ᐅ Which screws are most commonly problematic when assembling Ikea Besta units?

Hello everyone,

I am currently preparing to assemble an Ikea Besta system and wanted to ask the group: Which screws or fasteners have caused you the most problems? I’m particularly referring to the parts that are difficult to screw in, where the screwdriver often slips, or that are sometimes more frustrating than helpful in their design.

I understand that the Ikea system is generally well thought out, but I have read that some screws in the Besta system can be challenging – whether due to the material, shape, or fit.

I would like to know if this issue is limited to specific screws or if it depends more on the situation. Any tips on the best approach to handle this would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Hello hausan,

Your question is very interesting because assembling furniture like the Ikea Besta is often considered straightforward, but it can still present some specific challenges, especially with the screws.

From my experience, there are actually two types of screws that often cause trouble:

- The so-called cam lock screws (cam dowels with eccentric nuts), which are often made of relatively soft material. When tightening, they can either be misaligned or the screwdriver slips easily because the recess is not optimally milled.

- The metal wood screws, often used to attach back panels or handles, which tend to wedge or slip sideways if the angle is not correct.

With the cam lock, it is essential to ensure that the pin fits precisely in the pre-drilled hole and that the eccentric nut is fully turned, otherwise the connection will be unstable.

A tip: Always use a suitable screwdriver with a firmly fitting grip, not one that is too small. It is also important not to use a power drill with too much torque; instead, use hand tools for the final tightening to avoid over-tightening the screws.

I would be interested to know: are you using the typical Ikea hex key or a flat-head screwdriver? That also makes a difference in handling.

By the way: Have you checked during unpacking that all screws are free of burrs or (rarely) deformations? This often affects the later assembly.

Cam lock screws are definitely the ones that cause the most problems. Usually, the screwdrivers slip or the cam gets stuck. However, when fastening the back panels, there is hardly any way to make a mistake.

I would like to add: With cam locks, it is advisable to first loosely fit the parts together before fully assembling and carefully turn the cam. If you feel any resistance, it is better to realign everything properly.

Also, make sure to insert the screws straight, not at an angle, because otherwise the grip will be compromised. This also applies to the small screws for the handles: their threads are quite delicate, and they could easily strip if too much torque is applied.

Another point that is often underestimated is the quality of the screwdriver. Ikea often provides basic tools that do not fit optimally – especially with cam lock screws, this leads to slipping and damage to the screw heads.

It is worth investing in a good set with magnetic and precisely fitting bits. This makes assembly much easier.

Cam locks and the small Spax screws for the back panel. Be careful with the cam locks to ensure the eccentric fitting is properly positioned; otherwise, it will be unstable.