ᐅ Why does the BILLY bookshelf squeak despite being assembled correctly?
Created on: 31 Oct 2024 18:07
F
fabelo
Hello everyone, I recently assembled a Billy bookshelf from IKEA following the instructions correctly and tightening all screws properly. However, it creaks with every movement, for example when I pull out a book or even just shake the shelf a little. The noise seems to come from the joints, but there are no visible damages or loose parts.
Can anyone explain why the BILLY bookshelf creaks despite proper assembly? Are there possible causes related to the materials or design, or any tips on how to effectively eliminate the creaking?
Can anyone explain why the BILLY bookshelf creaks despite proper assembly? Are there possible causes related to the materials or design, or any tips on how to effectively eliminate the creaking?
sanjon schrieb:
Fixing it to the wall can help Is that really very effective if the shelf becomes less movable as a result?
klo61 schrieb:
apply dry lubricants like graphite powder or even talcum powder Could that leave permanent marks on MDF or particleboard? The shelf is black, so wouldn’t a whitish powder be noticeable?
Regarding working with wood: I have kept the humidity in my apartment consistently around 40-45%. Shouldn’t there be little shrinkage in that case?
Regarding humidity and material behavior: 40-45% relative humidity is quite optimal for wood-based materials. You are right that movement should be minimal. However, particleboard and MDF react more sensitively to moisture fluctuations than solid wood, although only to a small extent.
Concerning mounting on the wall: If the shelf is securely installed, it reduces movements that cause rubbing noises. It is crucial to correctly position the fixing points so that no additional pressure is applied to the shelf.
Regarding the use of dry lubricants: Graphite powder is colorless but may actually be visible on dark surfaces if not fully worked in. Talcum powder or fine baby powder can be gentler options, but they can also leave white marks. You can test it first in an inconspicuous area.
Another option is to attach felt pads or self-adhesive cushions to load-bearing contact points inside. This can reduce friction.
Concerning mounting on the wall: If the shelf is securely installed, it reduces movements that cause rubbing noises. It is crucial to correctly position the fixing points so that no additional pressure is applied to the shelf.
Regarding the use of dry lubricants: Graphite powder is colorless but may actually be visible on dark surfaces if not fully worked in. Talcum powder or fine baby powder can be gentler options, but they can also leave white marks. You can test it first in an inconspicuous area.
Another option is to attach felt pads or self-adhesive cushions to load-bearing contact points inside. This can reduce friction.
lisku schrieb:
For me, tightening the screws once more with a good feel helped How exactly do you define a “good feel”? How much force is too much? I use a cordless drill with torque control, but I tightened the screws quite firmly.
Domau0 schrieb:
Attach felt pads or self-adhesive cushions to heavily loaded contact points on the inside That sounds interesting! Do you have any advice on the best places to put them and how many pads are useful? Is more always better?
As a general recommendation for Billy shelves, please carefully check the following points:
1. Check screw connections: Over-tightening can deform the panels, while loose screws allow movement. Ideally, screws should be tightened so that parts are firmly joined without being pressed together.
2. Dowels and tongue-and-groove joints: Small wood fibers or chips are often found in the groove edges, causing unwanted friction. Cleaning and lightly sanding or adding thin sliding strips can help.
3. Wall attachment: Movement from changing loads (such as adding or removing books) can cause squeaking. Precise alignment and rigid fixation usually eliminate this.
4. Due to the material, slight squeaking in particleboard furniture is sometimes unavoidable but can be greatly reduced with preventive measures.
My tip: First, try loosening and retightening the screws gently, test the shelf contact points with felt or silicone pads, and secure it against movement on the wall.
1. Check screw connections: Over-tightening can deform the panels, while loose screws allow movement. Ideally, screws should be tightened so that parts are firmly joined without being pressed together.
2. Dowels and tongue-and-groove joints: Small wood fibers or chips are often found in the groove edges, causing unwanted friction. Cleaning and lightly sanding or adding thin sliding strips can help.
3. Wall attachment: Movement from changing loads (such as adding or removing books) can cause squeaking. Precise alignment and rigid fixation usually eliminate this.
4. Due to the material, slight squeaking in particleboard furniture is sometimes unavoidable but can be greatly reduced with preventive measures.
My tip: First, try loosening and retightening the screws gently, test the shelf contact points with felt or silicone pads, and secure it against movement on the wall.
Hey, I once had a squeaky BILLY shelf too – really annoying. 🙂
Maybe just try loosening the screws completely and then tightening them only as much as necessary, not too tight! And yes, felt pads are a great idea; they can absorb the noise.
I’ve also made a habit of always securing shelves to the wall—it just feels much more stable to me. Then nothing squeaks anymore, and the units are safer.
Good luck with it! 🙂
Maybe just try loosening the screws completely and then tightening them only as much as necessary, not too tight! And yes, felt pads are a great idea; they can absorb the noise.
I’ve also made a habit of always securing shelves to the wall—it just feels much more stable to me. Then nothing squeaks anymore, and the units are safer.
Good luck with it! 🙂
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