ᐅ Which screws are durable for Ikea BESTA units?

Created on: 27 Jun 2024 09:37
A
Arikkar
A
Arikkar
27 Jun 2024 09:37
Hello everyone, I am currently planning the assembly of a new Ikea Besta cabinet and am wondering which screws are the most durable for this piece of furniture.

I know that Ikea often uses their own fasteners, which are not always the most robust, especially with frequent assembly and disassembly or when the furniture is subjected to some load.

Therefore, I am particularly interested in:
- Which screws are recommended to improve the stability and durability of a Besta cabinet?
- Should certain materials or coatings be considered to prevent rust or wear?
- Are there any brands or types of replacement screws that have proven reliable in practice?

I am specifically looking for long-lasting screw solutions that provide lasting security for the Besta furniture even with frequent use. Looking forward to your experiences and advice!
T
te-min
27 Jun 2024 10:05
For BESTA, I recommend stainless steel screws. They do not rust and have a long lifespan. Hex head or Torx screws are also better for a secure grip. Standard chipboard screws would be the usual choice.
K
Kinbu
27 Jun 2024 11:28
Arikkar schrieb:
Which screws are recommended to improve the stability and durability of a BESTA cabinet?

Hello Arikkar,

I understand your concern well. The standard screws from Ikea are often basic chipboard screws, which are functional but can start to loosen or tear out depending on the load.

For increased durability, I would recommend stainless steel screws with a Phillips or Torx drive. It is also important that the screws have sufficient length to penetrate the material properly, without being too thick to avoid splitting the wood.

Additionally, using small washers to distribute the pressure on the wood surface can be considered. If you plan to assemble and disassemble the cabinet frequently, screws with finer threads are preferable, as they are gentler on the wood and improve retention.
L
Lorukeo
27 Jun 2024 13:44
te-min schrieb:
For BESTA, I recommend stainless steel screws. They won’t rust and last a long time.

That is basically correct. Additionally, for Ikea BESTA, chipboard screws with A2 grade stainless steel (rust-resistant) are especially suitable, as they are not only corrosion-resistant but also provide the mechanical strength required in furniture construction.
Kinbu schrieb:
For increased durability, I would recommend screws made of stainless steel with a Phillips or Torx drive.

Torx is indeed preferable for screws of this type because the drive wears less and ensures better torque transmission.

Another note: When replacing screws, it is advisable to choose a screw diameter of 4 to 5 millimeters (0.16 to 0.20 inches) and a length of 30 to 50 millimeters (1.2 to 2.0 inches).

Summary:
- Material: Stainless steel screws (A2 or better A4)
- Drive: Torx preferred, Phillips possible
- Size: 4-5 mm (0.16-0.20 in) diameter, 30-50 mm (1.2-2.0 in) length
- Additional: Possibly washers to distribute pressure
J
Joe52
27 Jun 2024 16:13
I completely understand Arikkar’s concern. I recently experienced how frustrating it can be when the screws on a BESTA cabinet strip or rust.

I once tried switching to metal screws with a Torx drive, which made the whole setup more stable. However, I was a bit cautious about using screws that were too thick, fearing they might damage the wood.

My recommendation is: if you’re not moving or remodeling frequently, the original screws should be sufficient with regular checks. For heavier use or frequent assembly and disassembly, upgrading to higher-quality materials is definitely worthwhile. However, it’s important to consider material compatibility to prevent the screws from weakening or causing the surface to swell over time.
F
Fitigu
28 Jun 2024 08:22
Arikkar schrieb:
Are there any brands or types of replacement screws that have proven reliable in practice?

From a technical perspective, brands like Spax are well suited for particle board screws. They offer various options in stainless steel or zinc-plated, designed to penetrate furniture-grade wood effectively and provide excellent grip thanks to their hardened threads.

Additionally, Spax screws with a countersunk head and Torx drive are particularly ergonomic when screwing and reduce the risk of slipping.

Choosing screws with a corrosion-resistant surface treatment should always be prioritized, especially if the cabinet will be used in more humid environments.

Summary:
- Recommended: Spax screws (stainless steel A2)
- Drive type: Torx, countersunk head
- Size: adjust according to furniture part (usually 4x40 or 4.5x50 mm (approximately 0.16x1.6 or 0.18x2 inches))