ᐅ What screw lengths are most commonly used for IKEA Platsa?

Created on: 25 Jul 2020 18:37
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PAFOMU
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PAFOMU
25 Jul 2020 18:37
Hello everyone, I am currently working on assembling IKEA Platsa cabinets and have noticed that very different screw lengths are required. I am interested in knowing which screw lengths are most commonly used for IKEA Platsa, for example, for connecting the carcass parts, mounting the back panels, or attaching the feet. Specifically, which screw lengths should you definitely keep in stock when buying spare parts or expanding the system? I would appreciate any practical experience or exact information from the assembly instructions. Thanks in advance for your tips and advice!
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REPITAR
25 Jul 2020 19:12
Hello PAFOMU, this is a very important and practical question! IKEA Platsa offers several screw lengths, but the most common are: - Screws with a length of 16 mm (0.6 inches), usually used for connecting side panels and shelves. - Screws with a length of 30 mm (1.2 inches), often used for attaching the back panels. - Screws with a length of 50 mm (2 inches), mainly used for mounting the feet or connecting larger components.

I recommend always keeping a set of 16 mm (0.6 inches) and 30 mm (1.2 inches) screws on hand when working with Platsa, as these are standard for most connections. A common mistake I often see is mixing up the screws and countersinking them too deeply, which can cause parts to split. It’s better to stick to the original screw sizes and avoid using longer screws unnecessarily.

If you need replacements, it’s also worth buying screw sets, as these usually include the necessary lengths well coordinated. Hope this helps!
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TEBILO
25 Jul 2020 20:05
Hello everyone, I also find PAFOMU’s question very interesting. I have assembled several Platsa units myself and can add the following:

- The 16 mm (0.6 inch) screws mentioned by REPITAR are usually connector screws similar to Spax, with a countersunk head, which ensure that the furniture parts fit neatly together without protruding.
- The 30 mm (1.2 inch) screws are often used for the thin back panels made of hardboard, and they should not be too long to avoid damaging the back panel.
- The 50 mm (2 inch) screws are often wood screws for load-bearing parts, for example when attaching cabinets to each other or to the wall.

A common mistake I often notice is using longer screws for the back panels, which later can break or warp the wood or panels on the backside. Therefore, always pay close attention to the diameter and length.

One more question for PAFOMU: Do you mainly work with new Platsa modules, or are these extensions of existing units? That could also affect the types of screws needed.
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karbar
26 Jul 2020 07:39
18 mm (0.7 inches) and 30 mm (1.2 inches) are the most commonly used screw lengths for Platsa, especially for carcass joints and back panels. The 50 mm (2 inches) screws are only used for base mounting.
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PAFOMU
26 Jul 2020 08:15
TEBILO schrieb:
One more question for PAFOMU: Do you mainly work with new Platsa modules, or are these extensions of existing units? That could further affect the types of screws needed.

Good question. I already have some existing Platsa cabinets at home and want to expand them with new components. That’s why it’s important for me to have screws that allow me both to carry out repairs and to securely mount new modules. Therefore, I’d also like to know if certain screw lengths are used more often for expansions or if they are the same as those used in the original assembly.
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REPITAR
26 Jul 2020 09:42
PAFOMU schrieb:
Therefore, I would like to know whether certain screw lengths are more commonly used for extensions or if they are the same as in the original construction.

In general, the screw lengths used for extensions are the same as those used in the original assembly. IKEA keeps the Platsa system very standardized: connectors and screws remain consistent, even if you add modules.

I recommend keeping a stock of mainly 16 mm (0.6 inches) and 30 mm (1.2 inches) screws. However, if you need special parts such as stronger connectors or additional wall fixings, screws between 40 mm (1.6 inches) and 50 mm (2.0 inches) may also be useful.

A tip: Before dismantling, check which screws are installed. If possible, remove screws and take them as samples when purchasing replacement parts.