IKEA Screws: How to Replace Missing Parts and Secure Your Furniture

A single missing screw and the entire assembly stops. This is the classic frustration when assembling a PAX wardrobe or a BILLY bookcase. In an emergency, there is a tendency to improvise, but IKEA hardware meets precise structural standards.

Why is my IKEA screw spinning in place?

This is the symptom of a stripped hole. The particle board has crumbled under pressure, often after several assemblies and disassemblies.

Do not replace the screw with a larger model. You risk splitting the panel. The solution: fill the hole with toothpicks and a drop of white PVA glue. Break off the excess flush with the wood.

Then screw back in your fastener (such as ref. 110519). The hole regains its density and the fastener becomes secure.

My furniture is wobbling: is it a screw problem?

Wobbling furniture often hides a locking defect. The cam lock (ref. 100002) no longer locks the pin, either due to wear of the zamak mechanism or poor alignment.

Check the orientation of the arrow on the housing. It must point precisely toward the entry hole. Tighten by a maximum of half a turn. If the play persists, replace the part. A worn cam lock weakens the entire structure.

Can substitute screws be used?

This is a trap. A screw that "looks similar" can destroy the wood fibers. Even if the diameter seems correct, the depth varies. A screw that is too long will cause the panel to burst.

The furniture will seem stable at first, then wobble after a few weeks. Improvisation often costs more than an official replacement.

How to identify the correct screw reference?

If you no longer have the paper manual, download the PDF instructions from the official website. Go directly to the inventory page.

Locate the drawing of your part and note the numerical reference code. This is the only way to guarantee compatibility, especially for older furniture.

Are screws compatible between different furniture pieces?

Rarely. A KALLAX screw is not necessarily suitable for a PAX. Lengths and diameters vary according to the density of the panel.

A screw designed for solid wood will burst a honeycomb panel. Only 8 mm wooden dowels are generally interchangeable. For everything else, rely on the reference code.

How to securely fix furniture to the wall?

Wall anchoring is essential for safety. IKEA provides the brackets, but not the wall plugs.

For drywall (BA13), use Molly bolts. For concrete, choose Fischer UX plugs. Never leave a tall piece of furniture without anchoring: the center of gravity is too unstable, especially with children.

Using an electric screwdriver: the pitfalls

The screwdriver is fast, but often too powerful for particle board. Too high a torque strips the screw thread instantly.

Always set your machine to the minimum. Manual tightening remains ideal for the finish. You will better feel the resistance of the material and avoid crushing the panel.

Is wood glue a solution?

Some glue parts to compensate for a missing screw. This is a mistake. Glue does not replace mechanical clamping force.

Furthermore, particle board absorbs glue irregularly. Above all, you make the furniture impossible to disassemble. On moving day, you will have to break the wood.

Mastering the tightening sequence

Never tighten a screw fully immediately. First, position all fasteners of an assembly with light pre-tightening.

This allows the structure to be perfectly aligned and prevents the furniture from being crooked. Once the squaring is verified, perform the final tightening. This is the secret to doors that close hermetically.

Now that you have mastered the technique, identify your parts. Instructions and references are available just below.