Alexei Volkov
IKEA's self-assembly furniture often comes with plastic screws that can be challenging to unscrew. While some people opt for brute force or drilling new holes, there are a few techniques to safely remove these screws. One method involves using a screwdriver to turn the plastic plug left or right until it feels loose, mimicking a safe lock mechanism. Another approach is to use a screwdriver to loosen the cam and pull out the connecting bolt. In some cases, a rubber band can be placed between the screwdriver and the screw to facilitate removal. For stubborn screws, a thin, small flat screwdriver can be used to pull them out, or a hammer can be employed with caution.
Characteristics and Values Table for Unscrewing IKEA Plastic Screw:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Screwdriver, rubber band, tweezers, hammer, pliers |
| Techniques | Turning in the opposite direction of the arrow, using brute force, drilling, prying |
| Screw Type | Cam lock, cover for hidden screw, plastic rivets/dowels |
| Screw Location | IKEA Fredde desk, Micke table, Mydal bunk bed, Billy bookshelf |
| Customer Support | TaskRabbit app or website, IKEA customer service |
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What You'll Learn
Using a screwdriver
If you are struggling to unscrew an IKEA plastic screw, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, ensure you are using the correct size screwdriver. If the screw is stuck, try inserting the screwdriver into the screw head and turning it in the opposite direction of the arrow shown. It will only turn 180 degrees, so once it starts turning, it will stop at this point, and you will need to try turning it downwards and tapping on the other side to remove it. If this doesn't work, try using a thinner, smaller flat screwdriver to pull it out.
If the screw is stripped, try placing a wide rubber band, flat side down, between the screwdriver and the screw, and then remove as normal.
For IKEA furniture with cam locks, you can try loosening the cam so you can pull the connecting bolt out. If the cam lock still won't come out, use a small screwdriver in the connecting bolt hole and lift it out.
If you are dealing with a plastic plug, turn it left or right with a screwdriver until it feels loose. It's like a safe lock—turning it 270 degrees blocks the screw inside, but turning it the remaining 90 degrees will loosen it.
If you are trying to remove a plastic dowel/screw, you can try hammering a screw from the bottom to drive the plastic peg out. Alternatively, leave some space between the head of the screw and the furniture, and pull the metallic screw out along with the plastic one using the fork side of a hammer.
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Drilling new holes
- Measure and Mark: Determine the exact location where you want to drill the new hole. Using a measuring tape or ruler, measure and mark the spot with a pencil. Ensure your measurements are accurate to avoid mistakes.
- Choose the Right Drill Bit: Select a drill bit that matches the size of the plastic screw. It should be slightly smaller than the screw's diameter to ensure a tight fit. Drill bits come in various sizes, so choose one that corresponds to the size of your screw.
- Prepare the Surface: Before drilling, ensure the surface is clear and free of any debris or obstacles. If necessary, use a soft cloth to wipe the area clean. This step is crucial to prevent any dirt or particles from interfering with the drilling process.
- Drill Slowly and Carefully: Start drilling at a slow speed to maintain control. Apply gentle pressure and gradually increase the speed as needed. Keep the drill bit straight and perpendicular to the surface for an even and precise hole. Take your time and avoid rushing, as drilling too fast can cause the bit to wander or create an uneven hole.
- Use Lubrication: If the plastic is thick or the drilling process becomes challenging, consider using lubrication to ease the process. A few drops of cutting oil or lubricant on the drill bit can help reduce friction and heat buildup, making drilling smoother.
- Clear Debris: As you drill, periodically remove the drill bit to clear away any plastic debris or shavings that accumulate. This prevents the hole from becoming clogged and ensures a clean drilling process. Use a small brush or compressed air to keep the area around the hole debris-free.
- Check Hole Depth: Drill to the desired depth, ensuring it matches the length of your plastic screw. Use a tape measure or depth gauge to confirm the depth. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the screw securely without bottoming out.
- Deburr the Hole: Once you've reached the desired depth, slowly withdraw the drill bit to prevent tearing or splintering of the plastic. Use a deburring tool or a countersink bit to smooth out any rough edges or burrs left inside the hole. This step ensures that the plastic screw will sit flush and secure when inserted.
- Test the Screw Fit: Before proceeding, test the fit of the plastic screw in the newly drilled hole. Insert the screw gently to ensure it threads smoothly and sits securely in place. If needed, make minor adjustments by widening the hole slightly, but be cautious not to over-enlarge it.
- Clean the Area: After drilling and installing the screw, clean the area to remove any remaining debris or shavings. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe away any residue, ensuring a neat and tidy finish.
Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves, when drilling new holes. Always measure twice and drill once to avoid mistakes, and ensure your work area is well-lit and secure.
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Using a rubber band
If you are struggling to unscrew an IKEA plastic screw, one solution is to use a rubber band. This is particularly useful if the screw is stripped, i.e. damaged and unable to turn properly.
Firstly, place a wide rubber band between the screwdriver and the screw. Ensure that the flat side of the rubber band is facing down. The rubber band will provide extra grip and fill in the spaces that the screwdriver is not latching onto.
Next, try removing the screw as normal. The rubber band should give you additional torque, helping you to unstick the screw.
If there is some room between the screw and the object it is fastened to, you could also try using pliers. Grip the screw with the pliers and start twisting it out. However, be cautious as this method may damage the material that the screw is fastened to.
Another method for removing plastic screws is to turn them until they are loose. In some IKEA furniture, plastic plugs or cam locks act as safe locks, blocking the screw and keeping it tight. Turning the plastic plug or cam lock 270 degrees will loosen the screw, and turning it the remaining 90 degrees will allow you to remove the screw.
If you are still unable to remove the screw, try using a smaller screwdriver to pull it out, or use tweezers to grab it.
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Turning the plastic plug
If you are struggling to remove a plastic screw from an IKEA piece of furniture, there are a few methods you can try.
One method is to turn the plastic plug left or right with a screwdriver until it feels loose. It is not screwed in, but rather acts like a safe lock. Turning it 270 degrees blocks the screw inside, and the remaining 90 degrees, when lined up with the screw inside, will release the screw.
Another method is to hold the adjoining piece of wood and softly hammer it away from the shelf to create a gap. Then, with a screwdriver, move the plastic plug.
If you are trying to disassemble an IKEA FREDDE desk, you can insert a correctly-sized screwdriver and turn it in the opposite direction of the arrow shown. When it starts turning, it will stop at 180 degrees, and you will need to try turning it downwards and tapping on the other side to make it come out. If this does not work, use a thinner, smaller flat screwdriver to pull it out.
If you are disassembling an IKEA Mydal Bunk Bed, you can try the following methods:
- Hammer a screw from the bottom to pop out the plastic screw.
- Place the tip of a screw on the bottom of the plastic peg and pound the screw head with a hammer to drive the peg out.
- Leave some space between the head of the screw and the bed slat, then pull the metallic screw out along with the plastic one using the fork side of a hammer.
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Hammering
When it comes to unscrewing stubborn Ikea plastic screws, hammering can be a surprisingly effective technique. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use hammering to your advantage:
Begin by assessing the screw and identifying its type. Ikea typically uses cam locks or wooden dowel screws. Cam locks have a flat head with a circular edge, while wooden dowel screws are entirely cylindrical. Understanding the type of screw you're dealing with will help you determine the best hammering approach.
Place the tip of the hammer's head directly onto the screw head. For cam locks, aim for the center of the screw, positioning the hammer as perpendicular as possible to the screw head. This ensures that the force is applied directly to the screw and reduces the risk of slipping or damaging surrounding furniture.
For wooden dowel screws, you have two options. You can try striking the screw head directly, aiming for the center, similar to the cam lock approach. Alternatively, you can try a different technique: place the hammerhead slightly off-center, and strike the edge of the screw head. This indirect approach can create a slight gap between the screw and the surrounding furniture, potentially making it easier to unscrew.
Now, with a firm and controlled motion, strike the screw with the hammer. Start with moderate force and gradually increase if needed. The goal is to create a slight shock that loosens the screw without causing damage. Strike in short, quick bursts, and take care not to use excessive force, as this may deform the plastic or damage the surrounding furniture.
As you hammer, pay close attention to the screw. With each strike, try to turn the screw counterclockwise with your hand or a screwdriver. The combination of hammering and turning should help break the screw free from any stubborn locks or tight fits. Continue this process, adjusting the force and angle of your strikes as necessary, until the screw begins to turn and you can unscrew it the rest of the way by hand.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic screws in IKEA furniture are often cam locks. To remove them, turn the plastic plug left or right with a screwdriver until you feel it loosen. Then, turn the cam lock until the arrow points toward the screw and pull it out. If it's stuck, use tweezers to remove it.
One option is to pound the plastic screw through with a hammer using a screw from the bed as a nail set. Place the tip of the screw on the bottom of the plastic peg and pound the screw head with the hammer to drive the peg out. Alternatively, you can drill out the plastic screws and replace them with new parts.
Try placing a wide rubber band, flat side down, between the screwdriver and the stripped screw, and then remove as normal.
