ᐅ Which screws are best suited for assembling the Ikea Besta unit?

Hello everyone, I am currently assembling my new Ikea Besta cabinet and have noticed that some of the screws provided don’t fit perfectly or I would simply prefer an alternative that is better suited for stability. Therefore, my question to the community: Based on your experience, which screws work best for assembling the Besta, especially if you want to make the cabinet more stable and possibly use it long-term? I mean both the connector screws and the fastening screws, and I would appreciate recommendations regarding size, material, and type (for example, Phillips, Torx, or others). Also, any tips on why certain screws perform better than others for the Besta would be helpful so I can understand what matters. Thanks in advance!

It’s best to use the original connecting screws from Ikea, which are usually countersunk screws with a Phillips head, size 5 or 6 mm (0.2 or 0.24 inches). If you want something sturdier, you can use longer wood screws with a strong thread, approximately 5x60 mm (0.2x2.4 inches). Torx screws are less common, but Phillips head screws are perfectly sufficient.

Hello Sidadeo, to answer your question in more detail, I will start with the common types of screws used in Ikea Besta systems:
- Connector screws: These are usually flat-head cross-recessed furniture connector screws, often around 4-5 mm (0.16-0.2 inches) in diameter. They ensure a secure connection between the panels.
- For better stability, you can consider the following points:

- Material quality: High-quality galvanized or stainless steel screws prevent rust and provide better strength.
- Screw length: Longer screws hold better but, of course, should not penetrate through the material. Screw lengths of 50-60 mm (2-2.4 inches) are ideal here.
- Screw head: Countersunk heads fit better and help avoid wobbling.

A personal tip: It is worth replacing the original screws with high-quality furniture connector screws from a good hardware store, especially if you plan to move the cabinet frequently. Ikea screws often break at the connection points when the material is stressed. In general, the combination of appropriate connector screws and additional reinforcement with angle brackets significantly increases stability when assembling Besta.

In summary:
- Cross-recessed screws around 5 mm (0.2 inches)
- Material: galvanized steel or stainless steel
- Length: 50-60 mm (2-2.4 inches) depending on the component
- Countersunk head for flush fitting

I hope this helps you!

LOGEMIN schrieb:
It is worth replacing the original screws with high-quality furniture connector screws from a good hardware store

I can only confirm that. My experience with the Ikea Besta is that the standard connector screws provided are functional but tend to lose strength quickly if you frequently assemble and disassemble the furniture. If you want to stay flexible, I also recommend using Torx screws instead of Phillips. They provide a better grip when tightening and prevent the screwdriver from slipping prematurely, which is especially important for wood screws.

EDWARD0 schrieb:
Torx is less common, but Phillips is perfectly fine

In my opinion, Torx screws definitely have an advantage over Phillips in furniture – especially if you want to stabilize heavy or wide pieces like Besta. Torx screws are also less likely to strip.

I would also make sure the screws are adequately sized, especially at the joints between the side panels and shelves. 5x50 mm (0.2x2 inches) or 5x60 mm (0.2x2.4 inches) are ideal. Zinc-plated screws are good, stainless steel is even better if you expect moisture.

If anyone has more specific questions, I’m happy to help!