How To Securely Attach Two Bookcases Together - Ikea Billy Bookcase

[@sarra8913]

god bless the dads of the world putting out videos like this.

[@baron7755]

How can you tell he is a father?

[@AverageMe]

@@baron7755 But she's right! I am!

[@ColorMeAya]

Especially for those of us that lost ours. I’ve been completely lost while moving into my first place.

[@jimgardner5129]

Amen to that!

[@carmencarrasco4714]

Fits well into my space, I painted the back green. It's very easy to customize just the back if that's something you want to do. I would suggest sanding it first before painting, I got a little impatient. The shelves kzbin.infoUgkxM8H4CjCb79vzeyvgaFMdzmLm88oVFPMkare pretty small so keep that in mind if you're going to have it horizontal that some books won't fit. I like the snug look that it has. Good small shelf if you don't have much space, but not too small. Simple to put together, though you'll need your own tools, a screwdriver and a mallet/hammer, it's easiest to do with another person.

[@TheLovelyMissBeans]

Thanks for the video! Great idea, as i also hate when my bookcase sticks out weird when they sit next to each other! For a nice finish, add some trim all around and it will look like one custom unit!

[@justinaylee]

Fantastic thanks heaps - I followed this, and got a great result! One additional tip from me is that to protect a veneer finish when drilling the holes, I drilled until I could just see the bit coming out the other side, then removed the bit and drilled a little from the other side. I found that if you go all the way from one side you can push away larger shards of the veneer and it detracts from the finished job. But thanks heaps!

[@AverageMe]

Yes, that's a great tip (pun intended). Nice to keep it neat & clean.

[@coconut3076]

You can also put painter’s tape over the holes and that will protect the finish!

[@CreativeChapo]

Thank you for this! I’m having these anchored to our living room walls this week and wondered how to go about attach to each other. Got the screws you mentioned on Amazon. Thanks!

[@evelynmiller8051]

Extension cord is just brilliant. Thanks!!

[@AverageMe]

Thanks, I’ve made the mistake before. Live and learn!

[@melly3043]

My husband is in the military, so I really wanted something like this, but easy to take back down when we have to move again. I really appreciate this video 😊

[@skyrocketcoast219]

Thanks ! Great way to attach those Billy bookcases! .I have 4 in a row - short ones.

[@chrislynn5940]

Thank you for this video, got the barrel screws from Amazon, used for the Target bookshelves in the closet. Looks fantastic with all the shelves lining up together.

[@AverageMe]

I agree, it makes a mucj better appearance, and is more sturdy.

[@jamesabroomeiii7552]

Add a washer to the barrel side to pull it a little tighter always go with metric washers if you want them to be a small as possible standard washers normally cover more space

[@Wildflower1013]

Thanks for the video! I ordered the barrel screws you recommended from amazon and a 5/16 bit and it worked great!

[@AverageMe]

Glad to hear it worked for you!

[@diegoestabridis2478]

Lighning fast shipping. Excellent product very pleased

[@embla4725]

Hey there. I'm swedish so obviously we got a lot of IKEA furniture in our home, of course some Billys. Did you secure the bookshelves in the wall as well? If not, I recommend you do so. Did you know that a swede would pronounce IKEA with the I as in India? IKEA is an acronym from the founder Ingvar Kamprad and the farm Elmtaryd in the village Agunnaryd.

[@AverageMe]

I didn't know that's how Swede's would pronounce that. My father was Norwegian; I wonder how he would've pronounced it! As for securing it to the wall, I have not yet but I probably will as it's a pretty tall unit.

[@TheSpeakenglish]

Lucky Mark is speaking English and not Swedish. I key uh

[@lsamoa]

@@TheSpeakenglish Well, English-speaking people just say it wrong lol

[@michaelmortenson5200]

My man is from Sconnie! All the ❤️’s!

[@rockyreed1]

Thanks for the tip, I used it on my short billy bookcase (3 units) and it worked perfectly! Awesome hack, thanks for posting this video!

[@AverageMe]

Thanks Rocky! Short ones are probably even more stable

[@BigTurtle87]

So although I don’t have Billy bookcases I figured it would be the same for the mainstays I have from Walmart. I bought the 35mm bolts like you said but the seem to be too long. They aren’t flush so the end cap is protruding out. I’m guessing I may need to down size to 30mm ?

