Hello everyone,
I am currently facing the following problem: I am assembling a Billy bookshelf from IKEA and noticed that the screws supplied for the back panel are significantly too long. Specifically, the screws stick out so much on the back side during assembly that I am worried they might damage the wall or floor when I try to secure the bookshelf to the wall.
My question is: How do you handle it when the screws in the Billy bookshelf are too long? Are there proven and safe ways to shorten or replace them without compromising stability?
I have already considered switching to shorter replacement screws but do not want to make any mistakes regarding safety. Maybe someone here has experience or tips that could help.
Thanks in advance!
I am currently facing the following problem: I am assembling a Billy bookshelf from IKEA and noticed that the screws supplied for the back panel are significantly too long. Specifically, the screws stick out so much on the back side during assembly that I am worried they might damage the wall or floor when I try to secure the bookshelf to the wall.
My question is: How do you handle it when the screws in the Billy bookshelf are too long? Are there proven and safe ways to shorten or replace them without compromising stability?
I have already considered switching to shorter replacement screws but do not want to make any mistakes regarding safety. Maybe someone here has experience or tips that could help.
Thanks in advance!
It's great that you brought up this topic! 🙂 I've also often found the screws for the BILLY to be too long. My advice: just go to a hardware store and get screws of the right length!
Usually, these are standard screws, so it's easy to find replacements – the important thing is to use the same diameter to keep the shelf stable. If you want to skip the trip, sometimes you can bend or shorten the screws with pliers, but be careful! Safety comes first!
So don’t worry, you can handle it, you’re not alone! 🙂
Usually, these are standard screws, so it's easy to find replacements – the important thing is to use the same diameter to keep the shelf stable. If you want to skip the trip, sometimes you can bend or shorten the screws with pliers, but be careful! Safety comes first!
So don’t worry, you can handle it, you’re not alone! 🙂
Great topic! 🙂 I completely agree with vinpau – the screws on my BILLY were also too long, but I simply replaced them. Under no circumstances should you improperly shorten the original screws, as IKEA has tested and approved them as they are.
My solution was to buy shorter screws of the same standard (e.g., 4 mm diameter) at the hardware store. This way, you can ensure a secure hold without taking any risks. And yes, the stability will still be guaranteed—trust me, it works perfectly!
My solution was to buy shorter screws of the same standard (e.g., 4 mm diameter) at the hardware store. This way, you can ensure a secure hold without taking any risks. And yes, the stability will still be guaranteed—trust me, it works perfectly!
Hello Pinvin,
I understand your frustration because when screws are too long and stick out, it can be really annoying and even dangerous—especially if the shelf is meant to be fixed to the wall and everything feels shaky or damaged.
From my experience, you can’t always just replace the screws because the thread depth matters for stability. But if the screws are actually protruding, I would first check if they are simply too long or perhaps inserted incorrectly (for example, using the wrong hole).
If that’s the case, I would play it safe and buy screws at the hardware store that are a few millimeters shorter. They will hold just as well if you compare the measurements. The important thing is that they have the correct strength rating and length—not too short, or the grip will suffer.
I hope this helps you a bit!
I understand your frustration because when screws are too long and stick out, it can be really annoying and even dangerous—especially if the shelf is meant to be fixed to the wall and everything feels shaky or damaged.
From my experience, you can’t always just replace the screws because the thread depth matters for stability. But if the screws are actually protruding, I would first check if they are simply too long or perhaps inserted incorrectly (for example, using the wrong hole).
If that’s the case, I would play it safe and buy screws at the hardware store that are a few millimeters shorter. They will hold just as well if you compare the measurements. The important thing is that they have the correct strength rating and length—not too short, or the grip will suffer.
I hope this helps you a bit!
The original assembly instructions for IKEA furniture recommend a specific screw length to ensure the connection remains stable. Longer screws may protrude but often provide better grip when they engage with a back panel or the cabinet frame.
Problems can occur if the screw sticks out from the back, causing damage, or if the screw cannot be properly fastened.
If this happens, the following steps are recommended:
1. Check whether the screw is intended for the specified hole.
2. If the screw is too long, replace it with one of the same thickness but slightly shorter length.
3. Avoid shortening screws by hand with pliers or saws, as this can damage the thread and reduce load capacity.
If you are mounting the shelf to the wall, it is also important to use the screws and anchors designed specifically for the wall brackets, so the original shelf screws are not overstrained.
Problems can occur if the screw sticks out from the back, causing damage, or if the screw cannot be properly fastened.
If this happens, the following steps are recommended:
1. Check whether the screw is intended for the specified hole.
2. If the screw is too long, replace it with one of the same thickness but slightly shorter length.
3. Avoid shortening screws by hand with pliers or saws, as this can damage the thread and reduce load capacity.
If you are mounting the shelf to the wall, it is also important to use the screws and anchors designed specifically for the wall brackets, so the original shelf screws are not overstrained.
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PeoDaniel28 Oct 2023 08:11Hello everyone,
to add a bit more to the topic: Most BILLY shelves use relatively thin screws for the back panel, with a special thread that holds not only in the back panel but also grips into the shelf itself.
If the screws are too long, it is advisable to choose high-quality replacement screws from a hardware store that have exactly the right length and thread thickness. Shortening screws is only recommended if you have the proper tools and can work very precisely – otherwise, it is better to select the correct length from the start.
Furthermore, if you notice during assembly that a screw is too long, you should check whether the wrong screws were supplied. This can happen, and IKEA sometimes replaces them as a goodwill gesture.
My tip: Note the exact screw specification, take samples with you to the hardware store, or measure the length precisely so you can get the right screws. This helps avoid surprises during assembly.
to add a bit more to the topic: Most BILLY shelves use relatively thin screws for the back panel, with a special thread that holds not only in the back panel but also grips into the shelf itself.
If the screws are too long, it is advisable to choose high-quality replacement screws from a hardware store that have exactly the right length and thread thickness. Shortening screws is only recommended if you have the proper tools and can work very precisely – otherwise, it is better to select the correct length from the start.
Furthermore, if you notice during assembly that a screw is too long, you should check whether the wrong screws were supplied. This can happen, and IKEA sometimes replaces them as a goodwill gesture.
My tip: Note the exact screw specification, take samples with you to the hardware store, or measure the length precisely so you can get the right screws. This helps avoid surprises during assembly.
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