ᐅ Which screws are better suited than the original IKEA ones?

Hello everyone,

Lately, I have been looking closely at the quality of the screws IKEA uses in their furniture sets. I’ve noticed that the original screws often seem relatively soft or prone to wear, especially if you frequently assemble and disassemble the furniture or want to use them for slightly more load-bearing constructions.

So my question to you is: based on your experience, which screws are better suited than the IKEA originals in terms of strength, durability, and proper fit? It’s important to me that they are neither too expensive nor hard to find, and ideally can be used without special tools.

I’m looking forward to your recommendations and any tips on what to consider when choosing replacements, such as thread type, material, surface finish, and so on.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

It is best to use galvanized chipboard screws in size 4 or 5, with the length depending on the furniture. These are more durable and less prone to rust. Just make sure the thread matches the type of wood.

Hello Belavdrim,

I completely agree with your observations about the IKEA screws. The standard furniture screws from IKEA are usually made of low-quality steel with a rather thin zinc coating, which can cause problems, especially with frequent assembly and disassembly.

If you are looking for a better alternative, I would recommend using high-quality stainless steel or galvanized chipboard screws. Stainless steel is a bit more expensive but offers excellent corrosion resistance and greater durability.

When choosing screws, also pay attention to the correct thread type: coarse-threaded screws are better suited for MDF or chipboard, with a slimmer screw head for the frequently used pre-drilled holes in IKEA furniture. It also makes sense to choose countersunk screws that sit flush to avoid damaging the furniture.

Additionally, you should match the screw length precisely to the furniture part, as screws that are too long can cause the material to split or even poke through.

If you assemble and disassemble furniture often, screws with a higher strength grade (class 8.8 or above) might also be useful.

Hope this helps!

TRADI schrieb:
That the original IKEA furniture screws are often quite soft

I can definitely confirm that – sometimes these things feel like they give up after just two assemblies 🙂

My recommendation: use screws made of stainless steel A2 or A4; they are very durable and, most importantly, won’t rust in case of any water exposure. If you also use zinc-plated bits, you’re on the safe side.

I’ve also noticed that some cheap screws have a thread pitch that’s too coarse, which can cause the wood to split. It’s better to choose screws with a finer thread and drill pilot holes.

Oh, and a small tip: when assembling furniture, apply a bit of assembly paste or wax to the screws – they turn in more easily, reducing friction and the risk of breaking!

Just so it doesn’t all sound too dry – good luck collecting screws 😉

Wow, great thread! I’ve also been really frustrated before with how quickly IKEA screws wear out, especially the small Torx screws.

I now swear by Spax screws! They’re a bit more expensive, but you really get quality you can feel! They have a precisely shaped head that hardly ever strips, and they come in strong zinc plating or even stainless steel.

Especially when furniture is taken apart and reassembled frequently, this really makes a difference. The best part: your screws stay intact, and you don’t have to keep digging around for new ones!

Oh, and another tip: check out your local hardware store often – they often have discounted clearance on high-quality screws, which is awesome! 🙂🔧

So: when it comes to screws, it’s better to invest a little more upfront, saving you stress and money in the long run! 🙂

bauku schrieb:
I now swear by Spax screws!

Spax may be nice, but they’re too expensive for simple IKEA furniture. Think about it: IKEA products are designed for mass production and cost efficiency, not premium screws.

Anyone who thinks better always means more expensive often underestimates how, with a bit of know-how, you can find the right screw for the job. You don’t always need to use a luxury screw set from the hardware store.

Even inexpensive galvanized chipboard screws, like barEsperan suggested, do their job well when the right dimensions and proper techniques are used—for example, pre-drilling or avoiding overtightening.

So if you just want better screws than the original IKEA ones, you don’t have to immediately praise a new screw brand. First, it’s important to understand the interaction between material, thread, and type of furniture.