ᐅ Which screwdrivers are best suited for assembling IKEA HEMNES furniture?

Created on: 12 Sep 2021 18:27
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draefecan
Hello everyone, I am about to assemble an IKEA Hemnes wardrobe and wanted to ask a specific question: Which screwdrivers are best suited for assembling the HEMNES, especially for the typical fasteners and screw heads that IKEA uses?

So far, I only have basic Phillips screwdrivers and a small standard screwdriver, but I’m not sure if these are really the best tools for the screws provided.

I would also appreciate advice on handle comfort, the fit of the screwdriver tips, and whether a cordless drill/driver is helpful or rather a hindrance.

Thank you very much for your recommendations!
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draefecan
13 Sep 2021 10:47
AUSTINREN schrieb:
Cordless screwdrivers are useful, provided the torque setting is correctly adjusted to avoid overtightening or damaging the wood.

Thanks for the tip, that’s exactly what I wanted to know! Are there any screwdriver brands or models you specifically recommend for assembling the Hemnes? I’ve read that some inexpensive screwdrivers wear out the tips quickly and then become unusable for this kind of assembly.
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KUDAISY
13 Sep 2021 12:31
draefecan schrieb:
Are there any screwdriver brands or models that you specifically recommend for assembling HEMNES furniture?

Sure, a good brand ensures durability and comfort. For this type of furniture, I recommend:

- "Wiha": Known for durable and precise tips, many models feature ergonomic handles.
- "Wera": Offers sets with color-coded handles, making work easier.
- "Felo": Also very good quality with comfortable grips.

Make sure the screwdriver has a magnetic blade; it saves time and frustration.

Cheap products usually have soft tips that wear out quickly – frustrating when dealing with many screws in IKEA furniture.

A tip: Avoid screwdrivers with very thin or short tips, as they won’t provide good grip.
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Tevin
13 Sep 2021 14:06
KUDAISY schrieb:
Make sure your screwdriver has a magnetic flathead bit; it saves time and frustration.

That’s a very good tip! Additionally, I would suggest always having a suitable pair of tweezers or a small magnetic pickup tool ready in case a screw falls. Especially with HEMNES furniture, I’ve noticed that some screws are quite small and can be easily lost.

Also: When using a cordless drill, be sure to select a low torque setting and work slowly; otherwise, the wood can be damaged. If you want to be extra careful, it’s better to tighten some screws by hand in certain areas.
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raulso
14 Sep 2021 08:21
Tevin schrieb:
If you want to be on the safe side, it’s better to do some parts by hand.

Close only counts in horseshoes – I experienced that last weekend with the HEMNES. Cordless drill on high speed? Snap, the screw got stripped. Handwork saved the situation 😂

My favorite: combine both, using a grippy, well-fitting PH2 screwdriver bit from "Wera" for the finishing touches, and the cordless drill for the heavy work.

Honestly, if you enjoy the process, it becomes even more fun!
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LOJOPAR
14 Sep 2021 09:45
raulso schrieb:
My favorite: combines both, with a grippy, well-fitting PH2 from "Wera" for fine work, and a cordless screwdriver for the heavy-duty tasks.

Exactly like that.

Additionally, I would say:
- Sort all screws before assembly
- Avoid over-tightening, especially with particleboard from IKEA
- Ensure good lighting conditions to clearly see the screw heads.

Good preparation makes assembly much easier.