ᐅ Which screws are suitable for assembling or installing IKEA Besta units?
Created on: 6 Apr 2023 19:32
K
kikauHello everyone,
I am about to start disassembling my IKEA Besta cabinet and want to make sure I use the right screws for the job. My main question is: Which screws are suitable for disassembling the IKEA Besta so that the cabinet remains stable, the components are not damaged, and it can be reassembled easily later on?
I know IKEA often uses special fasteners, but I plan to carefully take the cabinet apart and possibly replace or add screws if necessary.
It would be great if you could also comment on screw types, lengths, materials, and any possible alternatives. Thanks in advance!
I am about to start disassembling my IKEA Besta cabinet and want to make sure I use the right screws for the job. My main question is: Which screws are suitable for disassembling the IKEA Besta so that the cabinet remains stable, the components are not damaged, and it can be reassembled easily later on?
I know IKEA often uses special fasteners, but I plan to carefully take the cabinet apart and possibly replace or add screws if necessary.
It would be great if you could also comment on screw types, lengths, materials, and any possible alternatives. Thanks in advance!
Hello kikau,
I can give you a structured recommendation based on my own experience disassembling and reassembling some IKEA furniture.
First of all: The Besta cabinet usually comes with chipboard screws (also called furniture screws) that are approximately 4x40 mm or 4x50 mm (4x1.6 inches or 4x2 inches). These are specially designed for laminated wood-based panels and often have a coarse thread.
For disassembly:
- Preferably use screws with a Phillips head, as they are less likely to cam out.
- Material: Zinc-plated steel or, if possible, stainless steel screws, which are less prone to rust and more durable.
- Length: Maximum 50 mm (2 inches) to avoid piercing through the chipboard.
It is also important to pay attention to the existing dowels or connector fittings. Usually, Minifix connectors and dowels are used, which can be reused. You should only unscrew screws if the receiving part is still firmly in place; otherwise, handle the dowels carefully.
Tip: Label screws and screw holes during disassembly to avoid mix-ups and damage.
Summary:
- Furniture screws 4x40-50 mm (4x1.6–2 inches), zinc-plated
- Phillips head for better torque transfer
- Use original Minifix connectors
I hope this helps!
I can give you a structured recommendation based on my own experience disassembling and reassembling some IKEA furniture.
First of all: The Besta cabinet usually comes with chipboard screws (also called furniture screws) that are approximately 4x40 mm or 4x50 mm (4x1.6 inches or 4x2 inches). These are specially designed for laminated wood-based panels and often have a coarse thread.
For disassembly:
- Preferably use screws with a Phillips head, as they are less likely to cam out.
- Material: Zinc-plated steel or, if possible, stainless steel screws, which are less prone to rust and more durable.
- Length: Maximum 50 mm (2 inches) to avoid piercing through the chipboard.
It is also important to pay attention to the existing dowels or connector fittings. Usually, Minifix connectors and dowels are used, which can be reused. You should only unscrew screws if the receiving part is still firmly in place; otherwise, handle the dowels carefully.
Tip: Label screws and screw holes during disassembly to avoid mix-ups and damage.
Summary:
- Furniture screws 4x40-50 mm (4x1.6–2 inches), zinc-plated
- Phillips head for better torque transfer
- Use original Minifix connectors
I hope this helps!
Hello kikau,
your question about the appropriate screws for disassembling the IKEA Besta cabinet prompted me to look into the topic more closely, as the stability and damage-free condition of the particleboard are really crucial here.
That is correct, but I would still recommend screws with a partial thread. The reason is that the smooth shank between the threaded sections allows the pieces to be pulled tightly together during tightening without stressing the material prematurely.
It is also essential to use countersunk screws, since the pre-drilled holes in the Besta system are usually countersunk and the surface should not be damaged.
When disassembling, you should definitely pay attention to the following:
- Only loosen screws with the correct torque to avoid tearing out the particleboard.
- If you need to replace screws, use ones with a diameter of 4 mm (5/32 inch) and a length suited to the thickness of the board. Besta elements usually have 16 mm (5/8 inch) thick panels, so 40-50 mm (1.6-2 inches) in length, as mentioned, are sufficient.
- For connections that are frequently opened and closed, high-quality stainless steel screws are recommended to prevent corrosion in humid conditions.
Another tip: If you find any damaged drill holes, thread repair inserts or wood repair kits can help to securely anchor the screws again.
Finally, a question for you: How often do you plan to disassemble the cabinet? If more frequently, it might be worth investing in special furniture connectors or quick-release fasteners, which often require separate screws.
I am happy to assist you with choosing specific screw brands and sources if you like.
your question about the appropriate screws for disassembling the IKEA Besta cabinet prompted me to look into the topic more closely, as the stability and damage-free condition of the particleboard are really crucial here.
KUDAISY schrieb:
The Besta cabinet usually comes with particleboard screws (also known as furniture screws) in approximately 4x40 mm (4x1.6 inches) or 4x50 mm (4x2 inches).
That is correct, but I would still recommend screws with a partial thread. The reason is that the smooth shank between the threaded sections allows the pieces to be pulled tightly together during tightening without stressing the material prematurely.
It is also essential to use countersunk screws, since the pre-drilled holes in the Besta system are usually countersunk and the surface should not be damaged.
When disassembling, you should definitely pay attention to the following:
- Only loosen screws with the correct torque to avoid tearing out the particleboard.
- If you need to replace screws, use ones with a diameter of 4 mm (5/32 inch) and a length suited to the thickness of the board. Besta elements usually have 16 mm (5/8 inch) thick panels, so 40-50 mm (1.6-2 inches) in length, as mentioned, are sufficient.
- For connections that are frequently opened and closed, high-quality stainless steel screws are recommended to prevent corrosion in humid conditions.
Another tip: If you find any damaged drill holes, thread repair inserts or wood repair kits can help to securely anchor the screws again.
Finally, a question for you: How often do you plan to disassemble the cabinet? If more frequently, it might be worth investing in special furniture connectors or quick-release fasteners, which often require separate screws.
I am happy to assist you with choosing specific screw brands and sources if you like.
bapar schrieb:
If it happens frequently, investing in special furniture connectors or quick-release fasteners might be worthwhileThis is a very good point because, especially with an IKEA Besta cabinet that might need to be disassembled more often, using quick-release fasteners like cam locks (often called Minifix) can make sense. These are very durable and cause less damage to the material compared to traditional chipboard screws when repeatedly assembled and disassembled.
If you only need to unclip it once, the original chipboard screws in 4x40 or 4x50 mm (4x1.6 or 4x2 inches) length are the right choice. However, make sure the screw tip is sharp and the thread exactly matches the dimensions specified by the manufacturer to avoid damage.
Additionally, you can use screws with a chrome-plated or zinc-coated surface, which offer better corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is robust but can sometimes cause minor damage to sensitive panels, as it is a bit harder.
My personal tip: always loosen screws carefully and slowly—don’t force them out—and if possible, chamfer the holes slightly before re-inserting the screws to ensure perfect tightening.
As long as you keep these points in mind, you should have no problems.
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