ᐅ Which tools are useful for assembling Ikea Hemnes furniture?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to assemble an Ikea Hemnes shelf and want to prepare as thoroughly as possible. Although the instructions are quite detailed, I am wondering which tools would be most useful to carry out the assembly efficiently and without unnecessary effort. I am particularly interested in recommendations for hand tools beyond the basic Allen wrench that usually comes with the product. Are there specific screwdrivers, cordless drills, or perhaps other aids that can make the assembly easier and help avoid common pitfalls?

I look forward to your experiences and tips, ideally with advice on what to avoid or what works best with the Hemnes wood materials.

Filevin schrieb:
I'm particularly interested in recommendations for hand tools beyond the basic Allen key that usually comes included.

I agree with that. The included Allen key is quite handy for many steps, but after a while, the small key becomes tiring and uncomfortable to use. For my last Hemnes project, I used a small cordless drill with the appropriate Allen bit instead, which was much faster and easier on the fingers.

I also recommend sorting out all the parts and laying them out neatly beforehand. This makes the assembly process much more relaxed and less stressful. Especially with IKEA furniture, I find a good Phillips screwdriver very important since regular screws are often used as well.

In general: don’t rush and avoid using too much power when screwing, as particleboard screws can easily get damaged—it all feels a bit fragile. I’m still considering whether a small rubber mallet could help with positioning parts more easily, but I haven’t tried that yet. Maybe someone else has more experience with that?

The best approach for assembling an Ikea Hemnes is to supplement the included tools with better-fitting ones:

- A cordless drill with torque control is useful to avoid over-tightening the screws. A tool with 7-8 Nm (62-71 in-lb) torque is recommended.
- A set of hex keys (Allen wrenches), as the included one is often too small and uncomfortable.
- A Phillips screwdriver size PH2, since many screws require this type.
- A spirit level to later align the furniture and compensate for uneven floors or bumps.

When using a cordless drill, operate at low speed and low torque to prevent damage to MDF or particleboard panels. A rubber mallet helps with gentle assembly of dowels or tongue-and-groove joints.

Tools to avoid include oversized or sharp screwdrivers and overly powerful electric drills without torque control, as they can damage the wood-based material when tightening screws.

With the right tools, assembly won’t take long and becomes more pleasant.

I always use a cordless screwdriver with a hex bit.
A Phillips screwdriver is essential.
A rubber mallet is useful for fitting parts.
Don’t forget a spirit level for alignment at the end.

SAWYERR schrieb:
A rubber mallet is useful for fitting parts.

I can confirm that. A rubber mallet protects surfaces better than a regular hammer and prevents unsightly dents. It also makes it easier to adjust the fit of connecting elements.

Additionally, I recommend using a screwdriver with an ergonomic handle. This is especially more comfortable for the hand when working with modular furniture like Hemnes, which requires many screws.

One small tip: Before assembly, sort all screws and check that they are undamaged. Some Ikea screws have slight quality variations that you can notice early if you sort them first.

I would like to add that even a small amount of wood glue can be useful when assembling Hemnes furniture. Although the main fastening is done with screws and dowels, applying wood glue at specific points can provide extra stability—especially for heavy cabinet parts.

gekira schrieb:
With the right tools, assembly doesn’t take long and is more enjoyable.

I completely agree. I always take enough time and prepare in advance to have the right tools within easy reach. My cordless drill has a torque setting to ensure the screws are tightened firmly but not too tightly. This makes the furniture more durable and prevents damage to the materials.

For those who don’t have a cordless drill, I recommend, in addition to the Allen key, a good small ratcheting screwdriver. This saves a lot of strenuous twisting motions.