ᐅ Why do BILLY shelves only start squeaking after extended use?

Created on: 12 Sep 2024 09:27
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Goritar
Hello everyone, I have noticed something that puzzles me a bit: my IKEA Billy shelves don’t start squeaking immediately after assembly, but only after some time of use, usually several weeks or months. I am particularly interested in the physical or mechanical reasons behind this. Why do Billy shelves typically develop this squeaking noise only after a longer period? Is it related to the material properties, the fasteners, or the load? I suspect it might be connected to the settling of the wooden parts or small movements within the shelving unit under load, but I would like to hear a more detailed explanation. Has anyone else had similar experiences or knows about this phenomenon from a technical perspective? Thanks for your insights!
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sanjon
13 Sep 2024 09:42
If you want to reduce squeaking: simply avoid overtightening the screws, as this compresses the material too much and can cause more creaking later. It’s better to tighten them loosely enough but still securely. Sometimes overtightening has the opposite effect.
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INGRID34
14 Sep 2024 10:05
My tip: Sometimes a small plastic spacer is missing between wooden parts, which acts as a buffer. Without it, friction occurs. A piece of thin felt or a special furniture glide placed between the joints can help. This will quickly stop the squeaking.
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gregto
14 Sep 2024 14:23
If not mentioned yet: Indoor humidity plays a significant role. Wood-based materials especially respond to this by swelling or shrinking, which creates stress. Maintaining consistent humidity levels, for example with a humidifier or dehumidifier, can help reduce these effects.
warrenka57 schrieb:
Fluctuating humidity and temperature changes may also contribute to wood slightly expanding and contracting

I want to emphasize this again because it is often overlooked. Especially in apartments with poor climate control, furniture can produce noises that hardly occur with stable humidity.