Hello everyone, some time ago I bought the IKEA Besta shelving unit and now I want to use more durable screws, as I have noticed that some of the supplied screws start to rust or wear out after a while, especially under heavy load. Therefore, my question to the experienced DIYers here: Which screws are really durable for assembling the IKEA Besta? I mean screws that are reliable both in terms of material quality and corrosion resistance. Are there specific types of screws or materials (e.g., stainless steel screws, galvanized screws) that you would recommend? And is it advisable to replace the original screws with others at all, or is that not recommended for stability reasons? Looking forward to your experiences and tips!
Funny that you mention this! I once had issues with the IKEA screws because I had the Besta unit stored in the basement – quite a damp environment. After a few months, the screws looked really shabby. Since then, I prefer to use stainless steel screws from the hardware store; they are very durable, and I can confidently secure the shelf. 😉 Bonus: No rust, no squeaking, just pure stability.
Teren schrieb:
Which screws are really durable for assembling the IKEA Besta shelf? I mean screws that are convincing both in terms of material quality and corrosion resistance.Good question! When it comes to durable screws, I generally recommend using stainless steel (usually A2 or A4), because these are not only rust-resistant but also very strong. For indoor furniture like the Besta shelf in living areas, A2 stainless steel is usually sufficient, while A4 offers even greater corrosion resistance but is generally more expensive.
As a replacement: the original IKEA screws are sized specifically for the shelf. If you use different screws, make sure the length, diameter, and thread type match to avoid compromising stability.
Also, it’s advisable to use the appropriate screwdriver bits during assembly and avoid overtightening, as this can damage the material. If the shelf is placed in more humid rooms, stainless steel screws are definitely the better choice.
angel schrieb:
For replacement: The original IKEA screws are dimensioned specifically for the shelving unit. If you use different screws, you should ensure that length, diameter, and thread type match to avoid compromising stability.I fully agree with that. Additionally, I would say that stainless steel A2 is usually sufficient for normal residential areas where humidity levels are not too high. If you place the Besta in a bathroom or basement, A4 is the better choice due to its higher resistance to acids and chlorides.
Also, when selecting screws, look for rust-resistant alloys with uniform threading. Avoid cheap screws with poor coatings that can peel off or rust more quickly.
For typical home use, a combination of a good stainless steel grade and proper sealing often provides long-lasting durability.
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