Hello everyone,
I am currently facing the following problem: one of the screws broke during the assembly of my IKEA Hemnes wardrobe. It is one of the metal connector screws that goes relatively deep into the wood. Now I’m wondering how to best repair or replace this broken screw without damaging the furniture or compromising its stability.
I have considered drilling out the remains of the screw, but I am unsure which tools and techniques are suitable for this and how to proceed afterward to replace the screw properly.
Does anyone have experience with broken screws specifically in Hemnes furniture? Perhaps tips on unscrewing, gluing, or any tricks that really work?
I would appreciate a detailed guide or advice on what to watch out for.
Thanks in advance!
I am currently facing the following problem: one of the screws broke during the assembly of my IKEA Hemnes wardrobe. It is one of the metal connector screws that goes relatively deep into the wood. Now I’m wondering how to best repair or replace this broken screw without damaging the furniture or compromising its stability.
I have considered drilling out the remains of the screw, but I am unsure which tools and techniques are suitable for this and how to proceed afterward to replace the screw properly.
Does anyone have experience with broken screws specifically in Hemnes furniture? Perhaps tips on unscrewing, gluing, or any tricks that really work?
I would appreciate a detailed guide or advice on what to watch out for.
Thanks in advance!
Hello jenspi,
First of all, very good description of the problem; that makes it much easier to help. Regarding your question: Broken screws, especially in IKEA furniture like the Hemnes series, can be frustrating but are usually fixable if you proceed systematically.
I recommend the following steps:
- First, carefully assess the situation: Is the broken part of the screw still firmly embedded in the wood, or does it stick out? If it is flush or countersunk, removing it will be more difficult.
- If the screw head has broken off and the remaining screw is stuck inside the wood, you can try using a screw extractor (also called a left-hand extractor). Carefully drill a small hole into the broken screw, insert the extractor straight in, and turn counterclockwise to pull the screw out.
- If you don’t have a special tool, sometimes a small pair of pliers or flat-nose pliers can help to turn out the screw if it protrudes enough.
- If that doesn’t work, another option is to carefully remove the screw remnant with a thin drill bit, taking great care not to damage the surrounding wood. This requires a lot of delicacy.
- After removing the screw remnants, you can insert a new screw of the same type, if possible, to maintain stability.
- Caution: Hemnes furniture often uses solid wood which can easily splinter. Therefore, I advise working gently and possibly smoothing the wood around the screw with sandpaper if it has been damaged.
- If the screw was set very deep and is replaceable, you might be able to fill the hole slightly with wood filler and, after drying, re-drill it if the hole became too large when removing the screw.
One more question: Which screw exactly is broken? Is it a connection screw with threading or a regular wood screw? And do you still have the original screws to reorder if needed?
I hope this helps you already!
First of all, very good description of the problem; that makes it much easier to help. Regarding your question: Broken screws, especially in IKEA furniture like the Hemnes series, can be frustrating but are usually fixable if you proceed systematically.
I recommend the following steps:
- First, carefully assess the situation: Is the broken part of the screw still firmly embedded in the wood, or does it stick out? If it is flush or countersunk, removing it will be more difficult.
- If the screw head has broken off and the remaining screw is stuck inside the wood, you can try using a screw extractor (also called a left-hand extractor). Carefully drill a small hole into the broken screw, insert the extractor straight in, and turn counterclockwise to pull the screw out.
- If you don’t have a special tool, sometimes a small pair of pliers or flat-nose pliers can help to turn out the screw if it protrudes enough.
- If that doesn’t work, another option is to carefully remove the screw remnant with a thin drill bit, taking great care not to damage the surrounding wood. This requires a lot of delicacy.
- After removing the screw remnants, you can insert a new screw of the same type, if possible, to maintain stability.
- Caution: Hemnes furniture often uses solid wood which can easily splinter. Therefore, I advise working gently and possibly smoothing the wood around the screw with sandpaper if it has been damaged.
- If the screw was set very deep and is replaceable, you might be able to fill the hole slightly with wood filler and, after drying, re-drill it if the hole became too large when removing the screw.
One more question: Which screw exactly is broken? Is it a connection screw with threading or a regular wood screw? And do you still have the original screws to reorder if needed?
I hope this helps you already!
For further clarification:
This method is indeed very effective when used correctly. It is important to choose a screw extractor of the appropriate size to minimize the risk of the tool slipping and damaging the material.
Alternatively, for stuck screw remnants in solid wood, drilling out the screw could be considered. In this case, select a drill bit that is only slightly smaller than the core diameter of the screw to avoid unnecessarily enlarging the thread. Afterwards, the hole may need to be filled with a wooden dowel or wood filler and then re-drilled to restore stability.
One more note on tool choice: a ratchet with a toothed socket or a multitool with a screw extractor attachment is particularly suitable for removing screws.
It is advisable to apply light pressure and avoid forcing the tool to prevent damaging the wood during the repair attempt. If the screw has broken off very deep inside the wood, a professional carpenter or a specialist workshop might also be able to help.
In summary:
- Use a screw extractor for a broken screw head
- Drill out the screw if necessary
- Repair the hole with wood filler or a dowel
- Re-drill and insert a replacement screw
This ensures the best possible stability, especially with Hemnes furniture, which is made from solid wood.
PLOMA schrieb:
If the screw head has broken off and the remaining part of the screw is stuck in the wood, you can try using a screw extractor (also called a left-hand drill bit).
This method is indeed very effective when used correctly. It is important to choose a screw extractor of the appropriate size to minimize the risk of the tool slipping and damaging the material.
Alternatively, for stuck screw remnants in solid wood, drilling out the screw could be considered. In this case, select a drill bit that is only slightly smaller than the core diameter of the screw to avoid unnecessarily enlarging the thread. Afterwards, the hole may need to be filled with a wooden dowel or wood filler and then re-drilled to restore stability.
One more note on tool choice: a ratchet with a toothed socket or a multitool with a screw extractor attachment is particularly suitable for removing screws.
It is advisable to apply light pressure and avoid forcing the tool to prevent damaging the wood during the repair attempt. If the screw has broken off very deep inside the wood, a professional carpenter or a specialist workshop might also be able to help.
In summary:
- Use a screw extractor for a broken screw head
- Drill out the screw if necessary
- Repair the hole with wood filler or a dowel
- Re-drill and insert a replacement screw
This ensures the best possible stability, especially with Hemnes furniture, which is made from solid wood.
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