ᐅ What types of screws are commonly used in IKEA BRIMNES furniture?

Hello everyone, I recently purchased an IKEA Brimnes furniture piece and wanted to gather some detailed information before assembling it. My question is: What types of screws are typically used in IKEA Brimnes? I am particularly interested in the screws used for various components such as joints, hinges, and back panels. Are there standardized sizes or specific types of screws I should be aware of? This information would be very helpful for preparing the assembly, especially regarding the tools needed and potential replacements. Thanks in advance for your informed answers!

The BRIMNES series from IKEA primarily uses the following types of screws:
- Metal connector screws (cam screws) to join carcass panels
- Chipboard screws in various lengths, mostly 4 mm (0.16 inches) in diameter, for back panels and mountings
- Furniture dowels made of wood or plastic for added stability
- Hinge screws for the doors, often Phillips head with a 3.5 mm (0.14 inches) diameter

Most screws are galvanized or chrome-plated to prevent corrosion. Typically, a Phillips screwdriver or a corresponding bit is sufficient for assembly. Special tools are generally not required, as IKEA designs the parts for DIY assembly. If replacement screws are needed, I recommend using original IKEA parts due to their precision fit.

Typical fasteners are cam screws and 4x30 mm (4x1 1/4 inch) chipboard screws. For hinges, IKEA usually uses 3.5 mm (0.14 inch) Phillips screws. Replacements from a hardware store may also fit.

Hello Bijuneo, I’d be happy to explain this in more detail. IKEA BRIMNES primarily uses what are known as cam fittings with cam screws, as Alina67 correctly mentioned. These consist of two parts: a cylindrical dowel that is inserted into pre-drilled particleboard panels, and a screw that is turned into the dowel to securely pull the parts together.

Additionally, chipboard screws are used, for example, to attach the back panel. These are usually shorter since the back panel is thinner and needs to be securely fastened without drilling through.

The most noticeable are the hinge screws on the doors: usually, the hinge has an adjustable mounting plate fixed with special furniture screws that are typically 3–4 mm thick. There are also small metal screws for hanging components inside the cabinet.

The tool required is generally a medium-sized Phillips screwdriver. It is recommended to prepare everything before starting the assembly.

The screws used in BRIMNES are mostly:
- 4 mm (5/32 inch) chipboard screws
- Cam screws
- 3.5 mm (9/64 inch) hinge screws
No special tools required.

You could say the screws in BRIMNES are like the little heroes quietly holding the furniture together. 😄

The cam screws are especially important – they work like the secret recipe to make everything firmly secure. And for the doors, they have their own special hinge screws. Most of them are standardized enough that a simple Phillips screwdriver is all you need. So, just stay relaxed while assembling – the IKEA team has planned everything well!