ᐅ Which tools make assembling Ikea Hemnes furniture easier?

Created on: 2 Aug 2022 11:37
T
Tanmaxim
T
Tanmaxim
2 Aug 2022 11:37
Hello everyone,

I’m planning to assemble an Ikea Hemnes wardrobe in the next few days. Although I’ve put together several Ikea furniture pieces before, I usually used makeshift tools and a bit of improvisation. So I’m very interested in knowing: Which tools really make assembling Ikea Hemnes furniture significantly easier?

I’m especially curious if, besides the included Allen key, additional tools like a cordless drill, special screwdrivers, or perhaps more specialized equipment such as squares, clamps, or a vise are useful.

Are there any tools that aren’t necessarily standard but are definitely worth getting to save time, avoid assembly mistakes, and make the build more comfortable?

Thanks in advance for your experience and tips!
S
SUBEN60
2 Aug 2022 14:02
In general, Hemnes furniture from Ikea can be assembled with the included tools, but some additional tools can make the process much more efficient. Here is my experience:

- A cordless drill with a suitable Torx or Allen bit significantly eases screwing in the wood screws and reduces hand fatigue.
- A rubber mallet (assembly hammer) is ideal for gently pressing parts together without damaging the surfaces.
- Clamps are helpful when aligning and holding multiple components in place before screwing them together.
- Ideally, a spirit level is useful to ensure that the wardrobe is truly level after assembly.

Specialized tools are not absolutely necessary; their use depends on your ambition to save time or achieve a more professional assembly.
R
rekijan
2 Aug 2022 16:45
I think a cordless drill really helps when assembling Hemnes furniture. The small Ikea Allen key is cute, but after a while it can be hard on your fingers! 😅

What I always recommend:
- Set the cordless drill to a low speed to avoid overtightening the screws.
- Have a small set with different bits in case you need a Phillips or flathead screwdriver.

A rubber mallet might sound a bit nerdy, but I've had great experiences with it. It’s perfect for joining wood without leaving marks.

And of course, a bit of patience is part of the process – but with the right tools, it’s simply more enjoyable!
L
Landontau
3 Aug 2022 09:13
As a supplement, I would like to provide a structured guide showing how to assemble the Ikea Hemnes furniture neatly and cleanly using only a few targeted tools:

1. Preparation:
- Clear the workspace and cover it with a protective layer.
- Sort and check all parts and screws.

2. Tool setup:
- Cordless screwdriver with appropriate bits (usually internal hex, Allen key)
- Rubber mallet or small block hammer
- Spirit level
- Clamps (for securing side panels or boards)

3. Assembly process:
- Carefully fit the components together, paying attention to correct alignment.
- Start screws gently by hand, then tighten them with the cordless screwdriver.
- Use clamps to hold components in place before fully tightening all screws. This prevents warping.

4. Inspection:
- After completion, check and re-tighten all screws.
- Use the spirit level to ensure the cabinet is standing straight and adjust if necessary.

5. Avoiding mistakes:
- Never overtighten screws to avoid damaging the wood.
- Do not force parts together—better to loosen and reposition if needed.

With these tools and steps, assembly becomes much smoother and safer.
S
semuneo
3 Aug 2022 11:47
SUBEN60 schrieb:
A cordless drill with a suitable Torx or Allen bit makes driving wood screws much easier and reduces hand fatigue.

I can only agree with that. At first, I was afraid of using the cordless drill too fast and causing damage, so I started off slowly. But with some practice, it really saves time and effort, especially with large pieces of furniture like Hemnes.

What also helped me was taking short breaks from time to time. When concentrating continuously for over an hour, small mistakes tend to slip in—and with furniture made of MDF or veneer, this can lead to unpleasant issues later on.

Even though it may sound trivial: working with two people can make things much easier—one person holds, the other screws. Therefore, I believe the combination of the right tools and some patience makes the most sense.