ᐅ What can you do if the screws in Billy shelves keep coming loose?
Created on: 13 Nov 2021 09:27
S
salome
Hello everyone,
I have been experiencing a recurring issue with my Billy shelves from IKEA: the screws that hold the shelves or side panels together keep loosening over time. I understand that Billy shelves are not the most robust, but I use them exclusively for books and office supplies, so there is no heavy load involved.
My question is: What can I do to prevent the screws from constantly loosening? Are there alternative screws or special methods that can help keep these connections firmly secured long-term? I have already tried tightening them with cam connectors, but after a few weeks, they become loose again. Any advice or tips for a lasting solution would be greatly appreciated!
I have been experiencing a recurring issue with my Billy shelves from IKEA: the screws that hold the shelves or side panels together keep loosening over time. I understand that Billy shelves are not the most robust, but I use them exclusively for books and office supplies, so there is no heavy load involved.
My question is: What can I do to prevent the screws from constantly loosening? Are there alternative screws or special methods that can help keep these connections firmly secured long-term? I have already tried tightening them with cam connectors, but after a few weeks, they become loose again. Any advice or tips for a lasting solution would be greatly appreciated!
andre3 schrieb:
Threadlocker with medium strength (e.g., Loctite 243) is recommendedThanks, I will definitely try that.
koneo schrieb:
"Tox toggle bolts" or metal anchors as a substitute for plastic or wooden dowelsI wasn’t familiar with metal anchors like those before. Is there a specific size or type that works best for Billy shelves? I want to avoid compromising stability or making assembly unnecessarily difficult with homemade dowels.
By the way, I’m careful with the screw torque. I use flexible factory tools with torque control. Still, the screws tend to loosen again after a while, which bothers me. Looking forward to any further tips!
D
daalessio15 Nov 2021 07:33Hello salome,
I solved a similar problem in a project by following this approach:
1. The cam locks and screws were treated with medium-strength threadlocker, as already suggested.
2. Any slightly worn holes were stabilized using wood glue and wooden dowels. Insert the dowel so it fits tightly, then trim any excess.
3. For extra stability, I applied self-adhesive felt or rubber pads between the shelf panel and carcass to eliminate minimal movement.
This combination prevented the screws from loosening even after several months.
Regarding your question about the metal anchors: It is important that they match the hole diameter exactly and do not expand excessively, as this can cause material failure. In hardware stores, you can find special furniture dowels that are a bit stronger than the original IKEA parts.
Good luck with your project!
I solved a similar problem in a project by following this approach:
1. The cam locks and screws were treated with medium-strength threadlocker, as already suggested.
2. Any slightly worn holes were stabilized using wood glue and wooden dowels. Insert the dowel so it fits tightly, then trim any excess.
3. For extra stability, I applied self-adhesive felt or rubber pads between the shelf panel and carcass to eliminate minimal movement.
This combination prevented the screws from loosening even after several months.
Regarding your question about the metal anchors: It is important that they match the hole diameter exactly and do not expand excessively, as this can cause material failure. In hardware stores, you can find special furniture dowels that are a bit stronger than the original IKEA parts.
Good luck with your project!
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