ᐅ KALLAX screws strip when retightening – how can this be fixed?
Created on: 17 Feb 2022 10:23
S
SanfoHello everyone,
I have a problem with my KALLAX shelf: the supplied screws just spin when I try to tighten them and no longer provide any resistance. This, of course, causes the connection to loosen and makes the shelf unstable. I suspect that the wood in the screw hole is already damaged or worn out. Now I’m wondering what the best way to fix this is without having to take the entire shelf apart or completely redrill the holes.
Does anyone have experience with how to securely fasten the screws again? Are there special methods to reinforce the hole or restore grip to the material? I would appreciate any practical tips, as I don’t want to have to keep retightening it and want to maintain stability.
I have a problem with my KALLAX shelf: the supplied screws just spin when I try to tighten them and no longer provide any resistance. This, of course, causes the connection to loosen and makes the shelf unstable. I suspect that the wood in the screw hole is already damaged or worn out. Now I’m wondering what the best way to fix this is without having to take the entire shelf apart or completely redrill the holes.
Does anyone have experience with how to securely fasten the screws again? Are there special methods to reinforce the hole or restore grip to the material? I would appreciate any practical tips, as I don’t want to have to keep retightening it and want to maintain stability.
Hi Sanfo,
First, regarding the cause analysis: The problem of "KALLAX screws stripping when retightening" is usually due to worn-out drill holes in the wooden panels. This mainly happens with particleboard, which is soft and porous.
For a solution, I suggest the following approach:
1. Carefully remove the screws to avoid further damaging the hole surface.
2. Mix wood glue with small wood shavings (from scrap wood, finely crumbled). The shavings act as filler material.
3. Apply this mixture into the stripped hole.
4. Wait briefly for the glue to set; then reinsert the screw.
Alternatively, so-called wood repair liquids or epoxy resins are an option if you want to reinforce the hole permanently. These sealants bond with the wood fibers and increase the screw’s grip.
Please be careful: Do not overtighten the screws again, as this can damage the panel once more. If possible, you can also switch to slightly thicker screws, which usually hold better.
Does this work for you?
First, regarding the cause analysis: The problem of "KALLAX screws stripping when retightening" is usually due to worn-out drill holes in the wooden panels. This mainly happens with particleboard, which is soft and porous.
For a solution, I suggest the following approach:
1. Carefully remove the screws to avoid further damaging the hole surface.
2. Mix wood glue with small wood shavings (from scrap wood, finely crumbled). The shavings act as filler material.
3. Apply this mixture into the stripped hole.
4. Wait briefly for the glue to set; then reinsert the screw.
Alternatively, so-called wood repair liquids or epoxy resins are an option if you want to reinforce the hole permanently. These sealants bond with the wood fibers and increase the screw’s grip.
Please be careful: Do not overtighten the screws again, as this can damage the panel once more. If possible, you can also switch to slightly thicker screws, which usually hold better.
Does this work for you?
naujon schrieb:
Alternatively, so-called wood repair liquids or epoxy resins are an option if you want to reinforce the hole permanently.That sounds interesting, especially the use of epoxy resin. Do you know if it is compatible with the original KALLAX screws? I want to avoid any chemical reaction or other negative effect on the screw. Are there specific products you would recommend? And how long should it cure before I can screw it in again?
Hello Sanfo,
I like to go into detail on this topic because it is very common, and many DIY particleboard furniture pieces show similar issues.
First, about the screws: Most KALLAX furniture uses cylindrical or tapered particleboard screws with coarse threads. These require intact material in the screw hole to act as a “thread carrier.” If this material is damaged, the screw will spin freely.
Reinforcing the hole permanently with epoxy resin is a very good idea, but the following should be considered:
1. Cleaning: Thoroughly remove dust and loose particles from the hole before applying the resin.
2. Resin choice: I prefer fast-curing epoxy adhesives specially designed for wood repairs. These typically come in small tubes (e.g., UHU plus endfest 300) and cure in about 5-15 minutes.
3. Application: Apply some resin into the hole and use a toothpick or thin wire to spread it evenly. Then you can insert the screw directly while the resin is still curing. This creates a kind of internal threading.
Additionally:
- If the hole is too large, you can first use a wooden or plastic dowel by applying resin to the dowel and inserting it into the hole.
- Some people also recommend using special plastic inserts called “thread inserts,” but these are usually not ideal for particleboard because the material does not have enough tensile strength.
One last note: After small repairs with epoxy resin, wait about 24 hours for the material to fully cure before loading the furniture.
If you need more details, feel free to ask.
I like to go into detail on this topic because it is very common, and many DIY particleboard furniture pieces show similar issues.
First, about the screws: Most KALLAX furniture uses cylindrical or tapered particleboard screws with coarse threads. These require intact material in the screw hole to act as a “thread carrier.” If this material is damaged, the screw will spin freely.
Reinforcing the hole permanently with epoxy resin is a very good idea, but the following should be considered:
1. Cleaning: Thoroughly remove dust and loose particles from the hole before applying the resin.
2. Resin choice: I prefer fast-curing epoxy adhesives specially designed for wood repairs. These typically come in small tubes (e.g., UHU plus endfest 300) and cure in about 5-15 minutes.
3. Application: Apply some resin into the hole and use a toothpick or thin wire to spread it evenly. Then you can insert the screw directly while the resin is still curing. This creates a kind of internal threading.
Additionally:
- If the hole is too large, you can first use a wooden or plastic dowel by applying resin to the dowel and inserting it into the hole.
- Some people also recommend using special plastic inserts called “thread inserts,” but these are usually not ideal for particleboard because the material does not have enough tensile strength.
One last note: After small repairs with epoxy resin, wait about 24 hours for the material to fully cure before loading the furniture.
If you need more details, feel free to ask.
Parbo schrieb:
Apply some resin into the hole, use a toothpick or thin wire to spread it evenly.I can only agree, epoxy resin is truly a magic solution! 😂 But don’t overdo it, or it will get really messy. And if you’re not a fan of chemicals: simply use wood glue and twist a toothpick inside the hole, then wait—that often works well for me too.
Good luck and don’t worry, it will work out 🙂
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