ᐅ What tools are needed to assemble the Ikea Brimnes?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to assemble the Ikea Brimnes furniture soon and want to prepare as best as possible. I am interested in which tools are actually needed to complete the assembly smoothly and with minimal effort.

Specifically, I would like to know if I only need the usual standard tools like Phillips and flathead screwdrivers and a hammer, or if there are any special tools that can significantly ease the process.

Are there also any tips on what to pay attention to when choosing tools, for example regarding the type of screws or the assembly instructions?

I would appreciate a detailed response so I can prepare everything properly in advance.

For the Ikea Brimnes, you mainly need a Phillips screwdriver and preferably a hammer. If available, a cordless drill with a Phillips bit can help and makes everything faster. Nothing else is really necessary.

Hello Ayush42,

I’m happy to provide you with a detailed answer regarding the tools needed for assembling the Ikea Brimnes.

First of all, it is very helpful to have a good Phillips screwdriver or a compatible Phillips bit for a cordless drill. Most screws used in Ikea furniture, including Brimnes, are Phillips screws, so having a Phillips screwdriver is virtually essential.

A hammer is also important for driving in wooden dowels or small nails, which are sometimes used during assembly. Occasionally, some parts of the furniture are connected with nails or small pins.

Additionally, I recommend having a tape measure or folding rule to check the dimensions before assembly. This helps ensure that all parts have been delivered correctly and that the furniture will fit into the intended corner.

If you prefer to avoid too much manual work, a cordless drill with a precision bit is ideal, as it saves a lot of time and effort.

Regarding the tools, be careful not to tighten the screws too loosely or too tightly, as this can cause damage to the wood.

If you like, I can also provide tips on the assembly process itself.

Julien schrieb:
A hammer is important for driving in wooden dowels or small nails, which are sometimes used during assembly.

That’s a good point I’d like to elaborate on. The Ikea Brimnes furniture pieces are usually made from pressed wood or MDF panels, which Ikea typically assembles using Minifix screws, wooden dowels, and small nails.

About the tools:
- A Phillips screwdriver size PH2 is ideal since the screws use this standard, providing the best grip with the tool.
- Some of the nails or dowels are very delicate, so the hammer should not be too heavy—about a small machinist’s hammer weighing roughly 300–400 grams (10–14 ounces). Heavier hammers can damage the material.
- It’s important that the wooden dowels fit tightly, so briefly dry-fit the parts before fixing them with the hammer.

It’s also essential to have a certain level of precision and measuring accuracy because the furniture consists of several individual elements that must fit together exactly. Before starting assembly, it’s best to sort all screws by type—often the instruction manual lists screw types and quantities.

Finally, a tip: some people use small pliers or a flat-nosed tool to better position dowels or bolts when they cannot be fully inserted by hand. This is usually optional and not strictly necessary.

Are you planning to assemble the furniture on your own, or will you have help? That can affect your choice of tools since tasks requiring two hands are easier with assistance.

Le_kin schrieb:
Are you planning to assemble it by yourself or will you have help?

Thank you for the detailed response! I will probably assemble it on my own. That makes the choice of tools a bit more important since I won’t have anyone to double-check if I make a mistake.

I have a cordless drill with a Phillips bit attachment, a hammer, and a set of small screwdrivers at home. The idea of using pliers sounds interesting—I can try that if some connections are difficult to loosen.

Are there any other tools that might be helpful when working alone? For example, a surface protector for the floor or aids to hold parts in place?

Also, I’d like to know if your tips apply specifically to assembling the Brimnes dresser, or if you have experience with other Brimnes furniture like beds or wardrobes, where there might be special tool requirements?

Ayush42 schrieb:
Is there any other tool that might be helpful when working alone?

I believe anyone seriously considering using tools like a cordless drill or pliers is underestimating the complexity of Ikea furniture. In fact, it’s all so simple that you hardly need anything besides patience and some physical strength.

All the fuss about tools is often overrated. The manufacturer even provides the necessary materials (Allen keys, etc.)! The rest is just muscle power and some annoying assembly time, nothing more.

Since you’re working alone, skip all the extra stuff and focus on the instructions. When in doubt: manual dexterity beats high-tech tools.

Of course, if you want to be super precise, have fun using special pliers and the like, but in the end, it hardly makes a difference. Ikea has optimized furniture assembly for decades so that as little as possible is needed.