Good morning everyone,
I am currently assembling my new Ikea Platsa wardrobe and have the following problem: some of the included screws don’t grip at all in the pre-drilled material; they just spin without tightening anything. This mainly affects the deeper cabinet elements. I have already checked whether I am using the screws in the correct spots and whether the material is damaged or incorrectly pre-drilled, but I can’t find any issues. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do if the Platsa screws do not hold? I would appreciate any tips on screw types, procedures, or alternative solutions. Thanks in advance!
I am currently assembling my new Ikea Platsa wardrobe and have the following problem: some of the included screws don’t grip at all in the pre-drilled material; they just spin without tightening anything. This mainly affects the deeper cabinet elements. I have already checked whether I am using the screws in the correct spots and whether the material is damaged or incorrectly pre-drilled, but I can’t find any issues. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do if the Platsa screws do not hold? I would appreciate any tips on screw types, procedures, or alternative solutions. Thanks in advance!
Hello Nderim69, I had a similar issue with Platsa – really frustrating! What helped me was using slightly shorter screws so they didn’t go all the way through the material, which made them hold better.
I also started by screwing at an angle to get a better grip on the material. It worked perfectly for me! Don’t get discouraged, you can do this.
I also started by screwing at an angle to get a better grip on the material. It worked perfectly for me! Don’t get discouraged, you can do this.
Let’s be honest, this issue really highlights the weakness of the Platsa construction. Ikea focuses on price and quick assembly, not on durability or maximum stability.
Why not just use solid wood or at least MDF instead?
But if you’re already struggling with it, I would suggest filling the screw holes with epoxy resin instead of wood glue. That creates a hard base. It takes more time, but it’s worth it.
Why not just use solid wood or at least MDF instead?
But if you’re already struggling with it, I would suggest filling the screw holes with epoxy resin instead of wood glue. That creates a hard base. It takes more time, but it’s worth it.
LOJOPAR schrieb:
If the hole has become too large, you can fill it, for example with wood wool and wood glue or small wood chips, pressing them firmly into the holeThank you, I will definitely try that! Do you have any tips on how to prepare the wood wool best? Should I use fresh sawdust or is it better to use wood chips? Also, should the whole thing dry completely before I screw again?
Additionally, I would like to know if standard wood glue is sufficient or if a special adhesive would be better.
Nderim69 schrieb:
Do you have any tips on how to best prepare the wood wool? Just fresh sawdust or better wood chips?It’s best to use fine wood chips or sawdust that is as dry as possible. Fresh sawdust from untreated wood is ideal. It’s important not to fill the material too loosely – pack it firmly until the hole is well filled.
Nderim69 schrieb:
And should the whole thing dry completely before I screw it back together?Yes, let it dry for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the wood glue to fully cure and then provides a solid hold.
Nderim69 schrieb:
Also, I’d like to know if standard wood glue is enough or if a special adhesive would be better.Standard wood glue suitable for woodworking is perfectly fine for this purpose – no special adhesive needed. Just make sure to apply it sparingly and evenly.
LIELCHEN schrieb:
Why not just go for solid wood or at least MDF right away?Haha, that’s true, but at Ikea you’re buying furniture, not a work of art! 😉
But seriously: To me, the whole thing still makes sense with a few clever tricks – everyone knows the challenge with particleboard. Just don’t get frustrated and stay creative, then it will work out. Good luck with tidying up!
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