ᐅ What to do if screws break during assembly of IKEA Hemnes furniture?

Hello everyone, I am currently assembling my new IKEA Hemnes wardrobe and facing an issue where some screws are breaking while being driven in. These screws appear to be the original ones from IKEA, but they break even with minimal tightening force, which is obviously making the assembly difficult and has already caused delays.

I am interested in how to best handle this situation without damaging the furniture or the pre-drilled holes. Are there any proven methods or tools that work particularly well in this case?

Also, I would appreciate an assessment of whether it makes sense to replace the screws with more durable alternatives from IKEA or third-party suppliers, and how to proceed with a complaint in such cases—especially if replacement screws are missing from the package or are not provided in sufficient quantities.

Looking forward to your experiences and tips!

If screws break, first try using a screw extractor to remove the remaining piece.

If that doesn’t work, it’s better to use a new screw of similar size made from better material. IKEA usually replaces defective parts upon presentation of the purchase receipt.

Do not apply too much force when turning, as the screws are often soft.

To add:

1. Screw breakage mainly occurs when the screw is inserted at an angle or when too much torque is applied.
2. To remove the broken part, there are special extractors that you carefully screw in and then slowly turn out.
3. Alternatively, if no extractor is available, you can drill into the remaining screw piece with a small drill bit (about 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 inches)) to loosen it.

If you need replacement screws, it’s best to ask the IKEA service, as they often provide spare sets.

Important: The pre-drilled pocket holes in the Hemnes are somewhat soft; do not screw in forcefully. Work carefully and gently to avoid damaging the wood.

Summary: Apply leverage slowly, request replacement screws, and don’t hesitate to ask again if needed.

Jensson schrieb:
Screw breakage mainly occurs when the screw is inserted at an angle or too much torque is applied.

This is exactly a crucial point!

I would recommend, especially for furniture like Hemnes that uses so-called Minifix and cam connectors, to proceed step by step and without rushing. The screws are usually made of mild steel and are not designed to withstand the full power of a high-torque drill driver.

When screws break, it is usually due to excessive torque or an unfavorable angle of insertion.

Another tip is to use manual tools – a Phillips screwdriver instead of a cordless drill – to better feel when to stop.

A small amount of lubricant (such as wax) can also help reduce friction and stress in the thread.

Regarding spare parts: IKEA usually replaces screws without any issues, but it often helps to specifically insist on the exact screw type.

Do you have the exact screw type or number? For Hemnes, these are often Spax-like screws in various lengths.

Addendum: When removing broken screws, a small screw extractor or locking pliers used patiently can sometimes help.

I can understand how frustrating this can be, especially when you’re looking forward to assembling it and then keep getting held back by a problem like this.

It happened to me once as well, and what helped was a combination of staying calm and carefully removing the broken screws with a small multitool or pliers.

I also noticed that acting too quickly or using too much force only makes the problem worse.

If the assembly is significantly delayed because of this, it might be worth contacting IKEA customer service to request a replacement parts kit specifically for Hemnes.

If replacement parts aren’t immediately available, I’ve sometimes used identical screws from a hardware store—just make sure the hardness and diameter match, or you’ll have trouble tightening them.

I hope this helps, and don’t get discouraged! The Hemnes is really a great piece of furniture, so it’s worth the effort.