ᐅ Which screws are better than the standard fasteners for BILLY?

Hello everyone, I’m currently planning to assemble a new Billy shelf and was wondering which screws are actually better than the standard fasteners provided by IKEA. The original screws are usually simple chipboard screws, which I personally don’t find ideal in terms of durability and load capacity.

I’m especially interested in whether there are screws that are better suited for the engineered wood materials used in Billy shelves – specifically, the best combination of material, length, and thread type. I would also appreciate advice regarding strength and load-bearing capacity! Who has experience with effective and long-lasting alternatives?

enno55 schrieb:
I’m particularly interested in whether there are screws that work better for BILLY wood materials.

Interesting question! In my opinion, IKEA often relies too much on standard screws that are fine for mass production but not really suitable for DIYers who prioritize stability. From my experience, instead of simple particle board screws, galvanized sheet metal screws or even wood screws made of high-quality steel are much better—especially those with a finer thread.

The problem with the standard ones is that they tend to loosen over time and don’t always provide enough holding power. But if you want to go for stainless steel or high-quality steel screws, you also need to pay attention to the right length and optimal diameter; otherwise, you might just end up damaging the material.

Hey enno55, that’s a great topic! I’ve fitted my BILLY shelves entirely with Spax screws and I’m really impressed! 🙂

They are a bit more expensive than the standard IKEA ones, but they hold extremely well and you don’t have to keep tightening them or worry about loosening. Especially when you place heavier loads on them, you really notice the difference! Definitely give it a try – it’s truly brilliant!

Spax screws are great, use 4x40 mm (1 5/8 inches) for BILLY. Stainless steel or galvanized, depending on the application.

The original screws are too short and too soft.

Davidleo schrieb:
I have fully fitted my BILLY shelves with Spax screws and am absolutely thrilled!!! 🙂

Bingo! I can only agree with that! My shelves have now been holding firmly for over 2 years without any wobbling. It’s definitely worth the investment, especially if you often rearrange things or put weight on the shelves.

If you want, I can also tell you exactly which screws I used!

I believe you shouldn’t focus solely on brand names without considering the material aspect. Many recommend Spax or stainless steel screws, but in my opinion, an even more important factor is the thread profile and the preload tension the screw generates. Especially with BILLY and similar lightweight furniture made from particleboard, the tensile strength and the distribution of the screw force are crucial.

Does anyone here have reliable data or their own measurements on which screws actually perform better compared to the original fastenings?