ᐅ How much tooling do I actually need to assemble the Ikea Brimnes?

Very good question, Jakob. The correct screw tension is indeed an important aspect that is often underestimated. Here is the procedure:

- The small hex key included is perfectly calibrated for the supplied screws. The issue is that you should not apply too much force by hand when tightening the screw, as this could damage the wood threads or strip the screw.

- If you use a cordless screwdriver, you should definitely set the torque limit. Otherwise, too much force can be applied quickly, which can damage the wood or the screw connection.

- With a Phillips screwdriver, it depends on your skill. You can control the screws better because you simply turn them “by feel.” The advantage is that you can tighten them firmly enough to secure the parts without applying excessive force. I still recommend loosening the screws before the final tightening, then tightening them carefully to avoid tension.

- My tip: Work slowly, frequently check the alignment of the components, and test the screw tightness by hand. If something feels off, it’s better not to tighten further.

If you keep these points in mind, the stability of the furniture will be ensured without needing any special tools.

klo40 schrieb:
If you keep these points in mind, the stability of the furniture is ensured without the need for special tools.

Exactly, that is an important detail. I’d like to add a potential issue, especially common in furniture made from particleboard: if the screw is tightened too much, it puts significant stress on the surrounding material, which can cause cracks or splitting.

Therefore, my recommendation again, especially for the Brimnes, is to first lightly tighten the screws using the included Allen key and only fully tighten them at the end. Sometimes it also helps not to screw them in completely right away, but to gradually tighten all screws slightly before finally securing them. This ensures an even distribution of stress.

One more question for Jakob: what type of floor surface are you planning to assemble the furniture on? Some floors are more sensitive to pressure when using a hammer.

Thank you for the advice; gradually tightening sounds very reasonable. Regarding the substrate: I will probably be assembling on laminate flooring, so I should be careful with the hammer. Maybe I should get a rubber mallet for connecting the wooden dowels, as it would protect the floor better than a regular metal hammer, right?

Also, a quick question about the timing: How long does the Brimnes assembly usually take? I’m a bit unsure how much time to allocate since I’ll be working alone.

The time required depends greatly on experience. For an average DIY enthusiast working alone, you can expect between 1.5 and 3 hours.

Some factors that influence the duration include:
- Familiarity with the tools (safe handling of the hex key, screwdriver, or cordless drill)
- Organization of the workspace
- Periodic checks of alignment and tension in the components

Regarding the hammer: a rubber mallet is indeed gentler on wood, furniture parts, and the floor. It has an advantage over metal hammers in situations where you don’t apply excessive force and want to avoid damage.

Your plan seems realistic. It is important to take enough breaks and not rush – this helps prevent mistakes.

Hello Jakob, I can understand your thoughts well. I often feel hesitant about assembling furniture on my own and find that having too many tools at hand can sometimes cause unnecessary stress.

What I’ve learned is that less is often more, and using the included tools helps avoid making the process unnecessarily complicated. When I specifically looked at the Brimnes, I was able to complete everything easily with the included hex key and a standard Phillips screwdriver.

However, if you’re unsure, a cordless drill with adjustable torque provides confidence and saves time. Still, it’s definitely not a must. Stay calm and plan your time, and it will surely work out fine.

Only an Allen key and screwdriver are needed for the Brimnes. A cordless drill is a convenience, not a necessity. A hammer is only required if the wall plugs need to be firmly inserted.