ᐅ Is there a guide for assembling Ikea Besta units without using the standard screws?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to assemble an Ikea Besta shelving unit, but currently I don’t have any of the original screws that are usually provided for the assembly. Therefore, I would like to know if there is a reliable guide or alternative methods to safely and securely build the Ikea Besta shelving unit without using the supplied screws. Specifically, I am interested in whether it is possible to use other commonly available fasteners that offer the same strength and durability, or if there are tips and tricks on connecting the shelving components differently without compromising stability. I would appreciate any suggestions based on proven solutions or personal experiences.

There is no official instruction from Ikea for assembly without the original screws. Alternatively, you can use standard wood screws or fittings of the appropriate size. It is important that they have the same strength and are suitable for the material.

Additional information:

- Ikea often uses special cam lock screws and dowels for Besta, which fit together precisely.
- Replacing them with standard screws is possible, but it increases the risk that the furniture will not have the same stability.
- As an alternative, high-quality chipboard screws with matching dowels can be used; however, these must be precisely sized.
- Screws with thread-cutting or thread-forming design can also help achieve better hold in the wood.

Without careful handling, deviations can reduce the strength.

Espen schrieb:
Alternatively, you can use standard wood screws or fittings in the appropriate size.

I think that is quite risky. Ikea furniture relies on its original fasteners, which are precisely matched to the pre-drilled holes. Trying to replace them simply with substitute screws, in my opinion, is a typical cost-cutting measure that can backfire. Stability and durability might suffer – but the priority seems to be saving on replacement parts. Why not just order the correct replacement parts instead?

I understand your situation well, lusinon. Sometimes you don’t have the right screws on hand or want to use alternatives for other reasons. The important thing is not to compromise on safety—especially with large furniture like Besta, which has to support a significant load.

It might be a good idea to first carefully check which screw types are missing and whether you really cannot obtain them. If not, I would recommend matching the alternative screws carefully in terms of size and load capacity. Have you already checked whether the hardware store carries screws with similar shape, length, and diameter?

Sometimes a combination works as well: original wall plugs and alternative screws. If you like, I can share my experience with that.

kemeo68 schrieb:
Why not just order the correct replacement parts?

Thanks for the suggestion, which is generally a good idea. In my case, though, the background is that I want to complete the shelf as quickly as possible, and the original screws will only be restocked and delivered in a few days. Therefore, I am looking for short-term alternatives without compromising the stability entirely.

boelnu schrieb:
Maybe it would be good to first check exactly which types of screws are missing and whether it is really impossible to obtain them.

I have done that; it mainly concerns the cam screws and some dowels. I still have regular screws, but I am afraid their sizes do not fit.

I look forward to more practical tips.