ᐅ Kallax shelving unit no longer stable after move – can new screws help?
Created on: 25 May 2024 19:34
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gujareo
Hello everyone,
I recently moved and took apart my IKEA Kallax shelf to rebuild it. Unfortunately, I noticed that the shelf is no longer as stable as before – it wobbles in several places and generally feels weaker. I suspect that the original screws may have been damaged during disassembly and reassembly or simply don’t hold as firmly anymore.
My specific question is: Can I use new screws to stabilize the Kallax, possibly ones that are stronger or thicker? Are there any screw recommendations that hold better or are especially suited for reassembly? Or are there other tips to make my Kallax shelf stable again after moving without having to buy a completely new one?
I look forward to your experiences and advice – thanks in advance!
I recently moved and took apart my IKEA Kallax shelf to rebuild it. Unfortunately, I noticed that the shelf is no longer as stable as before – it wobbles in several places and generally feels weaker. I suspect that the original screws may have been damaged during disassembly and reassembly or simply don’t hold as firmly anymore.
My specific question is: Can I use new screws to stabilize the Kallax, possibly ones that are stronger or thicker? Are there any screw recommendations that hold better or are especially suited for reassembly? Or are there other tips to make my Kallax shelf stable again after moving without having to buy a completely new one?
I look forward to your experiences and advice – thanks in advance!
gujareo schrieb:
Is it advisable to completely remove the back panel in order to apply wood glue and dowels to the main joints?Hello, yes, I think that’s a good idea!
The back panel is an important component for stability since it prevents the shelving unit from twisting sideways. It should be fitted as tightly as possible. If you remove it when re-gluing and inserting dowels, you can afterward use either new nails or screws to reattach it securely.
Your suspicion about the creaking suggests the joints are indeed no longer holding well. Wood glue is very effective here because it bonds wood to wood.
If you decide to remove the back panel, take your time and work carefully to avoid damaging the thin fiberboard. Then glue the joints thoroughly and clamp them for at least 24 hours.
Hey, that sounds like a really good way to stabilize the shelf again! I had the same issue once, and it worked great when I combined new screws AND wood glue.
+1 for dowels, they really provide extra grip!
You can definitely do it – it’s really satisfying when the shelf stands as sturdy as before! 🙂 Fingers crossed it works out!
+1 for dowels, they really provide extra grip!
You can definitely do it – it’s really satisfying when the shelf stands as sturdy as before! 🙂 Fingers crossed it works out!
One more tip from me:
Check if you can get original Kallax screws from IKEA’s spare parts shop. They are often cheaper than special screws from hardware stores and fit perfectly.
Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes precisely fitting screws provide more stability than larger ones.
Wood glue definitely helps if you secure the shelf properly afterward.
Check if you can get original Kallax screws from IKEA’s spare parts shop. They are often cheaper than special screws from hardware stores and fit perfectly.
Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes precisely fitting screws provide more stability than larger ones.
Wood glue definitely helps if you secure the shelf properly afterward.
After hearing quite a bit, one last note for you gujareo:
If you decide to use new screws, make sure they have a countersunk head – this ensures they sit flush with the wood. Screws with heads that are too large can cause the material to split or not tighten properly.
Also, I recommend pre-drilling the screws carefully into an old piece of wood before assembly to protect the material.
If you use dowels, make sure they are made of real wood, not plastic versions, as plastic ones are more prone to breaking when there is movement.
It’s a bit of work, but in the end, you’ll have a very sturdy shelf that will hold up well during the move.
If you decide to use new screws, make sure they have a countersunk head – this ensures they sit flush with the wood. Screws with heads that are too large can cause the material to split or not tighten properly.
Also, I recommend pre-drilling the screws carefully into an old piece of wood before assembly to protect the material.
If you use dowels, make sure they are made of real wood, not plastic versions, as plastic ones are more prone to breaking when there is movement.
It’s a bit of work, but in the end, you’ll have a very sturdy shelf that will hold up well during the move.
noge58 schrieb:
You can definitely do it – it’s really satisfying when the shelf ends up standing as sturdy as before! 🙂That really cheers me up, thank you! I’ll try using dowels and wood glue, and I will definitely check the screws carefully.
SETHBLA schrieb:
Wood glue definitely helps if you secure the shelf properly afterward.Are there differences between wood glues? Should I prefer Ponal or another type of wood glue?
And one more question: Is it possible to reinforce the back panel with small brackets if it no longer fits properly? Or would that cause warping?
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