ᐅ Kallax shelves are coming apart – should I tighten the screws?
Created on: 24 May 2024 08:33
F
franz44
Hello everyone,
I recently assembled a Kallax shelving unit and noticed that some of the compartments are noticeably separating at the joints, so not all parts align flush anymore. The unit is on a level surface and hasn’t been overloaded. Now my question is:
Should I simply tighten or retighten all the screws to pull the compartments back together properly?
Or are there other causes or tips to consider when trying to fix this issue? I used the original screws and cam lock fittings to assemble the unit, but I’m not sure if some settling might still occur or if this is just within normal tolerances.
I look forward to your advice and experiences. Thanks!
I recently assembled a Kallax shelving unit and noticed that some of the compartments are noticeably separating at the joints, so not all parts align flush anymore. The unit is on a level surface and hasn’t been overloaded. Now my question is:
Should I simply tighten or retighten all the screws to pull the compartments back together properly?
Or are there other causes or tips to consider when trying to fix this issue? I used the original screws and cam lock fittings to assemble the unit, but I’m not sure if some settling might still occur or if this is just within normal tolerances.
I look forward to your advice and experiences. Thanks!
Indeed, all screws should be checked again and tightened if necessary after the initial assembly. Furniture like the Kallax shelf from IKEA is designed in a way that slight tolerances and changes in the wood-based material can affect the fit.
A systematic approach is recommended here: loosen the screw in one spot, carefully realign the connecting piece, then retighten the screw. This helps to relieve tension that could cause misalignments.
Afterwards, make sure to place the shelf on a stable surface and ideally secure it against tipping.
A systematic approach is recommended here: loosen the screw in one spot, carefully realign the connecting piece, then retighten the screw. This helps to relieve tension that could cause misalignments.
Afterwards, make sure to place the shelf on a stable surface and ideally secure it against tipping.
Jukin schrieb:
Sometimes it can help to slightly pull apart the individual plug connections and then tighten the screws, so everything fits flush again.That sounds interesting! Do you mean I should pull the shelf slightly apart and then carefully bring it back together? Should I be cautious not to damage anything by force? The compartments are made of particleboard, so the material isn’t very flexible.
franz44 schrieb:
That sounds interesting! Do you think I should pull the shelf slightly apart and then carefully push it back together?Exactly, but only very slightly! By “pulling apart,” I mean carefully adjusting the screwed parts just a little if they are misaligned or have shifted. The key is to avoid applying excessive force and to work gently to prevent damaging the particle boards. Sometimes, a soft, flat lever can help to realign the parts gently.
If it’s very tight, it’s better to loosen all the screws again, reposition everything, and then tighten them evenly.
One useful tip: tightening screws should be done in several stages, not all at once with maximum force. Start by hand-tightening all screws, then tighten them further with moderate force, and finally check everything once more.
This reduces the risk of overtightening the screws, which could damage the material or deform the fittings.
Additionally, some joints may have slight play that is not caused by loose screws but by the design itself. In such cases, a careful adjustment as described is the only solution.
This reduces the risk of overtightening the screws, which could damage the material or deform the fittings.
Additionally, some joints may have slight play that is not caused by loose screws but by the design itself. In such cases, a careful adjustment as described is the only solution.
In addition to the topic of material stresses: particleboard is sensitive to fluctuations in humidity – if the shelf is placed in a room with high humidity, the panels can swell. This also causes the compartments to separate.
If possible, the indoor climate should be optimized, and the shelf should be positioned slightly away from heat sources or exterior walls. Retightening screws can only provide a short-term solution if the cause is material deformation.
If possible, the indoor climate should be optimized, and the shelf should be positioned slightly away from heat sources or exterior walls. Retightening screws can only provide a short-term solution if the cause is material deformation.
Joshbe schrieb:
The tightening of the screws should be done in several stages, not all at once with maximum force.Thank you very much for this advice. I was considering just tightening all the screws firmly in one go. It’s good to know that it’s better to do this in stages to avoid damage. I will try it that way and also pay attention to the humidity afterwards.
I might get back to you if I notice anything unusual.
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