ᐅ What to do if IKEA Hemnes screws break?

Hello everyone,

I currently have a problem assembling my new IKEA Hemnes wardrobe. Unfortunately, one of the wood screws broke while tightening, which significantly affects the stability of the structure. I am using the supplied screwdriver and tightening the screws fairly carefully, but it still happens sometimes. My question is: What can be done specifically if screws break on a Hemnes piece of furniture? Are there useful replacement parts, tips for removing broken screws from wood, or alternative fastening options that ensure stability? I don’t want to buy a new wardrobe, but of course, I don’t want to compromise on stability. Thanks for any advice and experiences!

If a screw slips out of Hemnes furniture, it is advisable to carefully extract the broken part with needle-nose pliers. If this is not possible, a drill can be used to remove the remaining piece. Replacement screws are usually available directly from IKEA or at a hardware store. It is important not to use screws that are too large, as this can cause the wood to split.

For detailed information: Breaking screws in IKEA Hemnes furniture is usually caused by several factors. One is overtightening, where the screw head has already lost a firm grip, making it break quickly. Another factor is the relatively soft wood material, which can be problematic with too much torque.

Regarding removal, the best approach is:
- First, try carefully pulling out the broken piece with a small needle-nose plier.
- If there is no grip, use a narrow wood drill bit that is smaller than the screw to drill gently clockwise. This loosens the connection.
- Another method is to use a special screw extractor spiral, if available.

Afterwards, be sure to check the hole. If it has become too large, you can repair it with wood filler or even a wooden dowel, then use a correspondingly thicker screw. IKEA offers spare parts, but you can also buy suitable materials yourself.

I recommend considering carefully whether to tighten the screw with force – it should hold firmly with smooth turning. It is also worthwhile to check the threads before reassembling.

If you have more precise information about the model or screw type, I can provide more targeted advice.

How did you break the screw? Was it during the initial tightening or when retightening later?

TEBILO schrieb:
How did the screw break? Was it during the initial tightening or when you were retightening it later?

Thank you for the detailed answer, TEBILO. I broke the screw during the initial tightening while I was attaching the back panel of the cabinet. I didn’t feel like I applied excessive force, but the material did feel quite soft.

I think your idea of drilling out and filling sounds reasonable, as otherwise the underlying structure might be compromised. Could you please recommend a wood filler suitable for this kind of situation that retains strength after drying? Also, it would be helpful to know whether I can reuse the same screw after filling the hole or if I should use a slightly thicker screw. Thanks for your advice!

Hello jonri! 🙂 Don’t worry, I’ve encountered similar problems as well! I would recommend using wood filler for filling the holes; it’s very easy to apply and becomes quite hard once dry. Then you can pre-drill again with a small drill bit and use the same screw.

If you’re unsure, I’d choose a screw about 0.5 mm thicker to get a better grip. The issue with Hemnes screws is often the soft material, but with a little patience, you’ll definitely manage! Don’t get discouraged—that’s already half the battle won!