ᐅ Why do screws keep coming loose in some BILLY shelves?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that the screws in some of my Billy shelves, especially those on the side panels and shelves, keep coming loose even though I tightened them properly with a screwdriver. I am curious why this seems to be a persistent issue with certain Billy shelves, even though the screws show no signs of overloading or visible damage.

Could this be due to material properties, assembly errors, or perhaps the type of screws used? Are there any experiences or recommendations on how to prevent this reliably over the long term without having to constantly check or retighten?

I look forward to your answers and tips!

It’s really frustrating when you constantly have to tighten the screws.

I had the same issue with an older BILLY shelf, and I suspect that the wood gradually shifts over time, causing the screws to loosen.

Resan schrieb:
Could it be due to material properties, installation errors, or maybe the type of screws used?

In my experience, it’s a combination: the particleboard shelves absorb or release moisture depending on the climate, which causes slight changes in their dimensions. If the screws are not long enough or secured deeply enough, they tend to loosen quickly.

Maybe using longer screws or a special adhesive could help? What do you think?

I know this problem. I would recommend first fully loosening the screws, then applying some wood glue or a strong threadlocker into the hole, and finally tightening the screws firmly again. This usually helps them hold better.

I always use fine-thread screws with BILLY shelves and use self-tapping screws, as they hold better in particleboard than standard screws.

It also helps if the pilot hole is slightly smaller than the screw diameter, so the screw fits more tightly.

I completely understand how frustrating it is when the screws keep loosening.

Joe52 schrieb:
In my experience, it’s a combination: The chipboard of the shelves absorbs or releases a bit of moisture depending on the climate

That sounds plausible. In my apartment, it’s often dry in winter, so the shelves actually creak more and the screws loosen. Because of that, I started tightening them every few months. Annoying, but at least it helps.

The cause usually lies in the combination of material and installation – particleboard can slightly expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. Screws inserted into pre-made holes without sufficient grip tend to loosen over time.

Here are a few tips I recommend to everyone:

1. Tighten the screws with controlled force, not at maximum torque.
2. In areas subject to higher stress, wood glue or alternatively a small drop of superglue can be used to secure the screw.
3. For screws that are frequently loaded or moved, it is worth using higher-quality repair kits with anchors.

If someone has the right tools and confidence, screws can also be fastened to metal brackets to increase stability.