ᐅ Billy Regal Tool List for Assembly – What Do You Really Need?

Created on: 19 Oct 2022 08:37
P
Parju
Hello everyone,

I’m about to assemble a Billy bookcase and want to keep the list of tools for this step as simple and practical as possible. The official IKEA instructions mention several tools, but I’m wondering which ones are actually essential and where you can manage well with fewer or alternative tools.

Could you share your experiences? Specifically: Which tools did you actually use, which would you consider unnecessary, and what should you definitely pay attention to in order to assemble the bookcase firmly and quickly?

Thanks in advance for your help!
G
gojan7
20 Oct 2022 07:56
For my constructions, I have always used Phillips screwdrivers and cordless drills. Of course, I also used drill bits for wall plugs. I rarely needed a hammer.

I have never needed washers or anything similar.
T
tra_nina
20 Oct 2022 09:13
In summary:

- For shelf joints: wooden dowels + hammer
- For screws: Phillips screwdriver or cordless drill + appropriate bit
- Wall mounting: drill bit matching the size of the wall plugs, wall plugs, and screws

It is essential to drill the holes for the wall plugs cleanly in advance to ensure a secure attachment and to avoid damage.

Usually, no additional tools are required besides a tape measure and level.
J
JONSON
20 Oct 2022 10:44
Wesley schrieb:
A hammer is practical for dowels

A hammer is primarily used to carefully insert wooden dowels, not wall plugs. For the latter, a drill is essential.
tra_nina schrieb:
It is absolutely important to drill the holes for dowels cleanly in advance

I can only agree with that. Especially for load-bearing wall mountings, good tools are a safety factor. Using a spirit level to correctly align the fixtures should also not be neglected.
W
Wesley
21 Oct 2022 14:22
JONSON schrieb:
The hammer is primarily used to carefully insert wooden dowels, not for wall plugs.

That's right, that's what I meant as well. You of course use a drill for the wall plugs; otherwise, it won't work.

I think when you look at the list, you don’t necessarily need specialized tools. A few standard tools help a lot, though; otherwise, it gets tedious 🙂
F
flo-Theres
21 Oct 2022 19:35
From my perspective, it makes sense to limit the tools to the following essentials:
- Cordless screwdriver with Phillips bit
- Drill for pre-drilling dowel holes
- Hammer for wooden dowels
- Spirit level for alignment

This combination covers secure assembly and wall mounting optimally. Everything else is mostly optional or only marginally facilitates the work.