ᐅ Which screws are more durable than the original BILLY screws?
Created on: 7 Dec 2024 09:37
R
ratipeo
Hello everyone,
I have a question regarding the screws used for the Ikea Billy bookshelf, specifically those included as "original BILLY screws" in the package. I have noticed that these screws sometimes rust or loosen over time, which affects the stability of the shelf. Therefore, I would like to ask: which screws are more durable than the original BILLY screws if you want to assemble the shelf for long-term and secure use?
I am particularly interested in which materials, surface treatments, or types of screws have proven effective in minimizing corrosion, material fatigue, and wood tension. If anyone also has experience with specific screw lengths or diameters, that would be very helpful.
I look forward to well-founded recommendations and experiences!
I have a question regarding the screws used for the Ikea Billy bookshelf, specifically those included as "original BILLY screws" in the package. I have noticed that these screws sometimes rust or loosen over time, which affects the stability of the shelf. Therefore, I would like to ask: which screws are more durable than the original BILLY screws if you want to assemble the shelf for long-term and secure use?
I am particularly interested in which materials, surface treatments, or types of screws have proven effective in minimizing corrosion, material fatigue, and wood tension. If anyone also has experience with specific screw lengths or diameters, that would be very helpful.
I look forward to well-founded recommendations and experiences!
Wow, that sounds really professional! A few years ago, I also assembled my BILLY shelf using those cheap black screws and ended up having rust problems after a few years. Last year, I switched to stainless steel screws, and I can only say: it’s brilliant! 🙂 No more rust, everything is rock solid, and when I moved, I was even able to reuse the screws without trimming them again.
So, definitely a strong recommendation for stainless steel screws – totally worth it!
So, definitely a strong recommendation for stainless steel screws – totally worth it!
In addition to the previous posts, I would like to address an important technical aspect: the type of screw head design and the material of the shelving component being screwed into.
For BILLY shelves, the front side is often covered with a thinner laminate, so Torx or Phillips screws with a secure fit are preferable to prevent stripping during assembly and later disassembly.
Regarding the material, it is usually medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard, which are not very resistant to compression. Therefore, the correct screw length is crucial: not too short, or it won’t hold properly; not too long, or the material on the backside may split.
I recommend countersunk screws with a nickel-plated surface or, preferably, stainless steel A2/A4, approximately 4–5 mm (0.16–0.2 inches) thick and about 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 inches) long—depending on the type of shelf. At the same time, pre-drilling should be done with a slightly smaller diameter than the screw itself (about 70–80%) to avoid splitting the material.
With frequent assembly and disassembly, these measures help ensure the durability of the screw-wood connection and thus achieve a longer lifespan than the original version.
What remains unclear to me is whether you also care about the color appearance of the screws? Sometimes the design requires a matching color.
For BILLY shelves, the front side is often covered with a thinner laminate, so Torx or Phillips screws with a secure fit are preferable to prevent stripping during assembly and later disassembly.
Regarding the material, it is usually medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard, which are not very resistant to compression. Therefore, the correct screw length is crucial: not too short, or it won’t hold properly; not too long, or the material on the backside may split.
I recommend countersunk screws with a nickel-plated surface or, preferably, stainless steel A2/A4, approximately 4–5 mm (0.16–0.2 inches) thick and about 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 inches) long—depending on the type of shelf. At the same time, pre-drilling should be done with a slightly smaller diameter than the screw itself (about 70–80%) to avoid splitting the material.
With frequent assembly and disassembly, these measures help ensure the durability of the screw-wood connection and thus achieve a longer lifespan than the original version.
What remains unclear to me is whether you also care about the color appearance of the screws? Sometimes the design requires a matching color.
Dilen schrieb:
I’m still not quite sure if you also care about the color appearance of the screws?\Thanks for the detailed advice! To be honest, I don’t want to compromise on color—the screws should be as discreet as possible, ideally black or dark, like the originals. Are there stainless steel screws with dark matte or black finishes that don’t compromise corrosion resistance? That would be very important to me, since otherwise the shelf stands out visually, which I want to avoid.
Another question: Can you recommend a specific screw brand or supplier that offers the right combination of high-quality material and dark finish?
For durable black screws with good corrosion resistance, I recommend so-called "black passivated stainless steel screws" or "black stainless steel V4A screws."
This combination of A4 stainless steel with an additional black surface treatment provides both mechanical durability and the desired dark appearance. The surface is chemically treated while still offering effective protection against corrosion.
Additionally, manufacturers like Spax, Würth, or Fischer are well known in hardware stores or specialized retailers for high-quality screws in various designs, including black stainless steel options.
Regarding screw size, M4 or M4.5 with a length of 30–35 mm (1.2–1.4 inches) would be appropriate for BILLY. A Torx head ensures good torque transfer and less wear during repeated screwing.
Conclusion: Black passivated A4 stainless steel screws from reputable manufacturers offer the best combination of durability and aesthetics.
This combination of A4 stainless steel with an additional black surface treatment provides both mechanical durability and the desired dark appearance. The surface is chemically treated while still offering effective protection against corrosion.
Additionally, manufacturers like Spax, Würth, or Fischer are well known in hardware stores or specialized retailers for high-quality screws in various designs, including black stainless steel options.
Regarding screw size, M4 or M4.5 with a length of 30–35 mm (1.2–1.4 inches) would be appropriate for BILLY. A Torx head ensures good torque transfer and less wear during repeated screwing.
Conclusion: Black passivated A4 stainless steel screws from reputable manufacturers offer the best combination of durability and aesthetics.
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