ᐅ My Kallax squeaks after tightening the screws every time – what could be causing this?
Created on: 11 Dec 2018 18:07
K
Keosi
Hello everyone, I have a small issue with my Kallax shelf from Ikea. Whenever I tighten the screws to make the shelf a bit firmer, it eventually starts squeaking. It’s the typical Kallax system with wooden panels and connecting fittings. I have already made sure not to overtighten the screws, but the squeaking persists. What could be causing this? Could it be due to material stress or friction between the individual panels? Do you have any experience with this or tips on how to solve the problem permanently? Thank you in advance!
mifra schrieb:
Particle boards are sensitive to tension and compression forces because they are made of compressed wood fibers and can deform under load. Thanks for the explanation! That matches well with my observations; the shelf is partially placed on an uneven surface, so I will try repositioning it.
Ianlau schrieb:
Use felt or foam rubber strips at the contact points between the panels. That sounds interesting. Does anyone know the best exact location to apply the strips? Should they go between the carcasses or rather at the joints of the shelves?
By the way, I have already tightened the screws several times carefully using a torque wrench, but the squeaking remains.
The use of foam rubber or felt strips should primarily be applied at the horizontal joints, that is, between the floors and the side walls. Minor movements often occur there due to load or material shrinkage.
These strips act as dampers and prevent the panels from rubbing directly against each other. Additionally, I recommend ensuring a level installation surface to avoid extra stress.
These strips act as dampers and prevent the panels from rubbing directly against each other. Additionally, I recommend ensuring a level installation surface to avoid extra stress.
Keosi schrieb:
I'll try positioning it differently. That's already half the battle. With the Kallax, it's really important that it stands straight; otherwise, the screws apply uneven pressure, causing the wood to move slightly—and suddenly, you get squeaking.
One more tip if you're using silicone spray: don’t use too much, as it can leave stains. Just apply sparingly and in targeted spots. 🙂
Keosi schrieb:
Does anyone know the exact spot where I should best apply the strips? As olivernu already suggested, you should attach the felt strips to the contact areas between the shelves and the side panels. These are the points where different stresses and movements are most likely to occur.
It is also worth checking other contact points such as the back panel and any intermediate shelves, if present. Small movements there can also cause squeaking.
It is important that the strips are thin and durable so they do not interfere with the assembly.
In addition to the previous recommendations, I suggest slightly loosening the screws and then tightening them only lightly if the squeaking persists. This reduces the stress on the particleboard material.
Another option is to place small plastic or rubber washers under the screw heads. They act as cushions and prevent micro-movements between the screw head and the panel.
Also, make sure that the screws and connecting fittings are properly seated and undamaged, as friction—and thus squeaking—can increase otherwise.
Another option is to place small plastic or rubber washers under the screw heads. They act as cushions and prevent micro-movements between the screw head and the panel.
Also, make sure that the screws and connecting fittings are properly seated and undamaged, as friction—and thus squeaking—can increase otherwise.
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