ᐅ Which screws are better for the Billy shelf than the original fasteners?

Hello everyone,

I’m planning to upgrade my Billy bookshelf somewhat, as I’m not entirely satisfied with the original connector fittings. My specific question is: “Which screws or alternative connectors provide better stability and durability than the original fittings from Billy?”

I’ve heard that some users recommend using stronger screws or special threaded inserts to improve the furniture joints.

My main goal is to increase load-bearing capacity without affecting the appearance or the ability to disassemble the shelf if needed.

Does anyone have experience with these kinds of upgrades and can recommend which screws or alternative connection methods are truly better than the originals? Thanks in advance!

The best option is M6 machine screws with matching anchors. They withstand tension and compression much better than the original connectors. No frills, just solid and stable.

FAVALERIE9 schrieb:
The best option is M6 machine screws with matching anchors.

I would like to elaborate a bit more: The original connectors for Billy-style shelves are known mini cam connectors, which can show weaknesses with frequent assembly and disassembly or under heavy load.

If you want to make the shelf more stable, metric machine screws (usually M6 or M5), combined with high-quality barrel nuts or insert nuts, are a good solution. This type of connection provides greater tensile strength and prevents the material from tearing out.

It is important to strictly adhere to the specified torque and choose the appropriate screw length to avoid damaging the shelf board. If you want the assembly to remain reversible, screws with hex sockets and nuts that can be easily loosened are recommended.

If you have any questions about the right tools or assembly, I’m happy to help!

nokarsta schrieb:
Which screws or alternative connectors provide better stability and durability than the original connectors from Billy?

To add: The original connection uses so-called Minifix fittings, which are quick and easy to assemble but often cause problems under load or repeated assembly.

The most common and widely recommended alternative are metric screws (usually M6), combined with metal or dowel anchors that are pressed into the shelf wood. This significantly improves the holding strength.

Another option is metal threaded inserts, which are screwed into pre-drilled holes to provide a secure screw connection—this is especially useful for MDF or particleboard materials.

These alternatives are more durable and increase load-bearing capacity without major visual impact or complicated modifications.

By the way, be careful not to use screws that are too long or apply too much torque, or the wood may crack.

sarlo schrieb:
It is important to strictly follow the specified torque and choose an appropriate length

This is a key point because, in practice, I often see screws that are too long or too thick being used, which can cause cracks in the panels or poor fit.

Additionally, plastic or metal sleeves can be used to give the screw threads extra stability in the furniture wood. This prevents pull-out, even if the shelf is assembled and disassembled multiple times.

Some also use self-tapping screws with a galvanized coating, which are more resistant to rust, especially if the furniture is placed in more humid environments.

If the original connectors become loose, it can also help to use a bit of wood glue or slightly stabilize the joint area with felt pads without replacing the screws.

Overall, I find metric M6 screws combined with high-quality metal threaded inserts to be the most practical solution. 🙂