ᐅ Which screws are stronger than the original screws used with BILLY?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to make my Billy bookcase more robust. I noticed that while the original screws from BILLY are functional, they tend to lose their grip quickly under higher loads or frequent assembly and disassembly. My specific question is: which screws are more durable than the original BILLY screws, which are specially designed for mounting these shelves? I am particularly interested in quality features such as material strength, thread profile, and corrosion resistance. Are there any tests or experiences with specific brands or types that have proven reliable? Thanks in advance for your detailed insights!

If you are looking for stronger screws, I recommend stainless steel screws sized 4x30mm (about 5/32 x 1 3/16 inches). They are more durable and do not rust. Also, it is better to use screws with full thread for better grip.

I can understand that stability is important to you—especially with BILLY shelves, which often need to hold a lot of weight. I had similar issues until I switched to particleboard screws with special hard chrome plating. They are slightly more expensive but provide a much more secure feeling. Maybe this helps you. 🙂

Regarding the question of stability: It is important that the screws are not only made of high-quality material but also technically suitable. BILLY shelves typically use screws with a 4 mm (0.16 inch) diameter and about 30 mm (1.18 inch) length. Chipboard screws with partial thread ensure better grip in wood-based materials. Stainless steel A2 or electro-galvanized versions are recommended for longer durability. Another aspect is the type of screw head: Phillips (PH) or Pozidriv, with the latter allowing better torque without cam-out.

Hey, first of all, it’s great that you’re paying such close attention to the screws! 😄 I’d also recommend using screws with a Torx drive, as they provide better grip during fastening. More stability means less hassle during assembly and disassembly. It’s best to go for high-quality stainless steel versions since they resist rust completely. Spending a few extra cents is definitely worth it.

Regarding the stability of screws for BILLY shelves, here is a brief summary and practical check:

1. Material: Stainless steel A2 (V2A) provides corrosion resistance and withstands tensile and shear forces well.
2. Thread: Fine-thread screws or those with deep machining ensure better anchoring in chipboard material.
3. Head type: Pozidriv is standard, but Torx is recommended due to better torque transmission.
4. Dimensions: 4 mm diameter with 30-35 mm (1.2-1.4 inches) length fit optimally into the pre-drilled holes.

Typical mistakes include screws that are too long, which can damage the furniture surface on BILLY, or cheap zinc-plated screws that rust more quickly. I recommend brands like Würth or Spax from specialized hardware stores, as they usually guarantee quality and fit.