ᐅ Replacing all screws in a BILLY bookshelf – is it worth it?

Hello everyone,

I have a BILLY shelf from IKEA that I have used frequently over the past few years. Recently, I noticed some screws that are no longer fully tight or show slight rusting. Now I’m wondering if it makes sense to replace all the screws in this shelf completely, or if that would be overdoing it.

My question is: In your opinion, is it worthwhile to replace all the screws in a BILLY shelf to ensure stability and durability? Or is that rather unnecessary and more of a precaution? What are the advantages and disadvantages of replacing all the fasteners?

I look forward to your insights and experiences, as I don’t want to spend time and money unnecessarily, but also don’t want to risk the shelf becoming unstable over time.

Basically, the screws used in BILLY shelves are designed for normal use. A complete replacement of all screws is usually not necessary if there are no visible damages.

However, if there is rust or damage on the screws, those specific screws should be replaced, as rusty screws can compromise the stability of the connection.

A full replacement of all screws can be useful if the shelf has been frequently reassembled or is subjected to heavy mechanical stress. Otherwise, the effort and cost are usually not justified.

Joshbe schrieb:
A complete replacement of all screws can be useful if the shelf has been frequently reassembled or is subjected to heavy mechanical stress.

This is an important point because screws and fasteners in furniture like the BILLY shelving system are designed for durability, but mechanical fatigue from frequent disassembly and reassembly causes the materials to become more brittle.

I would suggest proceeding step by step: first systematically check all screws, also paying attention to minor signs of corrosion or wear. If screws no longer tighten properly or if the threads are already damaged, replacement is a recommended measure.

Anyone replacing all screws should use high-quality substitute screws to prevent future problems. It is important to ensure the screw type is identical so that the holes and connections remain intact.

Have you already checked whether the shelf is indeed heavily loaded or frequently reassembled?

Thank you for the initial feedback.

I have actually rebuilt the shelf two to three times because I changed the configuration. It is mainly loaded with books and some decorative items. It is located in a relatively dry room, yet I have occasionally noticed slight rust.

The idea of only replacing damaged screws sounds reasonable.

Are there types of screws that are known to be more durable or better protected against rust? I want to take preventive measures for the long term.

Fraluzia schrieb:
Are there types of screws that are generally more durable or better protected against rust?

Yes, it is generally a good idea to switch to galvanized or even stainless steel screws if moisture or rust is a concern. Galvanized screws are coated with a protective layer of zinc that slows down corrosion, while stainless steel screws offer significantly higher corrosion resistance.

When replacing all screws, I would recommend buying the entire set in stainless steel with the same size and thread type. The investment is worthwhile, especially if the shelf will be used long-term.

Another advantage is the higher strength of some stainless steel screws, particularly if you occasionally rebuild the shelf. These screws are less prone to thread damage from frequent tightening and loosening.

P.S.: Using screwdrivers with a magnetic tip makes assembly much easier.

Surela schrieb:
Stainless steel screws have significantly higher corrosion resistance

That is true, but it should not be forgotten that stainless steel screws are not always better – depending on the type, stainless steel can also be more susceptible to mechanical stress or even corrosion if it is not the suitable grade (for example, too soft or not sufficiently alloyed).

Also: Replacing all screws purely as a precaution is often a waste of effort and resources, especially if the existing material is still fully functional. I wonder if this is mainly a form of hypochondria regarding BILLY-type furniture, which is actually sturdy and affordable.

Those who really want stability should consider other measures – such as additional braces or corner brackets, instead of simply replacing all screws with new ones.