ᐅ Which screws are suitable replacements for IKEA Hemnes?

Created on: 22 Mar 2023 14:37
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Karfranc33
Hello everyone, I am looking for suitable replacement screws for IKEA Hemnes furniture, especially for the dressers and cabinets from this series. Unfortunately, some of the original screws I have are worn out or lost, and I don’t want to replace them blindly. I want to make sure the screws are compatible in terms of size, material, and load capacity. Does anyone know the exact dimensions (length, diameter, thread type) of the original screws or have recommendations for identical screws that can be easily found at hardware stores or online? It would also be helpful to know if there are different types of screws depending on the component, and whether Hemnes typically uses wood screws, machine screws, or special connector fittings. Thanks a lot for your experiences and tips!
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SANMAR
23 Mar 2023 13:47
Mufato schrieb:
With Hemnes, you should definitely use wood screws with a Torx drive, as the screws tend to loosen easily otherwise.

I can definitely confirm that. Early last year, I had the problem that I needed to replace a few screws on my Hemnes dresser. The wrong screws were just too smooth Phillips screws, and they kept coming loose. With the proper Torx wood screws, that never happened again.
anken schrieb:
If you want to be absolutely sure, take one screw from the furniture to the hardware store and compare.

That’s also good advice. It’s worth it, especially with IKEA furniture that sometimes uses unusual screw heads. From experience, I know that this way you can often save expensive furniture parts without having to replace the entire piece.
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KNUTGI
24 Mar 2023 08:15
SANMAR schrieb:
At the beginning of last year, I had the problem that I needed to replace some screws on my Hemnes dresser.

Ah, the classic Hemnes challenge! 🙂 Adjusting the screws can be really frustrating, but with Torx screws, you’re definitely on the safe side. Jokes aside, although there isn’t an official spare parts list, 6 x 50 mm (2 x 2 inch) Torx wood screws are basically the go-to recommendation. I often use them myself for Hemnes furniture and have been satisfied.

A little tip: When replacing the screws, make sure to keep the screw head straight while driving it in, otherwise the wood can get damaged quickly. And if you want to be really precise, do a small test assembly beforehand without any load.
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Surela
24 Mar 2023 12:41
Karfranc33 schrieb:
Most are about 6 mm in diameter and 50 mm long (about 1/4 inch by 2 inches), have a wood screw thread, and a flat pan head with a Torx drive.

This exactly matches the screw I know from the Hemnes assembly kit. The head shape is also important: the flat pan head distributes the force well on the wood and ensures a stable connection without damaging the surface.

For replacement screws from hardware stores, I recommend checking these points:
- Screws made of galvanized steel or better stainless steel
- Torx drive for better tightening without slipping
- Wood screw thread, appropriate for the wood thickness

Sometimes, Hemnes back panels use shorter screws with a sharper tip that are not as thick (e.g., 4 x 30 mm (5/32 inch x 1 1/4 inches)) to avoid damaging the thin material.

So it is worth understanding the function of the component. Where exactly do you want to use the screws – load-bearing parts or rather decorative or lightly loaded connections?