ᐅ Which tools are useful for assembling the Ikea BRIMNES?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to assemble an Ikea Brimnes bed myself and want to make sure I have the right tools ready. Although the Ikea instructions usually recommend using the included Allen key, I am wondering if there are additional tools that can significantly ease the assembly or even be necessary to put the furniture together securely and properly.

I am not only referring to standard tools but also to special aids that might not be directly mentioned in the instructions but are very useful in practice.

What tools would you recommend for assembling the Ikea Brimnes bed? For example, is it necessary to use a cordless drill, or is a regular screwdriver sufficient? Are there tools that make the process safer or result in a more stable assembly? A recommendation on useful tools would be especially helpful for people who don’t do this kind of work regularly.

I look forward to your experiences and tips!

I have assembled the Brimnes bed twice already. A Phillips screwdriver and the included Allen key are usually enough. If you want to go faster, use a cordless drill with a Torx or hex bit. But you don’t really need much more than that.

For reference:

- The included Allen key is often quite small and ergonomically awkward; a larger hex key in the correct size (usually 4 mm (0.16 inches)) can be much more comfortable to use.
- I recommend a medium-power cordless drill with adjustable torque to avoid over-tightening screws.
- A slim Phillips or Pozidriv screwdriver is useful in tight spaces where the cordless drill doesn’t fit.
- For the Brimnes series, small plastic clips or dowels may need to be inserted into the wood, for which a rubber mallet can be helpful.

These tools ensure a precise and careful assembly.

FRANCISCOP schrieb:
I recommend a medium-power cordless drill with adjustable torque settings to avoid overtightening screws.

Sure, that all sounds great, but honestly: do you really need such an elaborate setup for a simple Ikea bed? Isn’t all this tool overkill exactly what Ikea originally wanted to avoid?

In my opinion, it just causes frustration for people who aren’t professionals. A bit of manual work and patience are enough – plus, the whole flat-pack philosophy is based on the idea that simple tools should suffice. Anyone bringing a cordless drill to this kind of DIY project is just pretending to be a carpenter.

Don’t you think this is making things more complicated than necessary? Remember, Brimnes parts aren’t made from solid timber boards but from coated particleboard. Every screw and hammer strike is a critical point.

rebufar schrieb:
It should not be forgotten that the Brimnes parts are not made of solid wood slats but of coated particleboard.

That’s true, which is why I am always cautious with this type of furniture. Last time, I was quite unsure because I wasn’t certain if too much torque might damage the parts.

For me, a screwdriver with a torque limiter has proven to be a good solution, and I already use one for other furniture. It simply provides more security.

So, you shouldn’t be fooled by the low price – assembling Brimnes furniture can actually be quite challenging, especially if it’s your first time putting together this kind of furniture.

Thanks for the tips about using the right cordless drill and a larger hex key; I will definitely try that next time.