ᐅ What tools are needed to assemble the Ikea BRIMNES?

Hello everyone, I am planning to assemble my Ikea Brimnes bed soon and want to be well prepared, especially regarding the tools needed. Although the assembly instructions are included, I don’t want to find out during assembly that I’m missing some tools or that I might damage the parts by using the wrong tools.

Which tools should I ideally have ready to ensure a smooth assembly? Is any special tool required besides the supplied Allen key? Or should other hand tools like screwdrivers, a hammer, or even a cordless drill be used?

It would be very helpful if you could share your own experience about which tools are really needed for the BRIMNES bed, what mistakes to avoid when buying or using tools, and if you have any tips for working more efficiently. Thanks in advance!

For the BRIMNES, you usually only need the included Allen key. However, if you want to work faster, a small cordless drill with an Allen bit can be helpful. You only need a hammer if the wooden dowels are very tight. Otherwise, no special tools are required.

Here is a brief summary of the tools I recommend for the BRIMNES bed, based on my experience and some minor pitfalls:

- The box includes a simple Allen key that allows you to loosen and tighten all the screws. This is theoretically sufficient.
- However, I recommend using a cordless drill with a suitable hex bit. This saves time and effort. Make sure not to set the torque too high, as this can damage the screws.
- Keep a regular Phillips screwdriver handy, as some parts are fastened with small wood screws.
- A small hammer or rubber mallet can be helpful to gently tap wooden dowels into place if they are difficult to fit.

Common mistakes include overtightening the screws right at the start, which can damage the wood. It’s better to assemble loosely at first and tighten all screws firmly at the end.

Finally, prepare your workspace well to avoid losing any parts. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

fredle schrieb:
I’ll briefly summarize which tools I recommend for the BRIMNES bed, based on my experience and some minor pitfalls:

I really appreciate you giving such a clear overview; it’s very helpful. I assembled the bed myself last year and remember how frustrating it can be to suddenly realize you’re missing a tool. The tip about using a cordless drill saved me a lot of effort—although I was a bit unsure at first about overtightening. But with a little care, it works well.

I also recommend investing in a separate container for screws right from the start. It helps keep them organized during assembly, so you don’t lose track and waste time.

I’m curious if anyone else has additional tips on tool use or even tools that can safely be left out.

warrenka57 schrieb:
The tip about using a cordless drill really saved me a lot of work – although I was briefly unsure whether I might overtighten with it.

I think this is an important point: When assembling furniture like the BRIMNES, you should generally be cautious with cordless drills because the pre-drilled holes and materials tend to be thin. Overtightening can damage the threads or cause wood splitting.

My question is: Are there any specific guidelines from Ikea or from your experience indicating that the included Allen key is intentionally made small to prevent this? It almost seems like a deliberate tool designed to avoid overtightening.

Additionally, it might be worth discussing whether it’s better to assemble entirely without a cordless drill to protect the parts—even though it takes longer. What do you think? Is the time saved worth the potential damage?