IKEA Hardware: The Practical Guide to Repairing Your Furniture

A panel detaches during a move. A small metal part rolls under the sofa. Your wardrobe wobbles. This problem is common, but can be quickly resolved with the right part.

Why does my IKEA furniture move despite tightening?

Your furniture is unstable. You tighten the screw, but the panel remains loose. The eccentric cam (ref. 110519) no longer catches the head of the stud.

This is common after transport. The metal of the eccentric cam wears out or bends. It then spins in place. The fastening no longer locks the two boards.

Replace the eccentric housing. The arrow on the housing must point toward the hole. Turn a maximum of half a turn to lock the structure.

How to adjust a door that rubs or is crooked?

The door rubs against the frame. The space between two fronts is irregular. The problem usually comes from the hinge (ref. 110489).

The articulated arm shifts over time. Never force the door. Use the three adjustment screws on the hinge:

1. Rear screw: adjusts depth (moves the door closer to or further from the cabinet).
2. Central screw: manages height.
3. Front screw: adjusts lateral tilt.

Adjust them gradually to align your fronts.

What to do when a screw spins in place?

The screw no longer tightens. The particle board has crumbled. The chipboard is fragile and no longer supports the compression.

A wider mounting screw (ref. 110520) can be a temporary fix. However, this is a temporary solution.

For a permanent repair, use metal threaded inserts. Drill a clean hole, screw the metal sleeve into the wood, then insert your screw. The hold becomes indestructible.

My drawer is jerky, how do I fix it?

The drawer blocks halfway or no longer closes completely. The plastic glide of the guide (ref. 101351) is likely worn.

Dust and friction wear down the plastic. The steel rail can also bend. First, check the tightness of the rail screws.

If the glide is worn, replace the slide. Clean the rails with a dry cloth. Avoid thick greases: they attract dust and accelerate wear.

What is "System 32" and how to use it?

On your BILLY bookcases or METOD cabinets, you see rows of small holes. This is System 32.

It is a global standard. The holes are 5 mm in diameter and are spaced exactly 32 mm apart. This precision allows accessories to be interchangeable.

It is the basis of "IKEA Hacks." If you create your own MDF cabinets, follow this spacing. You will then be able to install KOMPLEMENT drawers or IKEA hinges on your custom furniture.

I lost the key to my cabinet, what is the solution?

Do not attempt to force it open. The system is designed to be replaced.

Inspect the barrel (the metal cylinder). A small code number is engraved on it. This code precisely identifies the key profile.

Note this number to order the corresponding key. If the barrel is broken, remove the internal fastening clip and install a new cylinder.

How to improve the closing of my furniture?

You can eliminate door slamming by installing soft-close dampers.

The UTRUSTA range offers hinges with integrated dampers. They replace your old models. Closing becomes gradual and silent.

For a minimalist look without handles, install "Push-to-open" mechanisms. A pusher is fixed inside the cabinet. A simple press on the front releases the door.

Pro tips for durable assembly

A few simple habits extend the life of your furniture.

The secret to stability: place a drop of white wood glue in each dowel hole (ref. 101339). This eliminates structural play. The furniture will no longer move.

The right tool: IKEA uses Pozidriv (PZ) screws. A standard Phillips (PH) screwdriver slips and destroys the screw head. You must use a PZ2 bit.

Wall mounting: the provided plugs are rarely suitable for all walls. Use Molly bolts for drywall and expansion nylon plugs for concrete.

Squaring: use a square before nailing the back panel. If the furniture is "crooked," your doors will never align, regardless of the adjustment.

You will find all references and manuals for your repairs below.