Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I bought the Billy desk riser from Ikea because I wanted extra storage space above my desk. Unfortunately, the unit squeaks with almost every movement, which is really annoying. I have already tried checking and tightening the screws, but the problem persists. It seems to me that the wooden joints or maybe the hinges could be causing it.
I am therefore looking for tips or proven methods to permanently and effectively eliminate this squeaking without having to take the whole thing apart or replace it completely. Has anyone repaired something like this before or has an idea which product or approach works best?
For background: It squeaks more when sliding or slightly adjusting the riser, rather than when bearing loads.
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Some time ago, I bought the Billy desk riser from Ikea because I wanted extra storage space above my desk. Unfortunately, the unit squeaks with almost every movement, which is really annoying. I have already tried checking and tightening the screws, but the problem persists. It seems to me that the wooden joints or maybe the hinges could be causing it.
I am therefore looking for tips or proven methods to permanently and effectively eliminate this squeaking without having to take the whole thing apart or replace it completely. Has anyone repaired something like this before or has an idea which product or approach works best?
For background: It squeaks more when sliding or slightly adjusting the riser, rather than when bearing loads.
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Hello Mattzar,
to assist you more precisely, I need to know whether the construction of your Billy desk topper is entirely made of wood or if screws and metal fittings are used.
In general, squeaking is caused by friction between wooden edges, screws, or fittings. If the joinery (dovetails, dowels) is affected by moisture and swells or shrinks, noises can also occur. Even slight stresses from different wood expansion are often the reason.
My suggestion would be to carefully dismantle the desk topper and closely inspect the relevant parts (especially the screw holes and hinges).
You can use small plastic washers under the screws to reduce friction.
For the wooden edges, thin layers of beeswax are recommended, as already mentioned, because the wax slightly smooths the wood fibers and thus reduces noise.
Please also observe if a specific movement or load changes the squeaking. This provides important clues about the exact location.
If you like, you can also report how flexible the joints are and whether you have already found any loose spots.
to assist you more precisely, I need to know whether the construction of your Billy desk topper is entirely made of wood or if screws and metal fittings are used.
In general, squeaking is caused by friction between wooden edges, screws, or fittings. If the joinery (dovetails, dowels) is affected by moisture and swells or shrinks, noises can also occur. Even slight stresses from different wood expansion are often the reason.
My suggestion would be to carefully dismantle the desk topper and closely inspect the relevant parts (especially the screw holes and hinges).
You can use small plastic washers under the screws to reduce friction.
For the wooden edges, thin layers of beeswax are recommended, as already mentioned, because the wax slightly smooths the wood fibers and thus reduces noise.
Please also observe if a specific movement or load changes the squeaking. This provides important clues about the exact location.
If you like, you can also report how flexible the joints are and whether you have already found any loose spots.
FAZAR schrieb:
whether your BILLY desk topper is made entirely of wood or if screws and metal fittings are used. The topper is mainly made of wooden panels and components, connected with screws and some metal parts. There are hinges and metal brackets used for reinforcement at some joints.
FAZAR schrieb:
Whether a certain movement or load changes the squeaking The squeaking mainly occurs when gently sliding it across the desk, not so much under load, as I noticed.
So far, I haven’t found any loose screws; everything is well secured.
Thanks for the tip about using plastic washers—that could be a clever solution.
If the squeaking only occurs when sliding on the desk, it is possible that friction is being caused at the contact points between the attachment and the surface.
Sometimes, applying small felt pads or strips of foam rubber to the underside of the attachment or the contact points can help reduce movement and eliminate the squeaking.
This is a clever and simple solution that you can implement without any tools.
Sometimes, applying small felt pads or strips of foam rubber to the underside of the attachment or the contact points can help reduce movement and eliminate the squeaking.
This is a clever and simple solution that you can implement without any tools.
Work shouldn't be accompanied by annoying noises – getting rid of squeaks really makes a difference!
I usually use a good silicone spray because it lubricates well and doesn’t stick. Just spray a little, move the parts a few times, and the problem is usually solved.
If the noise persists, check if the wooden panels are slightly moving against each other somewhere. You can protect those contact points with felt tape or Teflon film – this can often solve the issue in a simple and effective way.
Good luck with it! I think every little tip is worth gold when dealing with these annoying problems 🙂
I usually use a good silicone spray because it lubricates well and doesn’t stick. Just spray a little, move the parts a few times, and the problem is usually solved.
If the noise persists, check if the wooden panels are slightly moving against each other somewhere. You can protect those contact points with felt tape or Teflon film – this can often solve the issue in a simple and effective way.
Good luck with it! I think every little tip is worth gold when dealing with these annoying problems 🙂
Hello Mattzar,
I have been following your thread with interest. A quick tip for you: if you use candle wax, be careful that the wax doesn’t run into the wrong gaps, as this can later cause dust and dirt problems.
A minimal application followed by careful wiping is recommended here.
Also, if the squeaking seems to come from metal parts, a small drop of sewing machine oil can help – but use it very sparingly to avoid contamination.
I hope this is helpful!
I have been following your thread with interest. A quick tip for you: if you use candle wax, be careful that the wax doesn’t run into the wrong gaps, as this can later cause dust and dirt problems.
A minimal application followed by careful wiping is recommended here.
Also, if the squeaking seems to come from metal parts, a small drop of sewing machine oil can help – but use it very sparingly to avoid contamination.
I hope this is helpful!
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