ᐅ Which tools are useful for assembling IKEA HEMNES furniture?

Created on: 6 Sep 2016 19:23
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Hauteo
Hello everyone, I’m currently assembling an IKEA Hemnes wardrobe and wondering which tools are really useful for the job. It seems to me that the supplied screwdrivers and hex keys are sometimes less effective—especially when more robust tools with better grips or higher torque could be used. Maybe a cordless drill or even a rasp file might come in handy? Which tools have you used when working on your Hemnes furniture, which ones would you not want to be without, and why? I would appreciate concrete recommendations, ideally including experience with specific steps like attaching the back panel or assembling the doors.
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milau42
7 Sep 2016 09:42
As an addition: A Spax or wood screw driver bit for cordless drills is also useful, as many IKEA screws are special. Pliers can also help if something is misaligned or hard to grip.
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LANELE
7 Sep 2016 10:33
I also recommend having a file or sandpaper for small adjustments. Sometimes the drill holes are not perfectly aligned, or small wood splinters cause issues. Light filing shortly afterward often results in a better fit of the parts.
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Connor
7 Sep 2016 11:20
I believe that when assembling IKEA furniture, you should generally avoid using too much power tool assistance. The furniture is designed for the DIY hobbyist. Using a cordless drill is often excessive and can cause more damage than benefit. It is better to work with the included tools; otherwise, the purpose of the assembly is lost. Sometimes less is more.
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Hauteo
7 Sep 2016 11:48
Connor schrieb:
I believe that when assembling IKEA furniture, you generally should be careful not to use too much tool power.

I don’t agree with that, because especially with larger furniture like Hemnes, using too little tool power can lead to frustration and damage to the materials. A cordless drill, for example, can significantly speed up the work process and drive screws more securely—provided you know how to use it correctly. Still, your point about not overdoing it with the right tools is valid. Do you all use cordless drills with torque control?
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Connor
7 Sep 2016 12:05
Hauteo schrieb:
Do you all use your cordless screwdrivers with torque limitation?

There are certainly situations where such a mode is helpful, especially to protect the wood while screwing. However, I have often seen beginners overtighten screws even with such a device, causing them to break. Using a manual hex key is definitely safer for quality, although more labor-intensive.
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Penau
7 Sep 2016 13:29
Connor schrieb:
The manual Allen key is definitely better for quality, although more tiring.

That is true, but one must also keep time and precision in mind. A cordless screwdriver with a torque clutch and the appropriate bits is simply a tool that makes the work easier and allows for consistent results, as long as it is used correctly. Manual screwing requires more effort and can easily lead to fatigue-related mistakes.