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

I would only replace the screws where the threads are damaged or rust is visible. Everything else is unnecessary.

More stability is achieved through proper installation according to the instructions – not by replacing all screws indiscriminately.

rebufar schrieb:
A complete bolt replacement just for preventive reasons is often a waste of effort

That is true in most cases, yes. However, the age of the furniture should also be taken into account. With older Billy shelves from the 1990s or early 2000s, the screws and coatings used are often no longer up to current technical standards.

Santi schrieb:
Greater stability is achieved through proper assembly

That is also correct. Assembly errors (e.g., overtightening or screwing in the bolts at an angle) damage stability more than the age of the screws themselves.

Overall, a complete replacement is only worthwhile if you want to use the shelf sustainably and permanently and eliminate all identifiable weak points. Additionally, the inside of the shelf should be checked for other weaknesses (glued joints, back panel attachment).

In summary, I recommend the following approach:

1. Visual inspection of all screws for rust, damage, or thread defects
2. Replacement only of defective or rusty screws with equivalents of equal or better quality (galvanized, stainless steel)
3. Careful installation to avoid new damage caused by over-tightening
4. Inspection of the back panel fastening and other connections

A complete replacement is, in my opinion, justified only in exceptional cases (heavily used or very old furniture).

Thank you all for your detailed assessments.

I will first carry out a systematic inspection and then selectively replace any damaged screws. I actually want to try stainless steel screws, preferably ones that match the size and type of the original IKEA screws.

I may provide an update after the replacement to share how the shelf performs with the new screws. I also appreciate the suggestion to pay extra attention to glue joints and the back panel.

One more question for the community: Are there any tips on how to protect the screw threads as much as possible during frequent disassembly and reassembly of the BILLY shelf?

Fraluzia schrieb:
Are there any tips on how to best protect the screw threads when frequently assembling and disassembling the BILLY shelf?

Yes, definitely! The most important advice is to avoid over-tightening the screws. It’s best to use an appropriate Phillips or hex (Allen) screwdriver with a torque limiter or at least apply careful fingertip control to prevent stripping the threads.

Additionally, lightly lubricating the screws when screwing and unscrewing them (for example, with a bit of wax or a special thread lubricant) helps reduce friction and lowers the risk of thread damage.

Try to use high-quality screws for reassembly whenever possible, as these tend to be more resistant to wear. Another important point is to remove the screws carefully—turn them out straight and smoothly without forcing or tilting.

If screws are reused multiple times, it can also be helpful to briefly clean the threads with an appropriate thread tap before reassembling, especially if debris has built up in the threads.

In addition to the previous post:

If you plan to frequently modify the shelving, you can also upgrade to T-nuts and larger connecting bolts, which provide greater stability and reduce the risk of thread damage.

Of course, this deviates somewhat from the original IKEA concept, but it is a professional solution for shelves that are regularly assembled and disassembled.