ᐅ What to do if the screws in Ikea Brimnes furniture become loose?

Created on: 25 Mar 2021 09:37
B
Bertramzar
B
Bertramzar
25 Mar 2021 09:37
Hello everyone, some time ago I bought the Ikea Brimnes wardrobe and I keep noticing that the screws, especially those on the hinges, come loose. I have wondered whether it might be due to the quality of the wood or perhaps the material of the screws, but since the furniture otherwise seems stable, I suspect it is more a typical load-related issue.

Can anyone give me advice on what to do specifically when these screws loosen? Are there any special techniques or products to make the readjustment last longer? Or maybe there are replacement parts that hold better? I want to avoid damaging the furniture over time, especially since I don’t want to keep tightening it constantly.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Z
zartra
25 Mar 2021 10:03
I know this problem. With Brimnes, the usual solution is to fully unscrew the screws, apply some wood glue or threadlocker into the hole, and then tighten the screws again. This holds better. Ikea should also supply replacement parts, just contact customer service.
T
taudi
25 Mar 2021 14:26
Regarding the topic "What to do if Ikea Brimnes screws become loose?" I would like to provide a more detailed guide, as this issue occurs quite frequently and often worsens due to incorrect handling.

1. First, I recommend systematically checking all screws of the affected furniture, not just the obviously loose ones. This way, you can tell if the problem is localized or spread across multiple points.

2. Do not simply tighten the screws with more force! Especially in particleboard, the threads can be damaged. Instead, fully unscrew the screws and inspect the threads inside the holes. Are they oval-shaped or damaged?

3. There are several repair methods:
- Apply wood glue into the threaded hole and carefully screw the screw back in. After drying (usually 24 hours), it will be more stable.
- Alternatively, you can mix small wood shavings with wood glue and fill the holes before reinstalling the screws.
- There are also special wood thread inserts that can be installed if the hole has become too large.

4. If screws at the hinges loosen, ensure the load is evenly distributed. Sometimes re-aligning the hinges helps as well.

5. It is best to request replacement parts from Ikea customer service, as the original screws are often affordable and maintaining the original quality and fit is preferable.

In summary: avoid forceful tightening, rather repair with wood glue or wood shavings. Then carefully secure the screws. This prevents damage and extends the furniture’s lifespan.

I hope this helps!
C
chen67
26 Mar 2021 11:18
Bertramzar schrieb:
Can anyone give me specific tips on what to do if these screws come loose?

Hey Bertramzar, I know that problem all too well! Brimnes is stylish, but sometimes the screws just want to "take a break" 😄. Here’s my rule of thumb:

- Unscrew the screws
- Check the holes to see if they have become soft
- Apply some wood glue and insert a toothpick or small wood chips
- Then carefully screw it back in and tighten

This worked wonders for me! Since then, everything has held firmly.

And yes, it’s no big deal if you need to tighten it again; furniture is just a living thing! 😉
L
Linavin
27 Mar 2021 08:45
I find it interesting how often wood glue is treated as a cure-all here. Let me analyze this a bit more critically:

Of course, wood glue offers some stabilization, but with furniture like the Brimnes, which is made from particleboard with a foil coating, the bonding options are limited. Glue often cannot penetrate deeply enough into the material, so the stability is only temporary.

A better solution might be to replace the screws with longer or thicker ones or to glue small wooden dowels into the holes before fastening the screws. This method is mechanically proven to be more stable.

Additionally, it’s important to consider that screws loosening repeatedly could indicate design or load issues. Maybe try distributing the weight in the cabinet differently?

Just my two cents, but before blindly using wood glue, the material should be examined, and it’s worth considering whether there is a more systematic way to improve durability.