ᐅ Which screws are better than the standard IKEA screws used for the Billy bookcase?

Hello everyone,

When assembling my new BILLY shelf from IKEA, I used the standard screws again but I’m unsure if they are really the best choice in terms of stability and durability. The IKEA screws basically work, but I notice that with frequent use or moving the shelf, they give slightly and the furniture becomes wobbly at some points.

My question is: Which screws would you recommend that are better suited than the original BILLY screws from IKEA? I’m mainly looking for options that are strong, rust-resistant, and make the shelf more stable without damaging the shelf material.

Perhaps you have experience with alternative screws that work well, or tips on screw types and material thickness? The length and screw type (e.g., Phillips, Torx) are also important to me so I don’t have to buy new wall plugs or fittings later.

I’d really appreciate your recommendations, thanks in advance!

mariolo schrieb:
My question is: Which screws would you recommend that are better suited than the original BILLY screws from IKEA?

I completely understand your frustration. I experienced the same when I modified my BILLY shelf, as the standard screws became loose after a while.

What I recommend are stainless steel screws with a Torx drive. These provide better torque transfer than Phillips screws, allowing you to tighten the shelf more securely without damaging the screw heads. Additionally, stainless steel screws are rust-resistant, which is a big advantage, especially in environments with moisture exposure.

It was important for me that the screws weren’t too long to prevent the thin particleboard material of the shelves from splitting. I mostly used 4x40 mm (4x1.6 inches), which fit well.

If you plan to assemble and disassemble the shelf frequently, I also recommend using small washers. They help distribute the pressure and prevent indentations.

I hope this helps and that you find the right screws for your project!

mariolo schrieb:
I am mainly looking for options that are durable, rust-resistant, and make the shelf more stable

Use Torx stainless steel screws in 4x40 mm (0.16x1.57 inches). These are rustproof, sturdy, and the Torx drive provides better grip when screwing. Simply replace the original screws; you don’t need new wall plugs.

koduga schrieb:
Stainless steel screws with Torx drive

Clearly, stainless steel screws are the better choice. The advantage lies in their high corrosion resistance, which is especially important in damp environments such as kitchens or basements.

Regarding length: For Billy-style shelves, I recommend screws with a diameter of 4 mm and a length of 35 to 40 mm (1.4 to 1.6 inches). Longer screws can damage or even penetrate the material.

About the screw head: I suggest countersunk screws because they can be recessed flush and don’t create any protrusions.

One more important note: When switching to different screws, avoid enlarging the original pilot holes too much, to not compromise stability. If the holes are too large, suitable wood fillers or special furniture plugs can help improve the fastening.

In summary:
- Stainless steel to prevent rust
- Torx for optimal torque transfer
- 4x40 mm (4x1.6 inches), suitable for chipboard thickness
- Countersunk screws for a flush finish

With this, you should be able to make your Billy shelf significantly more stable.