ᐅ Finding Replacement Screws for BILLY Shelving – Tips

Hello everyone,

I have a BILLY bookshelf from IKEA that I really appreciate, but unfortunately some screws went missing during my move. Now I’m facing the challenge of finding suitable replacement screws. I don’t want to just use any screws, as furniture assembly requires a certain level of precision, especially regarding length, thread type, and head size.

Does anyone have tips on where to get original or at least compatible screws for the BILLY bookshelf? Are there specific sources or maybe advice on identifying the screw dimensions?

Thanks in advance!

It’s best to check directly with the IKEA customer service in the store. They often have spare parts, including screws.

Alternatively, you can try standard furniture screws with an M4 thread and a length of about 16–20mm (0.6–0.8 inches), which usually fit well.

RIDAN schrieb:
It’s best to check directly with customer service at the IKEA store.

That’s a good tip, but I’d like to add a few points: The screws used in BILLY bookcases are typically self-tapping chipboard screws with an M4 metric thread, as mentioned, usually 16mm (5/8 inch) long. It’s important that the screw heads are flat and countersunk so they fit neatly into the holes without damaging the unit.

If you can’t find the screws at the IKEA store, I recommend measuring them yourself at a well-stocked hardware store. A caliper or a thread gauge can be very helpful for this.

Keep in mind that there might be slight variations depending on the production year of the bookcase – do you still have the assembly instructions or a spare screw for comparison?

One more tip: Some users have reported successfully using screws from manufacturers like Fischer, which are readily available at hardware stores and offer good quality.

What exactly does your bookcase look like – do you have a specific model or version?

pauPierce schrieb:
If you can’t find what you need at IKEA, I recommend measuring the screws yourself at a well-stocked hardware store.

Thanks for the detailed answer! I actually don’t have the original screws left as a reference, only the small instruction sheet, which unfortunately doesn’t specify the dimensions. My BILLY is from the classic series, 202 cm (79 inches) tall, with three shelves.

Can I use regular furniture or chipboard screws if they have the same dimensions? Are their load-bearing capacities really comparable, or should I pay attention to IKEA-specific quality?

And one more question: Are there common mistakes when assembling with replacement screws that I should definitely avoid?

jonren schrieb:
Can I use regular furniture or chipboard screws if they have the same dimensions?

Yes, that is generally possible – the important thing is that the screw meets the following requirements:

1. Thread: Fine enough for chipboard, usually metric M4 or M5.
2. Length: 16–20 mm (0.6–0.8 inches), so the screw holds securely in the material without piercing through.
3. Head: Flat head, countersunk, so it sits flush with the surface of the shelf part.

Regarding materials: Zinc-plated screws are common, but you can use stainless steel ones if the shelf will be in a humid environment.

jonren schrieb:
Are there common mistakes when assembling with replacement screws that should definitely be avoided?

Yes, definitely avoid:

- Screws that are too long, which can pierce through the wood or damage the shelf.
- Screws with the wrong thread that can split the material or fail to hold properly.
- Screws with the wrong head type that cannot be countersunk properly and cause uneven surfaces.

My tip as a guide:

1. Choose screws with metric threads (M4 recommended).
2. Measure the length carefully (16–20 mm / 0.6–0.8 inches).
3. Use zinc-plated flat-head screws suitable for furniture.
4. Buy a few extra in case you need replacements.

This way, you avoid unpleasant surprises during assembly!

Wow, super helpful information here! 😊 I had the same issue with my BILLY shelf and simply ordered a small spare parts kit from IKEA. They even sent me a few screws for free!

If anyone wants to check online at IKEA: these spare parts are often available in the "Spare Parts & Accessories" section. It’s really great, very straightforward!

Good luck, you’ll definitely manage it 🙂