ᐅ Are there better screws than the originals for assembling the Ikea Brimnes?
Created on: 3 Jun 2024 08:17
B
Bulau
Hello everyone,
I am about to start assembling my Ikea Brimnes unit and am wondering if there might be better alternatives to the original screws included in the package. My main consideration is whether higher-quality screws, for example in terms of material quality, corrosion resistance, or manufacturing precision, would make the assembly more stable or durable—especially since I want to use the cabinet long-term and minimize any need for later adjustments.
Does anyone have practical experience or recommendations? Are there screws you have found significantly better than the original Ikea sets for the Brimnes from your experience? I am specifically not referring to completely different fastening methods, but only comparing types of screws—be it in screw type, coating, or strength grade.
I appreciate any advice!
I am about to start assembling my Ikea Brimnes unit and am wondering if there might be better alternatives to the original screws included in the package. My main consideration is whether higher-quality screws, for example in terms of material quality, corrosion resistance, or manufacturing precision, would make the assembly more stable or durable—especially since I want to use the cabinet long-term and minimize any need for later adjustments.
Does anyone have practical experience or recommendations? Are there screws you have found significantly better than the original Ikea sets for the Brimnes from your experience? I am specifically not referring to completely different fastening methods, but only comparing types of screws—be it in screw type, coating, or strength grade.
I appreciate any advice!
W
warrenka574 Jun 2024 08:09Bulau schrieb:
I’m asking because I’m worried that screws that are too thick might stress the wood too much – but screws that are too thin might not hold well enough.That’s a very important point, Bulau. I often wondered about the tolerance during assembly as well. In my experience, sticking to the original dimensions works best, but using better materials helps – for example, 4mm (0.16 inch) stainless steel screws instead of the usual 3.5mm (0.14 inch) originals. This way, everything fits securely and I’m less concerned about material cracks or splitting.
I share the concern about stressing the wood, but with the right length and avoiding overtightening, it works well.
Ramon4 schrieb:
If you’re unsure, check the strength grade before buying: 8.8 is standard and sufficient for wood screws in this type of furniture.Thanks for the tip about the strength grade. I recall that Ikea screws often don’t specify this clearly, right? Can you really always assume the originals are at least 8.8, or is that more wishful thinking?
This could be a crucial factor for durability if I want to go for higher quality. Also, how exactly would you check or select your screws when ordering online?
Bulau schrieb:
Can you really always assume that the originals are at least 8.8 strength grade, or is that more wishful thinking?Ikea rarely specifies the strength grade of the screws they include. Generally, the screws are fairly basic, which is sufficient for their intended use, but not always optimal for higher loads or long-term furniture.
When selecting online: pay attention to the product description, where the grade should always be listed. Metal quality (e.g., stainless steel), surface treatment (galvanized, plain, etc.), and even manufacturer information can provide useful clues.
Some suppliers also have certification marks or quality certificates. This way, you can be fairly confident of getting screws that are truly better than the originals.
My experience is that original screws do not need to be replaced as long as they are not damaged. When buying replacements, stainless steel screws with the same measurements work well. Be careful that the thread is not too coarse, otherwise the wood can be damaged. That's all you really need.
Thank you very much for the numerous detailed responses!
From what I’ve gathered:
- Original screws generally fit well but are not always optimal in terms of quality or durability
- Stainless steel or galvanized screws with a strength class of 8.8 are advisable for longevity and corrosion resistance
- It is important to adhere as closely as possible to the specified dimensions to avoid stressing the wood
- Pre-drilling with a slightly smaller drill bit relieves the material and prevents cracking
For my next assembly, I will replace the screws with stainless steel versions of the original dimensions and pay close attention to the strength class. If I have any further questions, I will gladly get back to you here.
Have a great day, everyone!
From what I’ve gathered:
- Original screws generally fit well but are not always optimal in terms of quality or durability
- Stainless steel or galvanized screws with a strength class of 8.8 are advisable for longevity and corrosion resistance
- It is important to adhere as closely as possible to the specified dimensions to avoid stressing the wood
- Pre-drilling with a slightly smaller drill bit relieves the material and prevents cracking
For my next assembly, I will replace the screws with stainless steel versions of the original dimensions and pay close attention to the strength class. If I have any further questions, I will gladly get back to you here.
Have a great day, everyone!
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