ᐅ Are there commonly available replacement screws for the Ikea Brimnes series?

Hello everyone, I have a rather specific question that might be interesting for some of you: Are there common replacement screws available for the Ikea Brimnes furniture range?

I own several pieces from this system, and unfortunately, some screws have been lost or damaged. Ikea sometimes only offers full replacement sets or specific parts, which can often be oversized or expensive when you only need a few individual screws.

I’m therefore interested in whether there are standard screws that can be easily used as replacements in terms of size, thread, and material. Perhaps someone has already had this experience and can share tips on which screws work well or where to best find replacements.

I would also appreciate information about the exact specifications of the original screws (length, diameter, head type, etc.) to search more precisely for suitable alternatives. Thanks in advance!

HERMINE52 schrieb:
I am interested in whether there are standard screws available that can be easily used as replacements in terms of size, thread, and material.

This question is somewhat typical for IKEA furniture in general: Who wants to have to constantly buy replacement screws? But yes, in most cases, the screws are not particularly special.

For Brimnes, these are usually standardized furniture connectors or hex bolts that you can easily find at a hardware store. The issue is more that some screws have specific lengths or are partially threaded to fit perfectly into the pre-assembled furniture piece.

In conclusion: replacements are available, but you need to know exactly what you need and perhaps do a bit of testing. Affordable alternatives to IKEA replacement parts are possible, but they might not always be 100% identical.

I would like to respond in more detail to the question, as I have assembled and repaired several pieces of Ikea furniture.

Regarding replacement screws for Ikea Brimnes: Most connections use countersunk screws with metric threads, often M4 or M5, with lengths between approximately 30 and 50 mm (1.2 and 2 inches). Additionally, there are so-called Minifix or cam lock fittings that require special screws.

If the original screws are lost, my advice is to measure them precisely or identify them at a specialist store. Many hardware stores now offer screw sets with common types that often fit Brimnes. The material is also important – IKEA uses zinc-plated steel to prevent rust.

Alternatively, you can try ordering replacements through Ikea customer service, but this often takes time. For those with tools and some patience, standard screws can provide good substitutes as long as the size and thread match.

I hope this helps!

HERMINE52 schrieb:
I am interested to know if there are commonly available screws that can be easily used as replacements in terms of size, thread, and material.

Yes, they are usually available.
- M4 and M5 screws often fit.
- Length around 35–50 mm (1.4–2.0 inches).
- Countersunk or pan head most common.

It is best to use screws made of galvanized steel.

gilen schrieb:
If the original screws are lost, my advice would be to measure them carefully or to identify them through a specialist supplier.

That’s exactly the key point: Many just go to Ikea or buy new furniture instead of taking a closer look.

DUVIN schrieb:
M4 and M5 screws often fit.

That’s true, but I think people underestimate how important the thread pattern and screw head are for both stability and appearance. A cheap hardware store replacement might work, but it often doesn’t look right and can be particularly distracting on furniture with visible screw heads.

Therefore, I believe the best approach is a combination: use original screws when you can still get them, otherwise look for suitable alternatives at a specialist supplier and don’t settle for just any leftover screws.