ᐅ Which tools are helpful for assembling Ikea Besta?

Hello everyone,

I am about to assemble various Ikea Besta units and wanted to ask which tools, based on your experience, work best for the assembly. I am interested in tools both for preparation, such as sorting and organizing the parts, as well as tools that help during the actual assembly.

Specifically, I am thinking of screwdrivers, cordless drills, possibly special bits, or accessories that could make installing the back panels or drawers easier. Tips are also welcome regarding the precise adjustment of the fronts or hinges, which play an important role in Besta units.

So, which tools are essential, which ones can optionally make the work easier, and are there any tools you would rather not recommend?

I look forward to your experiences and suggestions!

Hello Coleson,

For the Besta assembly, I mainly recommend a good Phillips screwdriver, ideally a size #2, as almost all screws are designed for that. A cordless drill can speed up the work, but it is important to use a torque wrench or at least set a torque limit to avoid overtightening the screws and damaging the material.

Additionally, a small hammer or a rubber mallet is useful for inserting the dowels, as they can be easily damaged otherwise. For adjusting the hinges, I usually use a small Phillips screwdriver with a thinner handle to work more precisely.

Long or overly wide screwdrivers are less helpful because they are difficult to handle, especially in tight connection spaces.

anken schrieb:
A cordless screwdriver can speed up the work, but it’s essential to use a torque wrench or at least set a torque limit to avoid overtightening the screws and damaging the material.

Exactly! Sometimes with Ikea, it’s not just about screwing in and out but about sensitivity. A small tip from me: If you don’t have a torque wrench, just use the cordless screwdriver on the lowest setting and without too much power – this way you’ll feel more comfortable during assembly and avoid unintended pressure damage. 😉

Also, I find a well-organized toolbox and a small container for all the tiny parts invaluable. Especially with Besta, which includes many small connectors, it’s easy to lose track otherwise.

Cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque is a must-have.
Phillips screwdriver #2 for tightening screws.
Rubber mallet useful for dowels.
Small parts organizer helps with organization.

Hello Coleson,

I would like to add a few tips to the previous advice, especially regarding the adjustment of doors and drawer fronts on Ikea Besta units.

- For fine-tuning the hinges, small socket wrenches or a small Allen key are often useful, as some hinge models require them.
- A spirit level set is also essential to ensure your Besta cabinet doesn’t wobble or stand unevenly. This is particularly important when combining several modules side by side.
- For installing the back panels, I recommend using a thin chalk line or a small nail to precisely align the back panel before securing it with nails.

If you’re assembling on your own, a small folding stool or an assembly support can help stabilize the component during construction.

I hope these tips make your assembly a bit easier!

Coleson schrieb:
I am interested in tools for preparation, such as sorting and organizing components, as well as tools that assist during the actual assembly.

In addition to the previous answers, I would like to emphasize the importance of a good work surface.

- Use a stable, level base, ideally a workbench or a large table.
- For preparation, sorting the components into boxes or by type can be important to avoid mistakes.

Regarding tools:
- A small Phillips or flathead screwdriver can help loosen screws or clips without risking damage to the surface.
- For precise work, a file or sandpaper can help smooth edges or small imperfections on wooden parts.

Recommendation: Work in well-lit areas and keep the instructions within reach to avoid errors. This will save you time and frustration in the end.