[@AverageMe]

It's dependent upon the thickness of the material.

[@FelixGaunt]

Just an FYI, the new Billy have MUCH smaller holes so you'll need smaller (diameter) barrel screws for this.

[@AverageMe]

You can drill the holes whatever size you'd like. I just used the shelf peg holes for alignment. You can still use that as a pilot hole, and use any sized screws.

[@andrescolintv]

May I know your drill bit size please?

[@AverageMe]

I don't recall, but it's largely irrelevant. The size of the bit will depend on the size of the barrel srews you purchase.

[@Wildflower1013]

You may have already finished your bookcases, but for the barrel fasteners he linked from amazon, I used a 5/16 drill bit and it worked perfectly!

[@eaglesgirl445]

Needed this video. Just ordered the Amazon screws. Thank you 😊

[@AverageMe]

I love women who are up for "do it yourself" projects! Glad this helped you!

[@HoundDogCatia]

How did the screws from Amazon work out for you? The heads on them look pretty large.

[@sarahpark4207]

@HoundDog77 Currently struggling with the screws from the Amazon as I just realized they are different than the ones used in the vid. The socket is bigger than the bolt and I don't have a drill bit for it :( The bolt is M6 so it's pretty thick.

[@gerald2851]

Thank you so much, this video helped me a ton with my new shelves! I hope you put some cool grimoires and other neat books on your shelves.

[@6sNh1yr]

Could you please add a link for purchasing the clamps and/or list the make and specs for the clamps? Thank you for making this video :)

[@AverageMe]

Spring Clamps - amzn.to/3qjQu0o Barrel Screw (buy 35mm size) - amzn.to/3eug2zi

[@genebooher1778]

Plus you should make sure the floor is level before locking together

[@natalierose4970]

Great video!! Sadly my floor is somewhat uneven. I have no gap at the top of the book shelf but a 2-3 in gap at the bottom. Would you still recommend doing this?

[@AverageMe]

I think up might be at risk of either having the unit tip or eventually causing the shelves to bend or buckle if you force them together. Have you considered putting shims under the bookcases to compensate for the uneven floor? You can buy wooden or plastic shims at any hardware store. Of course, I'd advise you attach them to the wall with the provided L-brackets just to be safe.

[@katepolgar1789]

What size drill bit for drilling the hole?

[@AverageMe]

I depends on the size of the barrel bolt you are using. The hole needs to match and accomodate the bolt.

[@kperry510]

Could you have hid these behind one of the shelves? Would the shelf go back on with the barrel bolt there? I know it wouldn't have been in one of the shelf holes but was just wondering.

[@AverageMe]

Sure, if you want to drill holes where the shelves will be positioned. My only concern would be the added thickness interfering with the shelf being put in place. You’re right, it doesn’t have to go into one of the existing peg holes.

[@gcabr7412]

Life saver! Thank you!

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Awesome and informative video Mark!😸😸

[@chryspelegris2731]

Are you allowed to cover the power plug as per code?

[@AverageMe]

Idk what your local codes are but I’ve never heard of one that won’t let you cover an outlet with furniture.

[@TheBrod29]

This is exactly what I was looking for thank you

[@orange-paris]

I would take the shelves out, drill the holes at that level and put the shelves back.

[@AverageMe]

You could do that as well. Maybe countersink the holes slightly to make sure the shelves still fit.

[@naimahq8739]

This is fantastic! Can’t wait. Now I just need to figure out how I’m organizing my books!

[@AverageMe]

I'll be adding a third Billy Bookcase, this one at a right angle!

[@PatriceLarow-o6b]

What size drill bit did he use?

[@AverageMe]

Whatever size fastener you get. The drill/hole should match.

[@sazel5246]

What do I do if I have an uneven floor? The top is flushed together but at the bottom there is a big gap

[@spunkygirl99]

Thanks for this video!! Are those bolts/screws known by other names? I keep finding references to bolt fasteners, barrel fasteners, barrel nuts, and a bunch of other things. Do they all basically do the same thing as long as they are the right length and have the two pieces that screw into one another?

[@AverageMe]

Yeah, they pretty much do the same thing.

