ᐅ Attaching the BILLY bookshelf back panel – which screws are best?
Created on: 11 Jan 2024 09:31
A
alberttau
Hello everyone,
I am planning to fully assemble my Billy bookshelf and am currently wondering about the best way to attach the back panel. Since the back panel usually consists of thin particleboard or hardboard, I am curious which screws are ideal for this so that the back panel is securely held without causing too much damage to the material.
Are simple small wood screws sufficient, or would it be better to use specialized screws? It is also important that the back panel does not warp or split, as I might need to remove it later.
Perhaps you have experience with the BILLY bookshelf or know the suitable types and numbers of screws, as well as tips on the appropriate screw length and thickness?
Thank you in advance for your helpful advice!
I am planning to fully assemble my Billy bookshelf and am currently wondering about the best way to attach the back panel. Since the back panel usually consists of thin particleboard or hardboard, I am curious which screws are ideal for this so that the back panel is securely held without causing too much damage to the material.
Are simple small wood screws sufficient, or would it be better to use specialized screws? It is also important that the back panel does not warp or split, as I might need to remove it later.
Perhaps you have experience with the BILLY bookshelf or know the suitable types and numbers of screws, as well as tips on the appropriate screw length and thickness?
Thank you in advance for your helpful advice!
Hello everyone!
I just wanted to join in—I recently had the same issue with my BILLY shelf. I even used the small cylinder head screws IKEA recommends in the instructions, which were about 3.5 x 30 mm (1/8 x 1 1/4 inches).
I pre-drilled the holes, and the back panel fits tightly but not so tight that you’d worry about damaging everything when removing it later.
In any case: tighten by feel and regularly check that the back panel stays straight. For me, it’s been holding well for months now.
I totally agree with that 😄
I just wanted to join in—I recently had the same issue with my BILLY shelf. I even used the small cylinder head screws IKEA recommends in the instructions, which were about 3.5 x 30 mm (1/8 x 1 1/4 inches).
I pre-drilled the holes, and the back panel fits tightly but not so tight that you’d worry about damaging everything when removing it later.
In any case: tighten by feel and regularly check that the back panel stays straight. For me, it’s been holding well for months now.
mauka schrieb:
...loosening the screws enough is usually perfectly fine.
I totally agree with that 😄
alberttau schrieb:
The back panel doesn’t warp or splinter, as I might need to remove it later.I completely understand that. I once had the experience of tightening back panels too much – I had to drill out several screws later because the material started to split over time.
My advice: When pre-drilling, make the hole no larger than the screw diameter, and only tighten the screws by hand.
My feeling is that 3.5 x 25 mm (0.14 x 1 inch) wood screws should work well, as has often been mentioned here.
M
Marcellela12 Jan 2024 13:06Quite practical: IKEA uses 3.5x30 wood screws for BILLY back panels, which is tested and works well.
Don’t forget to pre-drill, otherwise the back panel may split quickly.
Don’t forget to pre-drill, otherwise the back panel may split quickly.
Marcellela schrieb:
IKEA uses 3.5x30 wood screws for BILLY back panels; this has been tested and works.I agree completely, but I would like to point out that you shouldn’t fully tighten the screws to avoid putting too much stress on the back panel material. Leaving a slight gap helps prevent warping or the anchors from pulling out.
Therefore, my advice is: pre-drill, carefully screw in, and tighten gently—done.
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