ᐅ What to do if Ikea PLATSA screws don’t hold?

Hello everyone,

I am currently facing an issue with my Ikea Platsa cabinet where some of the screws simply do not hold properly. I have noticed that certain screws keep loosening or fail to provide a better grip, even though I follow the recommended torque and install the screws correctly.

It seems that the problem mainly occurs at the joints in the side panels, which feel loose in the wood material. Does anyone have any ideas on what can be done long-term if the PLATSA screws don’t hold?

I would appreciate concrete tips based on experience, including suggestions for alternative fastening methods or additional aids that could make the connection more stable. Thanks in advance!

Hey Ademirsin,

I had the exact same problem with my PLATSA wardrobe! 😅 It’s really frustrating when the screws come loose after a while. My tip would be to put small drops of wood glue directly into the screw holes before you screw them in.

That made a huge difference for me! The screws hold much more firmly and stay in place even under stress. 👌

Also, check the tightness from time to time – it’s normal for furniture like this to settle a bit over time. Don’t give up, it will work out!

Hello Ademirsin,

I can fully understand the issue with the PLATSA screws. The main cause of the screws loosening usually lies in the material properties of the panel material (particleboard with melamine coating), which is not always designed for a long-lasting screw connection.

The following solutions are recommended:

- Use of screw anchors (metal or plastic threaded inserts) that are inserted into the drilled holes to provide a more stable thread.
- Strengthening the screw connection with larger or longer screws, if mechanically possible.
- Applying wood glue in combination with the screws to bond the material additionally.
- Replacing the screws with ones that have a finer thread, which provides better grip in particleboard.

These approaches have proven reliable in practice, especially for furniture made from materials similar to PLATSA.

LUISABEL schrieb:
The main reason for screws loosening is usually the material properties of the panel material (chipboard with melamine coating), which is not always ideal for a durable screw connection.

Exactly, that sums it up well! 🙃

I would add that with IKEA furniture, you often have to accept that the assembly is designed more for easy construction than for rock-solid durability like you get with solid wood.

So, with a bit of glue, alternative fittings, or even some clever adjustments, it can definitely be improved. Sometimes it helps to pre-drill the screw holes slightly and fill them with a wooden dowel before re-screwing – that way you get a stable base!

You can definitely make the best of it, and with a smile, it’s much easier! 😊

Hello Ademirsin and everyone interested,

I would like to briefly explain why the screws in the PLATSA system do not hold well and what the best solutions are.

IKEA mostly uses engineered wood materials, which naturally provide less grip for screws compared to solid wood. With constant stress or movement, the threads can strip out.

As common remedies, I recommend:

- Wood glue: apply directly into the screw hole before screwing in to stabilize the connection
- Wooden dowels: fill the holes with matching wooden sticks, sand them flush, then pre-drill and re-screw
- Metal threaded inserts: offer the most durable solution but require expertise and tools for installation

If possible, also take care not to overtighten the screws to avoid damaging the material.

I hope this helps you.

Davidleo schrieb:
My tip would be to put small drops of wood glue directly into the screw holes before you screw in the screws.

That sounds like a good approach, thanks for the tip!

I’ve had my own struggles with IKEA furniture and understand how frustrating it can be when the screws just won’t hold, even though you’re doing everything right.

Sometimes you really feel stuck and annoyed by it, but thankfully there are practical solutions like the one mentioned.

I wish you the best of luck – please keep us updated on what ultimately works best for you!