ᐅ Kallax shelves and dowels don’t hold – what are the alternatives?

Created on: 7 May 2018 08:23
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Neomatteo3
Hello everyone, I have a problem with my IKEA Kallax shelf, specifically with the wall anchors I used to attach the shelf to the wall. Despite using suitable anchors and screws, the shelf just won’t stay stable. It seems the anchors are not holding properly, probably because the wall isn’t ideal or the anchor material isn’t the best fit. Now I’m looking for good alternatives that work well for Kallax shelves and provide a really secure hold, especially under higher loads. Does anyone have experience with other fixing methods or better-suited anchors? It would be great if you could also share tips on selection and installation. Thanks in advance!
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flota
8 May 2018 11:22
As an addition: If the wall is soft or crumbly, I recommend using chemical anchor adhesives. These are a bit more complex to install but provide an extremely strong hold. Combined with appropriate screws, they often perform better than traditional plastic anchors. Alternatively, metal frame anchors in concrete walls or hollow wall anchors for drywall can also improve stability. This approach has proven very effective in practice.
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INGRID34
9 May 2018 08:14
I recommend using 8 mm (5/16 inch) metal expansion anchors for Kallax shelves when mounting on solid walls. For drywall, be sure to use hollow wall anchors or toggle bolts. Installation: drill a hole, insert the anchor, and secure the shelf with screws. Done.
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Lisele
9 May 2018 10:46
I understand that it can be frustrating when wall anchors don’t hold – I had a similar experience. Maybe it would help to use drywall anchors and carefully follow the installation instructions? Don’t hesitate to try different types of anchors; I did the same until I found the right one. And don’t worry, a Kallax shelf can definitely be securely mounted with some patience and the right tools. 🙂
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Neomatteo3
10 May 2018 09:01
flota schrieb:
If the wall is soft or crumbly, I recommend using chemical anchor adhesives.

Thank you for mentioning chemical anchor adhesives; I hadn’t considered that yet. I have an older wall with relatively porous stones, so that definitely makes sense. One thing I’m still not quite clear about: Are there specific anchor and plug combinations for a Kallax or similar shelving unit, or should I mainly base my choice on the weight of the fully loaded shelves? I want to avoid oversizing but also want to prevent a risky mix of components.