
  4. Attach Top Panel: Place the top panel (F) onto the assembled frame. Secure from underneath using the provided screws (102).
  5. Attach Base Front/Rail: Slide the base front/rail (G) into the slots at the bottom front of the side panels. It should click into place.
  6. Assemble Drawers:
    • Take one set of drawer sides/backs (E). Connect them using the dowels and cam locks to form a rectangular frame.
    • Place the drawer bottom (D) into the groove on all four sides. It should lie flat.
    • Attach the drawer front (C) to the front of the frame using screws from the inside of the drawer.
    Repeat for all three drawers.
  7. Install Drawer Glide Runners: Attach the matching glide runners (the other half of 104) to the sides of each assembled drawer using screws.

Tip: Do not fully tighten cam locks until all parts are aligned. Do not force parts together.

Wall Attachment

THIS STEP IS NOT OPTIONAL. You must attach the chest to the wall to prevent tipping.

  1. Locate Wall Stud: Use a stud finder to locate a solid wood stud in your wall. Mark the center of the stud.
  2. Position Chest: Place the assembled chest in its final location against the wall.
  3. Attach Bracket to Chest: Using the screws provided (105), attach the metal wall bracket to the top rear of the chest interior, as indicated by the pre-drilled holes.
  4. Secure to Wall: Pull the chest slightly away from the wall. Align the bracket with your stud mark. Using the wall screws (105), secure the bracket firmly into the center of the wall stud.
  5. Final Check: Push the chest back against the wall. Gently try to tilt it forward. It should not move. Re-tighten if necessary.

WARNING! If you cannot attach to a stud, use appropriate wall anchors designed for the weight of the fully loaded chest. Plasterboard alone is not sufficient.

Specifications

Drawer Installation & Use

  1. Install Drawers: Tilt the drawer slightly, align the drawer runners with the glides on the frame, and push in until it clicks into place. Start with the bottom drawer.
  2. Adjustment: If a drawer is uneven or sticks, check that the runners are fully engaged and the chest is level on the floor.
  3. Stops: Drawers have built-in stops to prevent them from being pulled out completely accidentally.
  4. Loading: Distribute weight evenly. Place heavier items at the back/bottom of the drawer. Do not exceed the maximum load.

Tip: For smooth operation, avoid overfilling drawers. Clean glides with a dry cloth if they become dusty.

Care & Maintenance

Clean with a damp cloth wrung out in a mild soap solution. Wipe dry immediately.

DO NOT:

Tighten Hardware: Check and tighten cam locks and screws periodically to maintain stability.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Drawer sticks or is difficult to open/closeRunners misaligned; drawer overloaded; chest not level.Remove drawer and re-insert, ensuring runners align. Reduce load. Check floor level.
Chest wobblesFloor uneven; hardware loose; wall bracket not secure.Place under legs (not included). Tighten all cam locks and screws. Re-secure wall bracket.
Gap between panelsCam locks not fully tightened; dowels not fully inserted.Disassemble step, ensure dowels are fully seated, re-tighten cam locks.
Drawer front is crookedScrews attaching front to drawer frame are uneven.Loosen screws, align front panel, then re-tighten evenly.
Missing partPackaging error.Contact IKEA customer service with article number (104.731.50) for spare parts.

Warranty & Support

This IKEA product is covered by a limited warranty. Refer to the IKEA warranty booklet included in the packaging or available at IKEA stores for full terms.

For Assembly Help, Missing Parts, or Other Support:

Recycling: At end of life, disassemble and recycle materials according to local regulations.

IKEA MALM 104.731.50 3 Drawer Chest instructions manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025