ᐅ Which tools make repairing Ikea HEMNES furniture easier?

Created on: 10 Aug 2022 09:24
D
dariodi
Hello everyone, I am currently working on repairs for an Ikea Hemnes furniture piece, specifically a slightly loosened back panel and some drawer slides that no longer operate smoothly. I am particularly interested in which tools have proven to be especially suitable for carrying out these repairs effectively and without causing major damage. Are there any special hand tools or aids that can significantly simplify the process? Tips on disassembly or assembly that can be handled better with the right tools would also be very welcome. Thanks in advance!
T
Taubi
10 Aug 2022 13:45
kibutar schrieb:
A small cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque can save time but should not be set too high

That’s true – excessive force can sometimes quickly damage the joint.
A
anken
10 Aug 2022 14:10
As a supplement: Tools such as spacer sleeves or small plastic wedges can be helpful when realigning a back panel. They provide some clearance between the wall and the cabinet structure, preventing damage when tightening screws. Additionally, I strongly recommend reviewing the assembly instructions carefully before any repair work. Ikea instructions often include guidance on the sizes and types of tools that are also useful for repairs. This allows for more precise work and helps avoid unnecessary replacement part orders.
Z
zarHenning
10 Aug 2022 14:49
A quick tip: A combination plier is useful for removing or reinserting old metal clips on drawer slides. This way, neither the wood nor the plastic parts get damaged.
E
Ethan
10 Aug 2022 15:25
sifope schrieb:
A standard Phillips screwdriver may fit, but without torque control, screws can easily be damaged.

Exactly. I would additionally recommend, especially with older furniture, to first carefully loosen the screws and then readjust them rather than tightening with maximum force. A torque screwdriver adapter is useful for this if you plan to do a lot of repairs.

Also, a small set of sandpaper can be helpful when you need to slightly rework screw connections to improve the fit of the screw in the wood. This is particularly useful for worn-out holes before replacing dowels or screws.
S
sifope
10 Aug 2022 16:11
Ethan schrieb:
I would additionally recommend, especially with older furniture, to first carefully loosen the screws and readjust them instead of tightening with maximum force.

That’s a good point and exactly why I mentioned the cordless drill with torque settings. Still, you should be cautious with low-quality chipboard, as the drill can cause more harm than good.
A
andre3
10 Aug 2022 17:02
Another important item to consider is repair kits specifically designed for furniture joints, such as those used with Ikea products. These kits often include matching wooden dowels, screws, and cam locks. For larger damages at the connection points, I recommend having such kits on hand in addition to basic tools. An important tip when using these: especially wider dowels require some patience during insertion to avoid splitting the wood.

High-quality screwdrivers with soft handles and long blades provide better grip and torque transfer, particularly when screws need to be tightened multiple times.