Quick IKEA question

dcsarge · 29 Nov 2012 at 17:15

All the cam screw lock things were plastic on the billy bookcases I built earlier in the year. I managed to break a few but luckily had spares due to the way I built them. AFAIK Ikea only use metal parts on their more expensive units like wardrobes.

Werewolf · 29 Nov 2012 at 17:25

IIRC Ikea have used plastic cams for a while.

You can buy packs of the metal ones for about a fiver for 100 from the likes of Screwfix, I bought a load (and the pegs) a few years back when I was making some DVD units, I ended up going with biscuit joints though so I've got a pack of them kicking about in the garage (along with a box of old cupboard fittings which come in handy).

PhillyDee · 29 Nov 2012 at 17:35

I have put up 10 in my unit, never snapped a single one. I suggest you were being a bit heavy handed.

Chaos · 29 Nov 2012 at 18:10

PhillyDee said:
I have put up 10 in my unit, never snapped a single one. I suggest you were being a bit heavy handed.

I used hardly any force looking around the net it seems others have had the same problem.

I might get metal ones or just return the whole thing for a refund.

Meridian · 30 Nov 2012 at 00:16

Those dowels are so common that some big DIY stores now sell them. Try Homebase etc.

Werewolf · 30 Nov 2012 at 01:47

chaos, it shouldn't break once done, so if you're near an ikea store you can usually pick up a few from the tubs at customer services.

Nexus · 30 Nov 2012 at 01:58

The Billy bookcase I bought three years ago had metal cam locks, infact every piece of furniture I bought from them did. I suppose they are making savings by switching to plastic for everything.

SickAsAParrot · 30 Nov 2012 at 06:58

dcsarge said:
You can cut ikea back panels with a sharp stanley knife. I have been modifying Billy bookcases to make an over bed unit and tv cabinet for my sons room. I have been cutting chunks out left right and centre to allow for sockets and cables. It worked out cheaper and quicker than using contiboard. Shame about my p.o.s jigsaw that can't keep the blade in place .

Same here, needed two bedside cabinets of different widths and Billy bookcases were ideal. Hacked the bottom off both of them and cut them down width ways too, drilling new dowel holes is the hardest bit. Get yourself a cheap circular saw with a fine blade they're great for getting perfectly straight cuts in sheets of chipboard.