ᐅ Which screws are best suited for assembling the Ikea Brimnes furniture?

Created on: 28 Feb 2020 08:17
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Liel36
Hello everyone,

I recently bought an Ikea Brimnes bed but ran into a small issue during assembly. The screws provided don’t seem to fit perfectly—some are too short or don’t tighten securely enough. So my question is:

Which screws work best for the Ikea Brimnes bed to ensure a stable and safe connection?

It’s important to me that the screws aren’t too thick to avoid damaging the material, but are long enough to properly join the individual wooden parts. Is there a particular size or type that has proven reliable in practice?

I’m looking forward to your tips and experiences!
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SAWYERR
29 Feb 2020 07:53
Ask whether the screws have countersunk heads or pan heads?

Countersunk heads sit flush, pan heads do not.

For the Brimnes, countersunk screws are better because they do not protrude and do not overstretch the material.
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neoren
29 Feb 2020 08:18
Wood screws with a 4 mm (0.16 inch) diameter and 50 mm (2 inch) length fit well, preferably with a countersunk head.

Don’t forget to pre-drill; this prevents damage and splitting.
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matthew
1 Mar 2020 09:12
barda6 schrieb:
4x50 mm (0.16x2 inches) chipboard screws are perfect for Brimnes.

I can only agree with that. Preferably galvanized, as it protects against rust.
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theota
1 Mar 2020 10:31
LuMarcel43 schrieb:
In my opinion, the suitability of screws largely depends on the specific connection point.

That’s true. But I want to provoke a little: Aren’t many of the Ikea connection points designed more for appearance than for strength?

I believe it’s better to be on the safe side and use the strongest screws everywhere instead of relying on the originals. Especially when it comes to beds, you shouldn’t compromise on that.
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Liel36
2 Mar 2020 07:58
Thank you for the responses so far; they have been very helpful.

Regarding the connection points: especially the joints between the side panels and the cross braces were not stable enough in my assembly. The supplied screws are either too short or do not hold firmly enough.

I can try pre-drilling; I was a bit hesitant because of aesthetics or concerns that the material might split.

So I’m planning to use 4 x 50 mm (2 inch) countersunk chipboard screws with a zinc coating. Is there anything else I should consider, for example when tightening them, to avoid damaging the panels?
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tangi
2 Mar 2020 08:35
Liel36 schrieb:
Is there anything else to keep in mind, for example when tightening, to avoid damaging the panels?

Yes, definitely set the torque on the screwdriver correctly or work carefully by hand.

Also, pre-drilling is generally recommended, even if Ikea doesn’t specify it. A 3 mm (1/8 inch) drill bit should be enough to prevent the particle board from splitting.

In general, always screw in slowly to avoid tearing out and to ensure stability.