IKEA Hardware: The Guide to Repairing and Stabilizing Your Furniture

You place the last book on your BILLY. Everything wobbles. This is often the result of a loose screw or a broken cam lock. IKEA hardware may seem basic, but it follows precise engineering logic.

Why is IKEA hardware specific?

Particle board is the standard at IKEA. It is lightweight and economical, but fragile. A standard screw would quickly pull out of it.

The brand therefore created its own standards. The threads are wide and deep to grip the material better. The flat head compresses the panel without splitting it. This is why a standard screw from a hardware store does not always fit.

Why is my IKEA furniture wobbling?

This is the most common issue. A panel moves or the furniture leans. The culprit is often the cam lock housing (ref. 110519).

This small metal cylinder locks the cam bolt. If you apply too much force during assembly, the internal tab breaks. The locking mechanism fails, and the furniture loses its rigidity.

The solution is simple: replace the broken part with an identical model. Do not attempt to glue the metal, as it will not hold. A new cam lock immediately restores stability to the structure.

How to repair a sagging door?

Your door no longer closes properly. It rubs against the cabinet. The problem often comes from the hinge (ref. 101352).

Either the spring is worn, or the fixing screw has stripped the wood. The particle board is then pulverized, and the screw spins in place.

The tip: do not use a larger screw, as you would split the panel. Fill the hole with toothpicks and wood glue. Let it dry. Cut the excess. Screw your original hinge back in. It will hold as if it were new.

My drawer is falling out, what should I do?

The drawer comes out completely and crashes to the floor. This is frustrating and dangerous. The culprit is generally the drawer stop (ref. 100345).

This is a small plastic clip located at the end of the rail. Over time, the plastic fatigues and breaks. The rail no longer holds the drawer.

Simply replace this clip. Also check the slide screws. They loosen with vibrations. A turn of the screwdriver often solves the problem.

Secrets for durable assembly

Practical experience teaches a few habits. The first concerns the back panel of the furniture. This thin panel ensures the unit is square.

Before nailing it, measure the two diagonals of the furniture. They must be identical. Otherwise, your doors will always be crooked. Correct the angle before fixing the back panel.

For wall mounting, IKEA does not provide wall plugs. For drywall, you must use metal expansion plugs (Molly type). Plastic plugs are insufficient for heavy furniture.

Finally, reinforce your wooden dowels (ref. 101351). A drop of wood glue before insertion eliminates squeaks and stiffens the assembly.

Can original parts be replaced?

Yes. This is the basis of "IKEA Hacks." Many parts follow global standards.

Sofa or bed legs often use the M8 standard. You can replace the plastic with wood or brass. Simply check the stem diameter.

For handles, IKEA uses standard center-to-center distances (often 96mm or 128mm). You can install vintage handles without drilling new holes.

Moving without breaking everything

IKEA does not design its furniture for ten disassembly cycles. The hardware wears out. To limit damage, follow these rules.

Do not unscrew the hinges. Simply unclip the doors. Leave the mounting plates fixed to the cabinet to preserve the wood.

Leave the cam bolts screwed into the boards. Protect them with bubble wrap to avoid damaging the threads.

Finally, use one Ziploc bag per piece of furniture. Tape the bag directly to an internal board. You will no longer spend hours searching for your screws.

You will find the precise references and instructions for ordering your parts below.