ᐅ Billy Regal easy-to-install helpers – which tools are worth having?

Created on: 1 Feb 2015 08:47
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Zarni7
Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to get a Billy bookshelf and want to make the assembly as straightforward as possible. Since I care not only about the final result but also about the effort involved, I’m specifically interested in which tools and aids are truly worthwhile for assembling a Billy bookshelf to save time, avoid mistakes, and build it securely and stably. Are there any special screwdrivers, drills, fixing aids, or other tools that experienced users would recommend? I would really appreciate tips on both common standard tools and useful, perhaps lesser-known, helpers, as I prefer not to experiment with unsuitable tools. Thanks in advance!
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sonrickey
2 Feb 2015 08:32
Hi,

I just wanted to quickly share that a cordless screwdriver with LED lighting really works wonders, especially when you don’t have the best lighting conditions. You can immediately see where you’re screwing.

Also, a rubber mallet makes small adjustments easier without damaging the material – this is super handy for Billy shelves when the holes aren’t quite perfectly aligned.

And of course, don’t forget a spirit level 🙂
Lenfa schrieb:
A mounting bracket to secure the shelves while screwing also adds stability and keeps everything in place.
Exactly, that’s how it is. I mean, it makes life much easier when you can basically ‘clamp’ the shelf in place while screwing.

Oh, and don’t forget to have a little fun with it! 😉 Good luck!
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Zarni7
2 Feb 2015 09:04
Thanks in advance for all the helpful tips!
FABIAN_DEO schrieb:
Are you going to assemble the shelf just once or multiple times?
At least for now, only once, but maybe again in a different apartment at some point.

That’s why the idea of using mounting brackets and clamps sounds very interesting, as it allows for more precise work and reduces the effort.

Could you also advise whether it’s worthwhile to use a combination of a cordless drill and a traditional screwdriver, or can I really do everything just with the cordless drill? I’m also considering whether I need a spirit level in addition to the Billy shelf, or if a large ruler or a simple straight edge is sufficient to get the shelf reasonably level.
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Lenfa
3 Feb 2015 11:22
Zarni7 schrieb:
Can you also tell me if it’s worth combining a cordless drill/driver and a traditional screwdriver, or can I really do everything with just the cordless drill?

That’s a good question! In practice, you can handle almost everything with a cordless drill/driver, but a simple screwdriver is still a useful addition.

Sometimes, especially during final assembly or small adjustments, the finesse of a hand tool is unmatched. A screwdriver lets you tighten or loosen screws precisely without risking over-tightening and damaging the material.
Zarni7 schrieb:
whether I need a spirit level in addition to the Billy shelf, or if a large ruler or a simple straight edge is enough

A spirit level is actually the best choice because it measures exact horizontal and vertical levels. A large ruler is too inaccurate, and a straight edge cannot compensate for uneven floors. Especially for shelves that should remain stable over time, you can’t go wrong with a spirit level.

Personally, I always use a simple 40cm (16 inch) spirit level—it’s inexpensive but very reliable.