ᐅ KALLAX after moving – extra screws left over, but what is missing?

Hello everyone,

I recently moved, and while rebuilding my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit, I noticed that there were some screws left over after assembly. My question is: where could these screws be missing from, or which part might I have overlooked or assembled incorrectly?

I have carefully checked all the instructions and assembly guides multiple times, but the extra screws confuse me. The KALLAX is relatively simple in design, but I wonder if, for example, the back panel might not be fully secured, or if certain side panels require screws that I didn’t use.

Are there any common experiences regarding where screws are typically left over with this shelving unit, or common mistakes made when rebuilding it after a move?

I would appreciate clear advice and perhaps a breakdown of which screws are intended for which parts, so I can ensure the unit is assembled securely and stably. Thank you!

Most of the time, there are leftover screws because the back panel is only fixed with nails. Just double-check to make sure the back panel is properly in place.

Leote schrieb:
Usually, screws are left over because the back panel is only fixed with nails.

That is correct. In the case of the KALLAX shelving unit, the back panel is typically secured with small panel pins, which can leave screws unused at this stage.

Additionally, screws often remain that are intended for optional components, such as adjustable shelves not all installed, or screws for concealed connectors sometimes used when the unit is reinforced.

Check whether you have installed all the supplied shelves and if any additional stabilizers are intended. The manual usually lists the types of screws in a table, allowing you to identify any missing assembly steps.

andre3 schrieb:
Check if you have installed all the supplied shelves and whether any additional stabilizers are included.

Thanks for the tip. Actually, I suspect I haven’t installed all the shelves because I need less storage space here. But it’s good to know that these screws can sometimes be left over.

I haven’t checked yet if additional stabilizers are included. I thought the KALLAX only came with the frame and the shelves, but I found mixed screws in the packaging.

Does anyone maybe have an overview of which screws are used for which purpose? Especially in the context of moving, when you take everything apart and put it back together, such a guide would be very helpful.

Hi,

I can totally understand your confusion! 🙂 With the KALLAX, there are often small gray screws left over. These are actually meant for securing the back panel but depending on the model year, not all of them are necessarily needed.

There are also usually black or silver screws intended for the shelves. If you end up using fewer shelves, you’ll have some screws leftover as well.

My recommendation: check out the online manual—IKEAs often provide exploded diagrams with numbered parts. That way, you can match the screws to their exact positions.

And don’t worry, the shelf unit will still be very sturdy even if you don’t use every single screw; you just need to make sure they go where they belong 😉 Good luck with your assembly!

Most screws remain unused because they are for optional modules. Simply check all side panels again and make sure all floors are properly secured.