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!
hausan schrieb:
Is there a way to “fix” these screws or optimize something without directly risking damage to the wood?I can confirm that a small dab of wood glue at the joints often has a stabilizing effect without making the screw connection rigid or causing problems when disassembling.
It is important to use the glue sparingly and to align the joints carefully before the glue sets.
Alternatively, sometimes replacing the plastic cam connectors helps if they are damaged – Ikea provided me with replacements upon request, although this is rarely necessary.
In your case, it sounds like fitting issues that make the screw installation difficult.
Good morning everyone,
I would like to add that in my last Besta project, it was also helpful to lightly coat the cam lock screws with wax or graphite powder before final assembly. This reduces friction and makes turning easier without weakening the connection.
This method is especially useful when the screws are initially very tight or the wood swells slightly.
One more tip regarding the back panel screws: if you experience issues with them pulling out, it’s worth switching to screws with a slightly larger thread diameter, provided the material allows it.
Have you tried this with your Besta as well?
I would like to add that in my last Besta project, it was also helpful to lightly coat the cam lock screws with wax or graphite powder before final assembly. This reduces friction and makes turning easier without weakening the connection.
This method is especially useful when the screws are initially very tight or the wood swells slightly.
One more tip regarding the back panel screws: if you experience issues with them pulling out, it’s worth switching to screws with a slightly larger thread diameter, provided the material allows it.
Have you tried this with your Besta as well?
Thanks Surela for the tip about the wax – that’s a very clever idea to make the work easier.
I would also like to mention that pre-tightening the screws before final tightening can sometimes prevent problems because the wood may settle, which helps relieve stress.
I strongly advise against over-tightening with the cordless drill. It’s better to adjust carefully using hand force.
One question for everyone: Have you noticed if the screws in older Besta models tend to cause more issues than in newer ones? I had the impression that newer models have slightly better fit and quality.
I would also like to mention that pre-tightening the screws before final tightening can sometimes prevent problems because the wood may settle, which helps relieve stress.
I strongly advise against over-tightening with the cordless drill. It’s better to adjust carefully using hand force.
One question for everyone: Have you noticed if the screws in older Besta models tend to cause more issues than in newer ones? I had the impression that newer models have slightly better fit and quality.
Thanks again to everyone!
Next time, I will carefully insert the cam lock screws with some wood glue and try to avoid using a power drill. I’ll also remember the tip about wax for the next assembly.
The drill holes on my model are actually quite clean, but there is still a slight wobble in one area. I will try to fix that carefully using shims.
In case anyone is interested: I noticed that the included screwdriver doesn’t quite fit properly, so I already bought a bit set that should help in the future.
Next time, I will carefully insert the cam lock screws with some wood glue and try to avoid using a power drill. I’ll also remember the tip about wax for the next assembly.
The drill holes on my model are actually quite clean, but there is still a slight wobble in one area. I will try to fix that carefully using shims.
In case anyone is interested: I noticed that the included screwdriver doesn’t quite fit properly, so I already bought a bit set that should help in the future.
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