ᐅ Which tools are recommended for repairing Ikea HEMNES furniture?

Good morning everyone, I plan to restore an Ikea Hemnes wardrobe that I have been using for some time, as some joints have become loose and minor damage is visible. Since I want to work as efficiently as possible, I am interested in which tools are generally recommended for repairing and maintaining this piece of furniture.

I am already familiar with some basic tools, but I wonder if there are any special tools, for example for assembling wooden dowels, screws, or perhaps for perfectly aligning the parts, that would make the repair process significantly easier or more precise.

Furthermore, I would like to know if certain tools should preferably be avoided to prevent damage to the material. Are there perhaps alternative tools that work especially well in combination?

I look forward to your well-founded tips and experiences!

Hello Ge-Elise66,

your question is very well formulated and important for anyone who wants to work on the HEMNES cabinet themselves. Here is a structured overview of the tools that have proven useful for repairs:

- Phillips screwdriver (PH2): Very important for almost all screws in HEMNES, as the construction mainly uses this type.
- Cordless drill with torque control: Very helpful to avoid overtightening screws and to gently secure the connections.
- Hammer (rubber or wooden mallet): Ideal for gently joining wooden dowels or joints without damaging the surface.
- Rubber scraper or repair filler: Suitable for small gaps or scratches on edges.
- Protractor or spirit level: Important for aligning doors and shelves straight.

Common mistakes I want to highlight: Avoid using screwdrivers with a too-large bit or cheap cordless drills without torque control, as these can easily cause the wood to splinter when screwing in.

Also: Try to use original matching wooden dowels for replacements and apply some wood glue on certain fastenings to keep everything stable.

I hope this helps you!

klo40 schrieb:
Cordless screwdriver with torque control: Very useful to avoid over-tightening screws and to gently secure screw connections.

This is a crucial point that I would also like to emphasize. Especially with furniture like the HEMNES, which is made from spruce wood, over-tightening screws is a common cause of damage and loosening.

Additionally, I recommend having a small set of hex keys (Allen wrenches), as some connectors require them. Anyone who frequently performs repairs should also keep a pair of pliers or combination pliers handy for pulling out broken nails or screws.

To protect the surface, you can also place a thin felt pad underneath when laying parts on the floor during assembly.

I would like to add even more details to this thread, especially since repairs on HEMNES sometimes require more than just tightening screws.

My recommendation: A multifunctional toolbox with the following components:

- Torque wrench (for more demanding repairs, e.g., hinge screws)
- Small precision file or sandpaper (grit 180-220) for smoothing wooden edges after disassembly
- Wood glue (waterproof, e.g., Ponal) to reinforce joints
- Screwdriver set with various sizes and Phillips heads
- Wooden blocks or small clamps for securing parts during repairs

Garry schrieb:
To protect the surface, you can also place a thin felt pad underneath when laying parts on the floor during assembly.

I think that’s a great idea because HEMNES often has a lacquered surface that can scratch easily. Alternatively, old towels can also be used for protection.

Finally, a note on handling HEMNES wood: Never apply too much force if joints don’t come apart immediately. Instead, invest some time and, if necessary, loosen screws with a bit of oil (e.g., sewing machine oil).

This will help prevent unnecessary damage.