ᐅ Which replacement parts for BILLY shelves are the most durable?

Created on: 22 Mar 2023 08:33
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gla46
Hello everyone, I have a somewhat more specific question regarding the Billy shelves from Ikea. Since I have been using some of these shelves for years, I am particularly interested in the replacement parts for BILLY that are especially durable. This includes all components such as shelf supports, back panels, or connectors. I am really curious to learn from practical experience which replacement parts are truly robust and long-lasting, especially since some of mine show wear after a certain time. Are there maybe parts that are better replaced by third-party suppliers? Looking forward to your assessments and tips!
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gasidney
22 Mar 2023 11:18
Shelves made of melamine are quite durable. If the brackets are protected, the shelves often last longer than expected.
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noken
22 Mar 2023 12:40
I can easily understand that wear and tear is frustrating. For me, metal fasteners and sturdy back panels have proven effective, even though the initial cost is sometimes higher through third-party suppliers. However, in the long run, it just feels more reliable.
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todunar
22 Mar 2023 13:02
It’s great to see so much thought put into this! 🙂 I replaced my shelf brackets with ones made of aluminum, and it was totally worth it! They hold heavy items really well too. Highly recommended!
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gla46
22 Mar 2023 13:27
Thank you for your quick responses! The idea of using metal shelf supports sounds very convincing to me and will be tested right away. @semuneo: The tip about using screws instead of nails for the back panels is very interesting! Do you use any specific types or sizes of screws that you would recommend? I would like to keep it as simple as possible.
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Takutau
22 Mar 2023 14:08
semuneo schrieb:
I once had problems with the fastening nails for the back panel; they are quite thin and tend to break over time.

@Gla46, for the screws, I prefer countersunk screws about 15-20 mm (0.6-0.8 inches) long and 3-3.5 mm (0.12-0.14 inches) in diameter. It is important that they are not too long, as this can cause the wood to split. Using small dowels, if possible, provides additional support.
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Wesley
23 Mar 2023 08:47
Hey, I almost missed this post! 🙂 Regarding spare parts: I used to assemble my Billy shelves with standard components, but now I use sturdy metal clips for the shelves. They really withstand a lot, even during moves, and are a small upgrade that's well worth it. Add one or two screws for the back panel, and you have a long-lasting shelf!