ᐅ What should I do if screws don’t hold properly in Billy shelves?
Created on: 16 Apr 2020 08:14
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Ronkar36
Hello everyone, I have the following problem: with my IKEA Billy shelves, the screws do not hold properly. They are either too loose or loosen again after a short time, making the shelves unstable. I have already made sure to tighten the screws correctly, use the right tools, and follow the instructions. Still, the screws keep loosening, especially at the joints between the shelves and the side panels.
Can anyone give me specific advice on how to make the screws hold permanently? Are there any tricks or alternatives that can be used without having to buy new shelf boards? What could be causing this issue, and how can I prevent the screws from stripping or loosening in the pre-drilled holes? I would be very grateful for any tips – thank you in advance!
Can anyone give me specific advice on how to make the screws hold permanently? Are there any tricks or alternatives that can be used without having to buy new shelf boards? What could be causing this issue, and how can I prevent the screws from stripping or loosening in the pre-drilled holes? I would be very grateful for any tips – thank you in advance!
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jordanvin17 Apr 2020 08:19Hey Ronkar36, I had the same problem and can confirm that small tricks can make a huge difference! I simply glued wooden strips to the inside of the back wall and then screwed into them. This makes the whole structure much more stable, and the screws hold really well! Give it a try, you’ll be impressed! 🙂
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Sinan-meo17 Apr 2020 10:45The cause usually lies in the material quality of the particleboard and the pre-drilled holes. A practical addition is the installation of extra bracing (e.g., metal brackets) to relieve stress on the screws. Alternatively, special drywall screws or shelf connectors designed for thin materials are worth considering to achieve lasting stability.
mesila schrieb:
If you need a replacement, it is also possible to use stronger threaded inserts. That is very good advice. Threaded inserts provide a more secure connection because they support the material around them better. They should be used together with properly fitting screws to prevent pull-out. It is important to pre-drill a hole that exactly matches the size of the threaded insert.
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Karsten4518 Apr 2020 09:37jordanvin schrieb:
I just glued wooden battens to the back panel inside and screwed onto them. Brilliant DIY trick! 🙂 Wooden battens basically give the shelf new support. It’s practical and also looks nicely sturdy. For me, this kind of small hack is always better than buying a new one straight away.
Thank you for all the helpful answers! The ideas involving wood glue, wooden dowels, and insert nuts are especially useful to me. Attaching wooden battens as reinforcement also sounds like a good solution that I will try.
One last question: Are there specific types of screws or materials that work particularly well with the particle board used in Billy shelves? For example, special wood screws or screws with a certain thread design? I want to plan properly next time and would appreciate any advice on suitable screw types.
One last question: Are there specific types of screws or materials that work particularly well with the particle board used in Billy shelves? For example, special wood screws or screws with a certain thread design? I want to plan properly next time and would appreciate any advice on suitable screw types.
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