ᐅ What are the most common mistakes when assembling BILLY?

Hello everyone, I have recently assembled several Billy bookcases and noticed that there seem to be some common mistakes that often occur. I’m curious: based on your experience, what are the most frequent errors or pitfalls when assembling Billy bookcases? I’m especially interested in mistakes that are easy to overlook or only become apparent once the bookcase is already assembled. Maybe you can also share tips on how to best avoid these mistakes?

The most common mistakes are incorrectly installed back panels and screws inserted the wrong way. Additionally, adjusting the feet is often forgotten, which then causes wobbling.

Interesting question. For me, the biggest mistake when assembling the BILLY is not aligning the back panel properly. Since it is usually only attached with nails, it is crucial that the shelf stands on a level surface and that the back panel rests flush. If this is overlooked, the unit will develop a rocking or wobbling motion that worsens over time. Additionally, I often see screws, especially those for the shelves, being over-tightened, which can cause the wood to swell or even damage the threads. Another common error is that the plastic caps are either not inserted or not pressed in deeply enough, yet they provide a clean finish and secure the boards. Does anyone use special tools or techniques to avoid these issues?

I often have the problem that the small metal pins for the shelves are inserted incorrectly or at an angle. As a result, the shelves don’t fit properly, and the shelving unit feels unstable.

It is worthwhile to follow the instructions exactly when installing the fasteners. Many people make the mistake of ignoring the dowel placement or putting screws in the wrong holes. I recommend dry-fitting all parts before final screwing and checking for squareness. Also, tightening the screws correctly is crucial: it is important to avoid leaving them too loose, but overtightening can damage the wood or cause splitting. I wonder if anyone has experienced difficulties when attaching the shelf to an uneven wall? Such situations often require a certain amount of adjustment.

A little additional note: Especially with older BILLY models, the back panel is often made of thin, quite flexible material. If it is not hammered in properly and straight, or if it is installed crookedly, this not only causes instability but also unpleasant noises when under load. Additionally, when leveling the shelf, it is essential to use a spirit level to avoid future problems with uneven floors. This is often underestimated.