ᐅ After assembling my Kallax shelf multiple times, it feels unstable—would using glue help?
Created on: 19 Apr 2021 08:37
N
nardalibor
Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I bought a Kallax shelf from IKEA and have assembled it several times, mainly because I keep rearranging it to suit my needs. Now I’ve noticed that, despite careful assembly, the shelf wobbles slightly in some places, especially under load. I’m wondering if it would make sense to reinforce it with wood glue after assembly to improve stability?
I have properly installed all screws and dowels, and the parts fit well, but somehow the construction is not as sturdy as I expected. My question is: Would gluing help without damaging the furniture? Or are there other tips to improve the stability of my Kallax?
I would appreciate any experiences, advice, or suggestions. Thanks in advance!
Some time ago, I bought a Kallax shelf from IKEA and have assembled it several times, mainly because I keep rearranging it to suit my needs. Now I’ve noticed that, despite careful assembly, the shelf wobbles slightly in some places, especially under load. I’m wondering if it would make sense to reinforce it with wood glue after assembly to improve stability?
I have properly installed all screws and dowels, and the parts fit well, but somehow the construction is not as sturdy as I expected. My question is: Would gluing help without damaging the furniture? Or are there other tips to improve the stability of my Kallax?
I would appreciate any experiences, advice, or suggestions. Thanks in advance!
I share a similar view to liskar and would like to add the following:
If you apply glue to the dowels and then simply assemble the piece of furniture, the glue usually sets relatively quickly. With this detailed application, you can still carefully loosen the joint if you don’t use too much glue.
Alternatively, you can also insert foam or self-adhesive neoprene strips into the dowel holes. This creates some tension without permanent adhesion.
Try gentle methods first before gluing everything together!
If you apply glue to the dowels and then simply assemble the piece of furniture, the glue usually sets relatively quickly. With this detailed application, you can still carefully loosen the joint if you don’t use too much glue.
Alternatively, you can also insert foam or self-adhesive neoprene strips into the dowel holes. This creates some tension without permanent adhesion.
Try gentle methods first before gluing everything together!
Tevin schrieb:
Alternatively, you can also insert foam or self-adhesive foam strips into the dowel holes.Great tip, that sounds really practical! 🙂
I once stabilized an old Billy shelf that way, and it worked perfectly. You don’t always have to reach for the heavy-duty glue gun; sometimes small tricks are enough to ensure a solid hold.
Try adding plastic washers with the screws as well—they can help absorb vibrations and keep the connection from wobbling.
liskar schrieb:
The dowel holes become slightly worn over time, so the dowels no longer fit tightly.Exactly that!
I also really like the tip with the toothpicks – it works for me every time. Just put a small amount of glue on the wood shavings and insert the toothpicks. After that, nothing wobbles anymore!
And the best part: you can open it again and redo it if needed. A real gamechanger! 😉
If the shelf only wobbles in a few spots, I also find the spot-fix solution with wood chips or similar materials the most practical. Using glue over a large area usually doesn’t make much sense since the furniture remains modular.
Also check the back panels and whether all screws are tightened properly; sometimes the issue is caused by a lack of tension there.
Also check the back panels and whether all screws are tightened properly; sometimes the issue is caused by a lack of tension there.
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