[@karenried8495]

I’m sorry if this is a dumb question but I have no experience using my drill, what size is the drill bit used?

[@AverageMe]

Not a dumb question but there’s not a specific answer. It depends on the size of the fastener. To be sure, either use a drill bit gauge (it’s a piece of metal with many holes that indicate drill bit sizes), or simply drill test holes into a scrap piece of wood and see which one fits your fastener.

[@Pfin8]

This awesome! Thank you! ❤

[@AverageMe]

You're welcome!

[@naimahq8739]

What drill bit size was used? 😅

[@Wildflower1013]

You may have already finished your bookcases, but for the barrel fasteners he linked from amazon, I used a 5/16 drill bit and it worked perfectly!

[@gerberjoanne266]

What shelves did you put the screws through? The second from the top and second from the bottom? That part wasn't clear.

[@AverageMe]

It doesn't really matter. I chose holes that I knew I wouldn't be using for the shelf pins.

[@mathildeborde6341]

Thank you so much for this, I learned just what I needed and you’re explaining so well.

[@AverageMe]

Thanks! I hope it goes well for you!

[@sarahg7315]

What DRILL did you use? I have an old Black & Decker, from around 2006, one speed, and with the most monumental effort I was able to drill one hole. It took like 10 minutes. The second hole started smoking before the drill was able to penetrate, so I stopped. I think I need to borrow or a buy a new drill....

[@AverageMe]

It's not your drill, it's your bit. Sharpen it or get a new drill bit.

[@sarahg7315]

Well, it turns out that my drill works great so long as I don't use it in reverse. . LOL. Once I realized this, quick and easy, and the shelves look great. thanks for the video!!

[@southerngirlpearl]

How would you suggest attaching two bookcases, back to back?

[@AverageMe]

My initial thought would be a metal strap at the top. It would be tricky connecting them lower and still keeping it hidden. I'd look into some kind of connectors (straps) that have plastic snap covers to hide the hardware. Wander around the hardware store and you'll be surprised how many ideas you can find that you never thought of.

[@baron7755]

You say use 35mm but the link on Amazon doesn’t seem to be 35mm unless I’m missing something?

[@AverageMe]

There are a variety of sizes available. When I purchased, there was a clickable option to choose a variety of sizes. I suggest measuring the width of your bookcase wood, double that (because you're attaching 2 pieces together), and order a length that will work with the dimension.

[@topotondo828]

Hi! I just bought 3 secondhand Hemnes bookshelves from IKEA (two wide ones with one skinny bookcase in the middle). I want to attach all three together to make them sturdier and also want to secure them to the wall. Im not super handy, so what’s the best way going about this? Anchoring first one of the larger side cases to the wall and then attaching the skinnier middle bookcase to it, then securing the other large side case to the wall and then to the middle one?

[@AverageMe]

I'd attach them all together first, them anchor them to that wall.

[@kbm4409]

Thanks for the video...I just found you and I was wondering what size drill bit did you use? I'm Ms. Bob the Builder (lol) so I'm going to do this

[@AverageMe]

There is no standard size. It should match the size of the barrel screw you use.

[@IMOO1896]

Great idea

[@AverageMe]

So far I'm very happy with it!

[@prefectkristina]

Do you know if this hack works for bookcases from target?

[@AverageMe]

Yes it will work. This is a great technique for attaching almost any items together as long as you can find the appropriate length fastener and the correct size drill.

[@adviso7472]

Great video, thanks for doing this.

[@amyhebert5481]

Genius, thank you!

[@amyhebert5481]

I was ready to use a load of wood glue.

[@beverleyvaldez920]

For a hex kind of screw/bolt how can i unscrew it if the other side is also in a hex shape 😭 please help

[@AverageMe]

@@beverleyvaldez920 I’m not sure I understand your situation, but a hex head bolt uses a hex socket. You can drive it with a socket wrench, ratchet, or screwdriver-like handle. It sounds like you’d need to use a hex socket on each side. I wouldn’t use anything like a bolt on this project as it would certainly interfere with items on the bookcase.

[@michaelmortenson5200]

What size bit did you use to drill the hole?

[@AverageMe]

It depends on the size of your bolt/barrel. It should match that.

