ᐅ Which tools are best suited for assembling Ikea Besta units?

Created on: 14 Mar 2019 08:27
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Guman
Hello everyone, I am planning to assemble an Ikea Besta shelving unit and want to prepare the right tools in advance to save myself as much effort and hassle as possible. My specific question is: What tools are ideal for assembling Ikea Besta, especially considering the included fasteners and the commonly used dowels, screws, and cam locks? Are there any recommendations for certain screwdrivers, wrench sizes, or maybe useful extras that make the process significantly easier? I have heard about cordless drills but am unsure how much power is really necessary without risking damage to the material. Additionally, I would be interested in tips on how to achieve a particularly clean and precise assembly. I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!
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susar
15 Mar 2019 07:12
Hey Guman, I totally understand you – the mix of tools needed is often underestimated, especially with flat-pack furniture! Assembling it can be really enjoyable if you’re well prepared. I swear by a cordless drill with adjustable torque because it not only reduces the effort but also lowers the risk of damaging screws. My advice: take your time, stay focused, and use a rubber mallet for the dowels; it gives you better control and protects the wood. 😊

Also, set up a reading light if you’re working in the evening, and keep a bottle of water nearby – staying hydrated helps keep your mind clear ;-) Good luck and, above all, have fun!
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LEEJU
15 Mar 2019 12:34
theota schrieb:
Sometimes the good old screwdriver is enough – it simply offers more control than a power tool

That may be true, but for multiple shelves in a series, manual work is just too time-consuming. Those who build furniture regularly appreciate the efficiency of a good cordless drill without compromising quality.
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semuneo
15 Mar 2019 14:49
I’d like to join the conversation here, as I recently assembled an Ikea Besta shelving unit myself and was initially unsure about the best tools to use. I can fully agree with the tips about screwdrivers and rubber mallets. What helped me the most was carefully studying the instructions and following the step-by-step procedure, which cannot be replaced by just trying to finish quickly.

I also found it interesting that a small, handy square is really useful for precisely aligning everything along the way – this helps prevent later issues like unevenness.

Even though it can be frustrating, patience is truly the key. There were times I felt annoyed, but the effort definitely paid off in the end. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to ask!