ᐅ Why do some of the screws in Billy shelves keep falling out?

I have an annoying issue with my Ikea Billy bookshelf: Why do some screws keep coming loose even though they are properly tightened? It mostly concerns the small threaded screws that connect the side panels to the shelves. Even when I tighten them multiple times, they gradually loosen again and eventually fall out. I suspect it might be due to the wood quality or the type of threading, but I’m not sure. Are there technical reasons or common assembly mistakes that cause this problem? And most importantly: How can it be prevented permanently without damaging the bookshelf?

The problem is often caused by excessive load or by the thread in the wood becoming worn out. Applying some wood glue into the hole before screwing in the screw often provides a lasting solution.

The issue of screws repeatedly coming loose in the Billy bookshelf is quite common and can be explained technically. Here is a brief explanation and some helpful tips for selection and installation:

1. Material of the shelf sides: Billy uses particleboard, which loses strength over time and under load, causing the screws to lose a firm grip.

2. Thread type: Often, the screws are flat-head screws with coarse threads that do not engage deeply enough in the material.

3. Installation errors: Tightening too much or too little can either damage the material or fail to create a sufficient connection.

Tips:
- For loose holes, use toothpicks or wood shavings to fill the thread, then reinsert the screw.
- Avoid overtightening during installation.
- Alternatively, small metal insert nuts can help reinforce the thread in the particleboard.

Many users underestimate the quality of the material, but correct procedures are crucial for a lasting hold.

The cause is often that the hole in the particle board gets torn out. This happens due to repeated stress or when the screw is too large. A different type of screw or wood glue can help.

Let's be honest, who hasn’t experienced this? You assemble the Billy, feel happy about it, and after a few months the screws start to loosen and fall out. 🙂

This often happens because particleboard acts a bit like a sponge: it doesn’t hold screws firmly forever. My insider tip is to never screw them in with full force, but rather with a gentle touch. If they become loose, apply a bit of wood glue into the hole, then reinsert the screw – that way, it will hold much longer!

And if nothing else works, maybe a little retightening in a relaxed atmosphere will do the trick. 😉

A common mistake is that screws are removed and reinserted too often, which can damage or strip the threads. In this case, the only solution is to fill the hole with small wooden pieces or toothpicks and then screw it in again.