Hello everyone,
I have a problem with my IKEA KALLAX shelf: despite tightening the screws several times, they loosen again on their own after a while. The issue concerns the metal connectors (the so-called dowels and screws) that keep the shelf stable.
I have tightened the screws multiple times, even tried slightly different tightening methods, but the problem persists. The stability suffers somewhat, and I wonder if this is a material or design issue with the KALLAX, or if I am doing something wrong.
Has anyone experienced something similar and perhaps found a long-lasting solution to the screws loosening?
What approach or materials would you recommend to prevent the screws from loosening again? For example, PTFE tape, thread locker, different screws, or any special assembly tips?
Thank you in advance!
I have a problem with my IKEA KALLAX shelf: despite tightening the screws several times, they loosen again on their own after a while. The issue concerns the metal connectors (the so-called dowels and screws) that keep the shelf stable.
I have tightened the screws multiple times, even tried slightly different tightening methods, but the problem persists. The stability suffers somewhat, and I wonder if this is a material or design issue with the KALLAX, or if I am doing something wrong.
Has anyone experienced something similar and perhaps found a long-lasting solution to the screws loosening?
What approach or materials would you recommend to prevent the screws from loosening again? For example, PTFE tape, thread locker, different screws, or any special assembly tips?
Thank you in advance!
Wow, there are already so many helpful tips here! Great, thank you all.
I also have a KALLAX shelf and had the same problem – I glued the screws with blue threadlocker and completely replaced the wall plugs as recommended.
It has been holding firmly for 6 months (half a year) now.
My additional tip: When tightening again after 2 days, don’t apply too much force – check it several times instead. I learned this here, and it really helped!
So, keep at it, and don’t just tighten the screws, but also improve the connection!
I also have a KALLAX shelf and had the same problem – I glued the screws with blue threadlocker and completely replaced the wall plugs as recommended.
It has been holding firmly for 6 months (half a year) now.
My additional tip: When tightening again after 2 days, don’t apply too much force – check it several times instead. I learned this here, and it really helped!
So, keep at it, and don’t just tighten the screws, but also improve the connection!
One small tip from me: When using wood or particleboard panels during installation, be sure not to tighten the screws too quickly or too firmly.
Brief explanation: Tightening too fast or too hard can damage the wood fiber material and enlarge the threads. This can cause the connection to loosen more easily later on.
Instead, controlled slow tightening with breaks works wonders 🙂
Brief explanation: Tightening too fast or too hard can damage the wood fiber material and enlarge the threads. This can cause the connection to loosen more easily later on.
Instead, controlled slow tightening with breaks works wonders 🙂
kaju67 schrieb:
controlled slow tightening with breaksExactly. When tightening, I usually make sure the screws engage slightly and then retighten after the material has settled.
Another common mistake is applying too much force, which can cause the particleboard to crack. It’s better to check more frequently than to overtighten. This is especially important with KALLAX due to the thin panels.
Summary:
- Turn screws slowly,
- use threadlocker,
- replace dowels if loose,
- consider metal reinforcements.
That will ensure everything runs smoothly.
Thank you to everyone involved!
Here is my plan:
- Remove the old screws and check/replace the anchors,
- Get longer screws,
- Use threadlocker (blue Loctite),
- Tighten slowly and carefully,
- Attach metal brackets as reinforcement in suitable places.
I will report back on whether this holds up and how it goes. Your advice was really constructive and helpful, especially the detailed explanations.
See you soon!
Here is my plan:
- Remove the old screws and check/replace the anchors,
- Get longer screws,
- Use threadlocker (blue Loctite),
- Tighten slowly and carefully,
- Attach metal brackets as reinforcement in suitable places.
I will report back on whether this holds up and how it goes. Your advice was really constructive and helpful, especially the detailed explanations.
See you soon!
Similar topics