Hello everyone, I am planning to assemble several Billy shelves from IKEA soon and want to prepare well in advance. Which tools do you think are best suited for assembling these shelves? I am interested in both the tools for the actual assembly (such as screwdrivers, cordless drills, etc.) and accessories that can make the work easier, like angle guides or special aids. Are there any tools that can be skipped or that aren’t really necessary? Thanks in advance for your helpful advice!
One more note about cordless screwdrivers: Having a short bit is ideal for working in tight spaces. I also recommend using bits with a magnetic tip to hold screws better and prevent losing them. Tools designed to hold screws during insertion make handling much easier. In general, the original tool from IKEA is acceptable, but using the right cordless screwdriver and accessories makes the process much more comfortable.
It is interesting how many focus on cordless screwdrivers. However, it should be considered that with cheap cordless screwdrivers, there is a risk that the torque is either very inconsistent or too high, which can cause damage. Can this be avoided by using a simple Phillips screwdriver or a torque wrench instead? How stable are the screws in the shelves made from particleboard if you don’t work carefully?
theo63 schrieb:
However, it should be considered that with cheap cordless screwdrivers, there is a risk that the torque is either very inconsistent or too high… That’s true, which is why I strongly recommend cordless screwdrivers from reputable manufacturers with adjustable torque settings. This allows you to precisely set the torque for lightweight chipboard and avoid damage. Using feel and a manual screwdriver is always safer, but the effort becomes disproportionately high when installing multiple shelves.
In my experience, there is no need to overdo it: a simple cordless drill with adjustable torque is completely sufficient. Just be careful not to drive the screws in with full power. If you don’t have professional-grade tools, slow screwing and careful monitoring helps. A hammer and a spirit level (or bubble level) are useful additions.
theo63 schrieb:
How stable are the screws in the shelves made of particleboard if you don’t work carefully? That’s an important question! The screws hold surprisingly well as long as you pay attention to the torque and don’t apply too much force. Particleboard cannot handle high torque applied locally and there is a risk that the threads will strip out. Therefore, always use a torque setting when screwing and avoid applying excessive pressure when inserting screws.
In summary, I recommend focusing on the following tools for assembling the Billy shelves: 1. Cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque and Phillips bit, 2. Short bit with magnetic tip, 3. Spirit level and tape measure, 4. Hammer for wall plugs, 5. Drill for wall mounting. It is important not to use high speed or excessive torque to avoid damage. Those who assemble furniture regularly should invest in quality tools, as this significantly makes the work easier.
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