[@rachelcoogan3357]

Can I ask what length barrel screw this is ? :)

[@AverageMe]

I used 1-1/2". If I could find a tad smaller I would, or use a thin washer in order to really pull the bookcases tightly. But 1-1/2" worked.

[@spicerc1244]

Thank you!

[@lsamoa]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@AverageMe]

You are welcome!

[@mikegonzales687]

What size drill bit did you use?

[@AverageMe]

I don't recall. I matched it to the size of the barrel of the screw set.

[@karawischer4937]

I drilled a pilot hole with a 13/64 bit then used a 5/16 bit and it worked perfectly with the bolts he recommended off Amazon.

[@GreenEyes73]

Great idea, however it won't be easy to move them for cleaning. I just moved. I have 3 of these 6 1/2 ft Billys and though they were not fastened together, they were anchored to the wall. They had not been moved since their assembly in 2016. DUST GALORE. Did not anchor them to the wall this time.

[@AverageMe]

Considering you’d have to completely empty them in order to move them, unscrewing the barrel bolts is pretty simple by comparison.

[@freedomartwork6950]

Thanks, this is just what I needed!

[@TheSpeakenglish]

What are the clamps you used before drilling? Where to buy?

[@gbaygoogle]

Definitely you should link some clamps from Amazon so you can get that affiliate link action!

[@TheJoshLange]

I didn't want to drill into the shelf hole and tried to go directly into the board. I'm surprised how hard it is to push the drill through the board...

[@AverageMe]

Two pointers: Use a center punch to create a divot before drilling, and make sure you have a sharp drill.

[@deedeerepsher]

Where did you get the bracket that you used at the top of the bookcase to attach the two together?

[@AverageMe]

Ikea sells it as a kit, along with the base plate I used in the video.

[@deedeerepsher]

Ok thank you. I’m having trouble finding it. I’ll take another look.

[@JetEye-Knight]

Thank you! Extremely helpful

[@lesliemilthorpe]

I want to stack two bookcases and was wondering how best to secure them in a closet. They will be holding shoes

[@AverageMe]

You have a closet over 12' tall? If it were me, I'd use "L" brackets and butterfly-type anchors -- lots of them -- to attach the bookcases to the wall, and secure the stacked bookcases to one another with steel mending plates. I wouldn't want a bookcase falling from over 6' !

[@superfoodrevival]

@@AverageMe thank you. I will be using mending plates. The top one sits a few inches less than the bottom so there will be a bit of a ledge, and I'll use small L-shelf brackets there. It's about 65 inches tall. And I will secure to the wall. It's an Ikea MACKAPÄR topped with a Closet Maid 25-pair shoe organizer on it's side which is then the the same width.

[@chipandsimba]

Excellent Video. Thank you!

[@Edog1337]

Thats nice but what about the shelf sag

[@AverageMe]

I haven't experienced any. Regardless, this wouldn't affect it any more or less that a stand-alone bookcase would have.

[@johnnydinnissen]

Ikea itself has those screws for this, which are a lot cheaper

[@hisjoi]

what are the same of the screws?

[@iericnierman]

Awesome, thanks!

[@arimess6025]

I purchased those barrel screws from amazon and they are far too thick for the holes!

[@AverageMe]

Get a bigger drill bit. I don’t mean to sound flippant, but I didn’t buy them to fit the shelf bracket holes since you’ll have to drill anyway

[@JenniferandMark2014]

Very nice 🤗

[@yza4896]

I know it’s been for awhile but the top part was up side down

[@bernadettegraham5293]

Don’t happen to have 5 clamps lying around my house.

[@AverageMe]

Haha! It makes it easier but not absolutely necessary. You could have somebody hold them steady as you drill, or even drill each separately and pull them together with the screws.

[@ValentinMarquis]

What drill bit size did you use?

[@AverageMe]

I don't recall, but it would vary depending upon the size of the hardware. You can either use a drill gauge, or I often just hold the hardware next to the bit to compare sizes (yeah, kinda weak but I've been doing it that way for decades).

[@ValentinMarquis]

@@AverageMe I was trying to replicate this with my shelves from target - No local ikea, and drilling the hole was fine but even a 13/64 bit was just a little small. I mean maybe I bought the wrong screws from amazon, but I don't know.