ᐅ Which tools should I have on hand for assembling IKEA Hemnes furniture?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to assemble some furniture from the IKEA Hemnes series soon and want to prepare well in advance. My question is: which tools should I definitely have on hand for assembling IKEA Hemnes furniture?

I want to avoid having to get extra tools during the process, as I plan to assemble several pieces at once. It would be great if you could provide me with a detailed list, including whether specific screwdrivers, bits, or other aids are recommended.

I appreciate any tips—especially advice on what is truly essential and what can be considered more optional.

Best regards!

Hello Lalovin,

the necessary tools for IKEA Hemnes partly depend on the model, but generally I recommend the following basic set:

- Phillips screwdriver (PH2)
- Hammer (preferably moderately heavy for dowel installation)
- Cordless drill/driver with adjustable torque and Phillips bit (PH2)
- Flathead screwdriver (for small prying or alignment tasks)
- Allen key (often included with Hemnes, but it’s good to have a spare)

The cordless drill/driver makes assembly much easier and saves time. Phillips screws are the most common type used in IKEA furniture. You need a hammer for wooden dowels, which are often used. A small wire cutter or pliers can also be helpful but are not essential.

Avoid any specialized tools—in the Hemnes range you don’t need a drill or pipe wrench.

Regards

Hello Lalovin,

I would like to add that, if possible, you should use a small cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque. This is important to avoid overtightening the screws and damaging the material. If you don’t have a cordless screwdriver, a good Phillips screwdriver will do, but the work will take significantly longer.

Additionally, I recommend not discarding the IKEA-supplied tool (usually an Allen key). It is specifically designed for the furniture and fits most screws well. However, a cordless screwdriver or a longer screwdriver is often more comfortable to use.

Regarding “having tools on hand”: I always keep a set of bits (mainly PH2) and at least one Phillips screwdriver with me. Small aids like a rubber mallet, which is gentler than a regular hammer but still effective for dowels, are often helpful too.

Best regards and good luck with the assembly!

You will need:

- Cordless screwdriver with a PH2 bit
- Hammer
- Allen wrench (often included)

Flathead screwdriver only for small tasks. No special tools required.

valentino schrieb:
Hammer (preferably moderately heavy for anchor installation)

Thanks for the tip. Is there a general rule of thumb for the ideal hammer weight? I have both lighter and heavier hammers available but am unsure which one is best for installing anchors in Hemnes.

Jeanbar schrieb:
a rubber mallet, which is gentler than a regular hammer but still suitable for anchors

That confuses me a bit. Should I tap more gently because the material is more delicate? I had thought a regular wooden hammer would be completely fine.

I appreciate any advice!

Lalovin schrieb:
Is there a general rule for the ideal weight of a hammer?

I recommend hammers weighing between 300 and 500 grams (10.5 and 17.5 ounces) for the wooden dowels used with Hemnes. Lighter hammers often don’t deliver enough force, while heavier ones can damage the material if you’re not careful.

Lalovin schrieb:
Should I tap gently because the material is more delicate?

Exactly, the material in Hemnes is usually made of MDF or veneered engineered wood. A rubber mallet distributes the impact better and reduces the risk of damage. If you only have a regular hammer, you can place a thin wooden block between the hammer and the material to soften the blows.

Conclusion: A rubber mallet is ideal, but a regular hammer used with some care also works well.