ᐅ Which tools are truly essential for assembling the Ikea Brimnes DIY furniture?

Hello everyone, I am planning to assemble the Ikea Brimnes furniture myself soon and would like to ask in detail: Which tools are really necessary for the Ikea Brimnes DIY? Specifically, I am wondering if the parts included in the package and maybe a simple screwdriver will be enough, or if additional tools like a cordless drill, spirit level, or hammer are needed to assemble it securely and straight. I would appreciate tips that help me do this without unnecessary tool purchases – especially if you have encountered tricky spots or important practical experiences. Thanks!

For Brimnes, a Phillips screwdriver is usually sufficient. A cordless drill is especially helpful when assembling multiple parts, but is not essential. Use a spirit level if you want precise alignment, although many also assemble without one. A hammer is rarely needed, mostly just for lightly tapping in wooden dowels.

Hello RONBO, I would like to go into detail about which tools I really recommend for building my Brimnes. Most Ikea furniture comes with an Allen key that is sufficient for the screws – the same applies to Brimnes. However, a cordless screwdriver or at least a standard manual screwdriver is highly recommended because the included Allen key is often quite small and uncomfortable for extended work. Additionally: - A spirit level is very helpful, especially if you want to set up the cabinet units perfectly straight and evenly. This saves you from having to make adjustments later, particularly when working with multiple units or on uneven floors. - A hammer can be useful if wooden dowels or small nails are involved – but only used very carefully. - Sometimes I also use pliers to better position connectors. What I don’t consider necessary is a power drill, since all the required holes are already properly pre-drilled. I’m curious which tools you already have and how well equipped your DIY setup is. That way, it’s easier to judge whether adding anything makes sense.

Gafiel schrieb:
Most Ikea furniture comes with a hex key that is sufficient for the screws

That’s true, especially with the Brimnes series, the small hex key is usually included and adequate for the basic assembly. However, I always keep a Phillips screwdriver on hand because it’s often faster and more ergonomic.

Gafiel schrieb:
A spirit level is very helpful, especially if you want to set up the cabinet units straight and evenly

Absolutely! I assemble a lot of Ikea furniture and from experience, a spirit level really helps to avoid wobbly or crooked results. Even an inexpensive model is enough here.

One more tip: If you don’t have a large tool collection, a small, cheap cordless drill often makes the job much easier. Most screws in Brimnes can be driven in faster this way. Still, some patience and care during screwing are important to avoid damaging any parts.

RONBO schrieb:
Which tools are really necessary for the Ikea Brimnes DIY?

I completely understand your question. The issue of not wanting to buy too many tools but still aiming for a good result is always a concern when assembling Ikea furniture.

From my experience, Brimnes mainly requires patience and good guidance—the tools are fairly standard: screwdrivers—better to have several sizes, a spirit level, and as an addition, a cordless or manual drill if you have trouble with the pre-drilled holes.

I also once had a situation where a screw was very tight, and I was glad to have pliers for a better grip. If you’re unsure, start with the basic tools and add more as you go. You’ll notice what becomes important during assembly. The key thing is not to stress yourself too much!