ᐅ Kallax shelves are coming apart – should I tighten the screws?

Hello everyone,

I recently assembled a Kallax shelving unit and noticed that some of the compartments are noticeably separating at the joints, so not all parts align flush anymore. The unit is on a level surface and hasn’t been overloaded. Now my question is:

Should I simply tighten or retighten all the screws to pull the compartments back together properly?

Or are there other causes or tips to consider when trying to fix this issue? I used the original screws and cam lock fittings to assemble the unit, but I’m not sure if some settling might still occur or if this is just within normal tolerances.

I look forward to your advice and experiences. Thanks!

Tightening screws often helps. Simply check all connections with a suitable screwdriver and tighten them, so everything fits more securely.

Oh yes, I know that all too well! I have also assembled the shelf and then retightened all the screws after a few days – after that, everything was much more stable! You can definitely do it! 🙂

Hello franz44,

It is completely normal for screws in new furniture made of several parts to loosen slightly, especially if the shelf has been moved several times or if minor deformations occur. I recommend tightening all screws again after about one week to ensure stability.

You should be careful, though, because overtightening can damage the material. If you are unsure how tight it should be, try to tighten the screw until it no longer turns, but without applying excessive force.

Sometimes it can also help to slightly pull apart the individual plug connections and then tighten the screws so that everything fits flush again.

If you can secure the shelf to a wall, this will also increase stability and prevent the compartments from separating.

Great topic! I have the same shelf, and as noge58 already mentioned – after tightening, everything holds very firmly! :-) It’s important to also check the bolts and anchors carefully because they ensure the proper stability! If the compartments have already loosened a bit, you can basically readjust everything completely after tightening – just keep tightening repeatedly until everything fits perfectly. Brilliant!

It is important to assess the progression of the problem: When the compartments start to drift apart, this is usually due to unevenly tightened connections or some inherent material stress. Tightening the screws is a sensible first step.

Additionally, it should be checked whether the shelving unit is actually standing on a level surface, as an uneven base can cause further deformation and stress.

Even slight changes in humidity can cause the wood material to expand or contract slightly, affecting the fit. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid exposing the furniture to significant temperature fluctuations or humidity changes after assembly.