ᐅ Which screws are most commonly problematic when assembling Ikea Besta units?
Created on: 9 Apr 2024 10:13
H
hausan
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!
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!
I would like to go into more detail on this topic, as it was relevant for me when assembling the Besta:
- The cam lock screws are special because they are made from a composite material that tends to fray under higher stress. If the cam lock is not seated precisely in the groove, the whole part can lift or become misaligned.
- A trick that helped me is to turn the screw in slightly first and only then tighten it fully.
- Regarding screwdrivers, I also recommend using the correct drive type: Ikea usually uses an internal hex drive, not a Phillips or slotted head. Using the wrong bit can result in stripping the screw head.
- Additionally, I noticed that the metal Spax screws for mounting strips and back panels vary in length between some Besta versions, which can cause problems if the wrong screw is used in the wrong place.
As others have mentioned here: check that all screws appear intact. Sometimes deliveries differ from each other, which is even more likely with online purchases.
- The cam lock screws are special because they are made from a composite material that tends to fray under higher stress. If the cam lock is not seated precisely in the groove, the whole part can lift or become misaligned.
- A trick that helped me is to turn the screw in slightly first and only then tighten it fully.
- Regarding screwdrivers, I also recommend using the correct drive type: Ikea usually uses an internal hex drive, not a Phillips or slotted head. Using the wrong bit can result in stripping the screw head.
- Additionally, I noticed that the metal Spax screws for mounting strips and back panels vary in length between some Besta versions, which can cause problems if the wrong screw is used in the wrong place.
As others have mentioned here: check that all screws appear intact. Sometimes deliveries differ from each other, which is even more likely with online purchases.
Hausan, have you already figured out which version of the Besta system you have? The different Besta models (drawers, doors, open shelves) use slightly different mounting hardware, which affects the types of screws and potential trouble spots.
I assume you mean the basic model with doors. I’ve also mainly had issues with the cam locks there, especially when the holes in the panels were not precisely drilled. In those cases, even small deviations often cause problems.
One step-by-step tip: Align the carcass panels gently, attach the screws loosely at first, and only fully tighten them at the end. This helps avoid stresses that could distort the screws or damage the wood.
I’m also curious which tools you are using. Some swear by manual screwdrivers only, while others prefer cordless drills with torque control.
I assume you mean the basic model with doors. I’ve also mainly had issues with the cam locks there, especially when the holes in the panels were not precisely drilled. In those cases, even small deviations often cause problems.
One step-by-step tip: Align the carcass panels gently, attach the screws loosely at first, and only fully tighten them at the end. This helps avoid stresses that could distort the screws or damage the wood.
I’m also curious which tools you are using. Some swear by manual screwdrivers only, while others prefer cordless drills with torque control.
Hello hausan,
I agree with the previous comments. It is especially important to mention the small screw with the washer that is sometimes used when assembling the drawers. This screw can easily become misaligned, and if too much pressure is applied, the panel can be damaged.
What helped me was to initially screw the screws in lightly, then align all the components, and only tighten them fully at the end. Patience is important here.
Another recommendation is to follow the instructions step by step carefully and not fully tighten any screws too early. The Besta modular system is generally well designed, but small inaccuracies can cause problems.
I agree with the previous comments. It is especially important to mention the small screw with the washer that is sometimes used when assembling the drawers. This screw can easily become misaligned, and if too much pressure is applied, the panel can be damaged.
What helped me was to initially screw the screws in lightly, then align all the components, and only tighten them fully at the end. Patience is important here.
Another recommendation is to follow the instructions step by step carefully and not fully tighten any screws too early. The Besta modular system is generally well designed, but small inaccuracies can cause problems.
Thank you for the detailed answers so far!
To add some information: I am assembling the Besta with doors, the set without drawers. The tools I am using are the included Ikea screwdriver and a small hex bit for my cordless drill, but I mostly relied on hand screws for assembly, as recommended.
What I have noticed so far is that the cam lock screws were particularly difficult for me – sometimes the cam did not catch easily, and sometimes the panel alignment was not perfect, causing it to shift slightly.
Is there a way to secure these screws or improve the fit without risking damage to the wood?
Maybe the screws are too short or the holes were drilled too loosely? I also considered using thin wooden shims as a base, but that seems more like a temporary fix.
To add some information: I am assembling the Besta with doors, the set without drawers. The tools I am using are the included Ikea screwdriver and a small hex bit for my cordless drill, but I mostly relied on hand screws for assembly, as recommended.
What I have noticed so far is that the cam lock screws were particularly difficult for me – sometimes the cam did not catch easily, and sometimes the panel alignment was not perfect, causing it to shift slightly.
Is there a way to secure these screws or improve the fit without risking damage to the wood?
Maybe the screws are too short or the holes were drilled too loosely? I also considered using thin wooden shims as a base, but that seems more like a temporary fix.
hausan schrieb:
Is there a way to “fix” these screws or improve something without directly risking damage to the wood?That is a very good question. With cam lock screws, the fit is indeed crucial. If the holes are too large, the connection will be loose; if too small, it will bind.
A proven method is to apply wood glue sparingly and precisely inside the hole before inserting the cam lock. Just a small amount is enough to stabilize the wood while still allowing the connection to be disassembled later if needed.
Alternatively, if the hole is too large, you can insert thin wooden shims made from glued veneer strips—but be careful not to make them too thick, or the cam lock won’t fit.
When tightening, it is essential to work without force, otherwise the wood can tear out. Once the cam lock is seated, it should ideally be turned only until it stops.
I recommend using a hex key bit with a torque-limiting clutch on a cordless screwdriver to control the tightening torque precisely.
How wide are the gaps between the panels – are the pre-drilled holes exactly centered?
That can make a big difference in stability.
Domau0 schrieb:
If the holes are too large, the connection will be unstableExactly. If you try to compensate for that too much with wooden strips, it often makes things worse.
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