ᐅ Which tools are essential for assembling the Ikea Pax wardrobe?

Created on: 30 Sep 2022 10:17
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Peppa5
Hello everyone, I’m currently planning to assemble the Ikea Pax wardrobe and want to prepare well in advance. My question is for those who have experience with the assembly: Which tools are absolutely necessary to complete the Pax setup efficiently and without unnecessary back-and-forth? I’m not only referring to the standard tools, such as the Allen key that Ikea provides, but also any additional tools that can really help, for example to fasten screws more easily or quickly, or to better align parts. I’d appreciate specific recommendations and maybe some tips on what to watch out for to avoid complicating the assembly.
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emmett
30 Sep 2022 15:37
Magnetic screwdrivers are excellent for handling small screws; I would definitely recommend them.
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meGreg
30 Sep 2022 17:24
Nice thread! I just thought of something: If there are two of you, one person can handle the cordless drill while the other uses the spirit level for checking. This way, you avoid unnecessary mistakes and can handle heavy doors more easily. Also, a small claw hammer or a multi-purpose hammer can be handy if you need to tap in a trim or back panel and don’t have a rubber mallet available.

By the way, staying relaxed during assembly really helps, making the process smoother.
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Peppa5
1 Oct 2022 08:43
Thank you for all the helpful tips so far, especially the idea of using longer hex keys and the use of a cordless screwdriver with bit holders, which I really like. I’m just wondering if there are any issues with the fit between components where special tools are recommended? For example, can certain aids help prevent cabinets from shifting or becoming misaligned later on? Or are there any tricks for better securing them during the assembly process?
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SauDietmar
1 Oct 2022 10:12
Peppa5 schrieb:
I’m just wondering if there are any issues with the fit between the components where special tools are recommended?
Good question! Yes, the fit is generally quite good with Ikea, but if the walls are not perfectly straight, problems can still occur:

- When assembling, be sure to use a spirit level to align the cabinets before tightening the screws completely.

- Clamps or small screw clamps are helpful to hold parts in place during assembly. These are not included by Ikea but are worth the investment.

- When cabinets are placed side by side, the connecting fittings should be screwed in firm but not too tight so they can be adjusted easily.

- For better stability, I recommend always securing the cabinets to the wall—here, a good cordless drill with appropriate wall plugs is essential.

This prevents them from wobbling or shifting.
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Timmyse36
1 Oct 2022 11:29
I really appreciate how in-depth tips are shared here. What initially overwhelmed me a bit during the assembly of the Pax system were the many small screws and fittings. For someone doing this for the first time, I would recommend working very systematically—first sorting and correctly identifying all the parts. Also, when it comes to mounting the wardrobe on the wall, it’s a good idea to have two people involved. It’s not just about the tools, but also about coordination—sometimes screws need to be fastened in tight spaces or where the wardrobe becomes quite heavy.
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Wesley
1 Oct 2022 15:56
A small tip from my experience – take your time during assembly, even though a cordless drill makes the work easier. Sometimes it’s worth loosening the screws just slightly and fitting all the parts together before fully tightening everything. This way, you can still correct any misalignments or inaccuracies.

Also: When attaching the cabinet to the wall, always remember to use suitable anchors for your wall type (plasterboard, concrete, or brick). This ensures that it stays stable and doesn’t wobble.

Personally, I like to use a small helper – a clamp – to hold individual parts in place. It works great, even if Ikea doesn’t include one.