ᐅ Which screw sets are suitable for repairing Ikea BESTA units?

Created on: 13 Nov 2020 08:37
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Skylertu2
Hello everyone,

I am planning to repair some of my Ikea Besta furniture because the screws and joints tend to loosen or get damaged with frequent use. I am therefore looking for recommendations for screw sets that work particularly well for repairs on Besta. It is important to me that the screws and required tools are as compatible as possible with the original fasteners, meaning suitable sizes, materials, and good quality workmanship.

Does anyone have experience with screw sets that work especially well for Ikea Besta? Or are there general tips on what to consider when buying? Maybe also advice on what to avoid, for example due to poor fit or weak material.

I appreciate your tips and assessments, as I want to enjoy the furniture for as long as possible and avoid having to replace the entire piece each time.

Thanks in advance!
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Skylertu2
15 Nov 2020 08:18
Marlenepa schrieb:
If you are completely new to this topic, I can also explain which screws are typically used for the different parts of the BESTA.

Thanks for the offer! I’m not completely inexperienced, but the Besta sets I’ve had to assemble so far always came with tight quantities. If you have the time, a brief overview of which screws are commonly used for which connections in the BESTA (especially for shelves, side panels, and doors) would be really helpful. That would help me better assess suitable sets.

Additionally, I’m curious whether one set is usually sufficient or if it’s better to have two different sets, since, for example, standard wood screws and special cam lock fasteners might need to be handled separately.
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Marlenepa
15 Nov 2020 12:44
Gladly! For Ikea BESTA, I recommend the following types of screws:

- Chipboard screws 4.5 mm x 35 mm (approx. 3/16 inch x 1 3/8 inch): These are commonly used to secure side panels and shelves.
- Cam locks (cam screws + dowels): These are typical for joining panels and hold connections firmly together. Replacement sets are sold separately and are best purchased separately.
- Wood screws with hex socket head 4 mm (approx. 5/32 inch): For smaller connections, often used for adjustable shelves or accessories.
- Dowels / metal anchors: If drill holes are damaged, metal or nylon anchors are an option, though metal anchors provide greater stability.

In practice, a screw set with just wood and chipboard screws is usually not sufficient, since cam locks often need to be purchased separately. Both can be combined, but cam locks are often difficult to replace without original spare parts.

If you are looking for something specific, you should have at least two products: a screw set for wood and chipboard screws, and a cam lock set that fits the correct size.
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Elias
16 Nov 2020 10:09
kenkeo schrieb:
My advice: Get a high-quality hex key set along with a supplied assortment of screws made of galvanized or stainless steel, specifically for wood screws designed for chipboard.

That sounds really reasonable! I’ve also damaged wood panels before by using the wrong screws because I didn’t pay attention to the material. Thanks also for the tip about the right length; that’s often underestimated.

I also think it’s important to be patient with this kind of repair and not just use the first screws you find in order to finish quickly. Especially with furniture like BESTA, which is meant to look good, care is essential.
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Donar34
17 Nov 2020 14:25
Skylertu2 schrieb:
I’m also curious whether one single set is enough or if it’s better to have two different sets, because, for example, “regular” wood screws and special cam locks should be handled separately.

Answer: For a durable and proper repair, it is best to replace the cam locks as close to the original as possible. A separate replacement set is recommended for these since they are specially manufactured and not typically included in generic screw sets.

A wood and particleboard screw set alone is usually not sufficient because cam locks have a different function and shape. So yes, you should have two sets: one for the cam locks and one for the standard screws. This ensures the connections have the necessary stability and durability.