ᐅ Which type of screw is best suited for BILLY?

I recently assembled a Billy cabinet from IKEA and came across the topic of screw types. My main question is: which type of screw is best suited for the BILLY to ensure a stable, secure, and long-lasting connection? I have read that some screws are better for the wood material itself, while others are more suitable for connecting with dowels or cam connectors. I would appreciate hearing which screws you prefer – considering factors such as material, length, diameter, and drive type – and if you have any special tips to prevent stripping or pullout. Thanks in advance for your expertise!

Hello editnon, I think your question is very well formulated, just the way I like it! 🙂 The best fit for BILLY is actually a combination of chipboard screws with countersunk heads and a Phillips drive, ideally zinc-coated to prevent corrosion. The length should be chosen so that it penetrates about 2.5 to 3 cm (1 to 1.2 inches) into the wood but isn’t too long to avoid damaging other parts. It’s also important to pre-drill slightly beforehand—especially on carcass parts made of chipboard—to prevent splitting. Many people underestimate this—I’ve learned it from experience. If you plan to use the original IKEA screws, these are often not ideal because they can be too short or have a thinner thread. Are you planning to remove and reinsert the screws multiple times? Then a Torx drive might also be a good option, as it slips less than Phillips. What screwdriver or cordless drill are you using? That can also influence the choice.

Chipboard screws with countersunk heads, 4 x 40 mm (0.16 x 1.57 inches), are ideal for BILLY. Pre-drilling is always helpful to protect the material. Zinc-plated screws are recommended to prevent rusting.

Hello everyone! Here’s my take: For BILLY, just use the good old particleboard screws. They’re basically the superheroes of screws when it comes to smart furniture assembly ;-)

danial60 schrieb:
If you use the original IKEA screws, they are often not ideal.

That’s true, especially if you plan to rebuild or rearrange frequently, it’s worth upgrading to stronger screws. Also, don’t forget: a bit of care when tightening helps prevent stress on the cabinet – so no screw-driving marathons full of sweat and tears 😉

I'm also on team chipboard screw! If you want to be on the safe side, use screws with a larger diameter (e.g., 5mm (0.2 inches)), as they generally hold better, especially when reused. A small tip from me: never fully screw them in and then loosen them again, as this damages the drill holes. Instead, tighten them in one go right from the start 🙂

For BILLY, the classic chipboard screw is truly recommended, preferably zinc-plated and with a countersunk head. A length of 35-40 mm (1.4-1.6 inches) works well. Pre-drill holes with a 3 mm (0.12 inch) drill bit to ensure everything fits neatly.