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

Thank you for the detailed explanations so far. I have a follow-up question: Are the cam screws used in Brimnes always the same size, or does IKEA vary the lengths or diameters across different furniture pieces? And what about the chipboard screws – is there a standard for those, or can you use longer or shorter ones flexibly, for example when making small modifications?

Bijuneo schrieb:
Are the cam screws for BRIMNES always the same size, or does IKEA vary the lengths or diameters across different furniture parts?

The cam screws in the BRIMNES series generally follow a consistent standard, typically around 15–16 mm (0.6 inches) in diameter and lengths ranging from 30 to 40 mm (1.2 to 1.6 inches). Variations are minimal and usually correspond to the thickness of the panels. For chipboard screws, a length of about 30 mm (1.2 inches) is commonly used as standard, with possible length variations of up to 5 mm (0.2 inches) depending on the application. The diameters remain almost always around 4 mm (0.16 inches).

If you plan modifications, I recommend using screws with the same diameter but varying lengths according to the material thickness to ensure a secure connection.

Cam screws are almost always 15–16 mm (0.6–0.63 inches) thick. Length varies depending on the component, usually between 30–40 mm (1.18–1.57 inches).
Chipboard screws are usually 4x30 mm (0.16x1.18 inches). When modifying, it is better to choose screws that are shorter or the same length.

As an addition: The hinges almost always require 3.5 mm Phillips screws, approximately 12-15 mm (0.5-0.6 inches) in length. Replacement screws from a hardware store can fit but must be rust-resistant.

I see it a bit differently. These standard screw sizes are convenient and typical for IKEA, but they’re not always enough for real stability. Why not use stronger or longer screws sometimes? You often only notice how unstable the connection is when using the original screws. Especially with BRIMNES, which is rather lightweight, upgrading to better screws could be beneficial, particularly for heavily loaded parts like drawers or doors.

Of course, not every screw will fit, but a little willingness to change can significantly extend the lifespan. Who really needs the standardized IKEA assembly instructions when you open the screw box?