ᐅ KALLAX creaks every time it is opened after one year of use – how can this be fixed?
Created on: 8 Oct 2021 09:23
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bausan
Hello everyone, about a year ago I bought and assembled an IKEA KALLAX shelf. At first, everything worked fine, but recently the shelf creaks every time I open one of the doors or drawers. It sounds like the wooden panels are rubbing against each other or that some screws might be a bit loose. I have already tried tightening all the screws, which only helped temporarily.
Does anyone have experience with what might be causing this creaking and how to fix it effectively? Could it be due to material fatigue, humidity, or incorrect assembly? What tools or aids are useful for this? I don’t want to buy a new shelf right away but would like to solve the problem as precisely as possible. Thanks for your advice!
Does anyone have experience with what might be causing this creaking and how to fix it effectively? Could it be due to material fatigue, humidity, or incorrect assembly? What tools or aids are useful for this? I don’t want to buy a new shelf right away but would like to solve the problem as precisely as possible. Thanks for your advice!
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Sinan-meo9 Oct 2021 10:44Fluctuations in humidity levels in the basement can definitely contribute to the problem. Wood expands and contracts slightly, which can loosen joints and cause creaking.
I would only use wood glue on visible gaps; otherwise, it’s better to tighten screws.
Additionally, I recommend a simple dehumidifier in the room to better control the moisture. This is especially useful for KALLAX with its particleboard structure.
Wax is good as a lubricant, but avoid using oils, as mentioned before.
I would only use wood glue on visible gaps; otherwise, it’s better to tighten screws.
Additionally, I recommend a simple dehumidifier in the room to better control the moisture. This is especially useful for KALLAX with its particleboard structure.
Wax is good as a lubricant, but avoid using oils, as mentioned before.
bausan schrieb:
Would you apply wood glue to the outside of the screw holes before driving the screws, or only on the contact surfaces of the boards?Good question! I would apply the glue only where wood meets wood, not inside the screw holes. The screws need a bit of clearance to prevent the wood from splitting when tightened.
And of course, basement temperatures and humidity are the hidden stress factors! 😉 A small dehumidifier or ventilating more often can make a big difference.
So the problem isn’t a “wobbly dancer,” but more of a “squeaky freak” — nothing that can’t be calmed down with a bit of care!
If you need to work on it again: try gently using some fine sandpaper (grit 180–220) on the contact points. Sometimes small uneven spots form that cause noise.
Then apply a bit of furniture wax – that will immediately improve the situation. 😄
And hey, the shelf has already been through a lot – a little care won’t hurt!
Then apply a bit of furniture wax – that will immediately improve the situation. 😄
And hey, the shelf has already been through a lot – a little care won’t hurt!
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