ᐅ KALLAX used as a workshop shelf – plastic back panel has fallen out!

Created on: 18 Jan 2020 07:23
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Temar7
Hello everyone, I repurposed my Kallax shelf as a workshop storage unit to better organize my tools and materials. Unfortunately, I noticed that the plastic back panel, which is supposed to provide stability, simply fell out even though I didn’t do anything unusual with it. The back panel no longer fits into the designated grooves, and the whole shelf feels less stable now. My question to you: Has anyone had a similar experience or any tips on how to securely fix the back panel so it doesn’t fall out again? I’m considering attaching it with screws or another method, but I don’t want to cause any damage. Thanks in advance for your advice!
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ritotar
18 Jan 2020 15:47
I really think it’s amazing how you all come together here to deal with the sudden loss of the back panel! :-)

A small tip from me: If you don’t want to nail the back panel, you can also use hook-and-loop tape. Attach it to the back panel and the inside of the shelf – it holds well and can be removed anytime. This way, everything stays flexible and your workshop setup becomes a versatile chameleon! 😉
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retau
19 Jan 2020 06:18
Temar7 schrieb:
Unsure if the back panel might get damaged or crack because of this

Don’t worry, the nails are very thin – I did the same, and nothing cracked! 🙂 Just be careful not to hammer them in with too much force. It’s really easy!
nubar schrieb:
With a workshop setup involving vibrations or changing loads, the back panel can sometimes fall out

That’s exactly why I recommend making a workshop shelf a bit sturdier! Good luck!
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diManuela
19 Jan 2020 08:03
Hello Temar7, I am familiar with the issue regarding the plastic backing on KALLAX from my own experience. This backing is indeed not designed to withstand heavy loads or strong movements. If you remove it frequently, the small tabs may also stretch slightly. In such cases, what helps is attaching a thin wooden board or MDF panel with screws or special clamping strips that can be removed again. This way, you achieve stability without causing permanent damage to the material. Some users also use metal corner brackets for this – very sturdy and can be dismantled again. Of course, this requires extra effort, but it is practical for workshop use.
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Temar7
20 Jan 2020 09:51
Thank you very much for the detailed tips – it’s clear to me now that I can’t just leave the back panel as it is. The idea of using an MDF board sounds good, but I’m concerned that it would limit the flexibility of positioning the shelf. Velcro tape seems interesting, especially since I don’t want to drill permanently.

@diManuela, how sturdy is a solution with angle brackets? Will it hold up under heavy loads, like toolboxes and similar items?

I would appreciate it if someone could share their experience with permanent fixing methods for back panels in workshop-like heavy-duty conditions.
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zartra
20 Jan 2020 11:11
Angle brackets hold well when fixed to the back of the frame. As long as the screws are not driven in too deep, the shelf remains stable. MDF board is more stable than plastic. However, Velcro tends to weaken quickly under load.
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leguson
21 Jan 2020 07:44
If you want to stay flexible, I recommend attaching the back panel with magnets. Place strong neodymium magnets on both sides. This way, you can remove the back panel while still having a secure fixation to prevent it from slipping.