Ikea Basics - Billy Bookcase

[@chrisald12]

A very small top for anyone following these instructions. When you mark the middle shelf position you don't need a ruler or anything special to draw a line, use a shelf! They are already the perfect width, just join the marks and draw the line with a pen or pencil. Super easy!

[@RobGStillman]

What an awesome video this was. I took one look at the trash directions that came with the bookcase and said "nope" and went straight to KZbin. This video was very straightforward and easy to follow. Thank you so much for putting this out there for people to use!

[@NotATechShow]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching :)

[@annegroves2648]

A very succinct and very well explained video. I hadn’t realised I would need the length of the bookcase below it, to be able to slide the back section in, I had to flip the bookcase on its side and slide the backing in that way. All possible after the confidence gained from watching your video.

[@bq847]

This was my first go at any DIY project. The best instructional video I've seen. I put one shelf on backward & didn't notice it until after I inerted the "mechanisms". After a few minutes of panic, I was able to pull the shelf out and turn it around. I'm glad that I had not tightened it. You might demonstrate this move as a "Do not do this!" error also. I had trouble getting the back on until you said the shelves had to fit snuggly. I noticed some space and once that was tight, the back went on.

[@kyleroberts6507]

So what happens if you already tightened it?

[@callumbannister8833]

you can loosen them.

[@Louise-sv9zf]

1:06 step one - hammer a wooden Dawell on each side of the bottom and top of the shelves 1:46 what it should look like after step one 2:16 step 2 - screw in the funky screws into the big boy boards 3:06 what it should look like

[@billyboy5903]

I've put together a bunch furniture like this and never even thought of using a ratchet with a screwdriver bit in it. Glad I watched this because I have 5 bookcases coming next week.

[@lorenalebronherrera6447]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I had never built anything in my life, not even Ikea stuff. I was a little worried, but thanks to this video I had no problem. THANKS.

[@rebeccab2280]

Building this was the first time I built anything in my life, and following your instructions was a huge help, thank you so much!

[@tazzie2shoos]

I'm attempting this tonight and am terrified, lol. I'm not very practical. This is the clearest assembly video that I feel I can follow easily. Wish me luck!

[@tazzie2shoos]

Mission accomplished! thank you 😊

[@NotATechShow]

Well done! And thank you for watching!

[@lynneathey9028]

Thank you for sharing this! I've put up unit no problem at all, my problem was which way pegs went into unit to hold shelf. So thank you for close -up of that, so will now go finish it off.

[@laurapowell6651]

I would recommend using the bracket...Keeps the little ones that like to climb safe!! Great instructions! You are awesome.

[@plunder1956]

Ikea recommend you do this on carpet, I suggest wearing shoes. Several years ago the changed the shelf supports - all the ones I owned in the past had 4.8mm steel pegs.

[@JosiexRed]

I’ve had one of these in the box for longer than I’d like to admit 😳 Your video was very helpful! I’m going to get it done as soon as I figure out where it’ll fit. Thanks!

[@JoeB_BSc]

Hi, with sloping ceilings it helps, in our opinion, to screw the metal or ribbon stay at the top of the bookcase to each bookcase before fitting into place because views may become limited and difficulty arise trying to get it the attachment into the top of the bookcase, and to the wall.

[@seikokoun7684]

Thank you so much for your tutorial, it was so well explained and helped me alot. A project that would have taken me hours to finish was done very quickly!!! Thank you!!!

[@fingalflyer1]

Excellent non complicated tutorial. Clearly explained without jargon and in simple English. Well done sir!

[@NotATechShow]

Thank you so much! That's exactly what I'm going for, lol. You pretty much stated my bio

[@jacquirobinson-tr3vt]

I just used your video to build my very first IKEA billy bookcase. Total novice and it looks great. Next I've got to add oxberg doors. That's a whole new video. Thank you for your excellent tutorial. I've got two more bookcases to build and I know I can do those very easily.

[@MrLee5454]

I really appreciated your style and delivery ... I feel this video can be use while we are building our shelf step by step. Thank you!

[@nyyminuolivaara]

Watched and worked on my shelf with your instructions ( Thank God for those, thank you so much ). When you were sliding the back piece in, I noticed your shelf is bigger than mine. 😄😎 ADHD. 🤷

[@mckeon1960]

Most studs in a wall are 16" to centre, also if you dunt have a stud finger tap wall, when you get a solid sounding part it's a stud :) also ikea glue theirs to make more stable. Great clear video

[@aegontargaryen6269]

You’re a god it took me less than 30 minutes I wish someone would do this for the tarva dresser 😂

[@22rosiegirl]

Building the tarva 6 chest dresser absolutely broke me. 😭

[@inessa255]

I hope IKEA paid him for this amazing tutorial

[@NotATechShow]

Still waiting for that call, lol. Thank you for watching!

[@stacysings1972]

Thanks so much for this very clear and concise video. I’m actually looking forward to putting my bookcase together now!

[@uncrunch398]

Good thing I got a new pair of Channellock code blue pliers with the new tighter articulation point. Not cheap. I should make up a tool list to check for each job as I prepare for it and as I prepare to leave the site. If I could keep them, it's always worth the extra cost of the easiest to use, least fatigue inducing tools.

[@judithquarrie47]

Thanks so much!! Great instructions..I made a mess of the middle shelf by not measuring up properly 🤦🏼‍♀️ at the back..one down one to go!!

[@NotATechShow]

Thanks for watching! Yes i have learned my lesson a couple times building these. Making a mark on the back of a side piece where the center shelf is helps a ton when hammering in the nails

[@k-nemo]

Informative and straight to the pint. Well done

[@callumbannister8833]

Great video. Thanks! It takes a lot of the decoding out of the process. Cheers!

[@NotATechShow]

you are welcome! I am glad I could help. Thanks for watching

[@Dani-ul1fq]

You are a life saver, thank you so much for this video!

[@NotATechShow]

absolutely! im glad i could help! dont hesitate to reach out to me anytime you have a question

[@Dolittlesart]

I always start by reading the directions or pictures. I avoid a lot of mistakes that way.

[@fr1720]

Probably the best tutorial on billy oxberg. Thanks man

[@NotATechShow]

No problem! And thank you!

[@ManEatingLunchBox]

Sir, you are my hero right now

[@TheRingme4ev]

Thanks so much this was clear, and so easy to follow! Your a great teacher! Now I just have to find a tutorial on putting the glass doors on! Lol

[@Lauren-xu9bt]

Thanks for this!! Watching from Spain, just built it alone in less than 45 minutes! Great video

[@iam6053]

helpful view, u should have filmed the way u secured it to the wall though

[@ampersand.]

Thank you so much for this. I now have the confidence to order one :)

[@animetree9379]

I was looking at this model to get for my manga collection, is their enough space to have 8 slots that are 9inches apart vertically? If you can answer this question it would help a lot, thanks

[@sgttombw]

Anime Tree yes

[@SympatheticNightmare]

Does it tip over easy without the bracket being screwed in the wall? I ask cause I can't go screwing stuff into my apartment wall.

[@NotATechShow]

It depends on the floor surface and how tall of a Billy shelf you get. You don’t have to screw it into the wall but it helps for stability.

[@SympatheticNightmare]

@@NotATechShow I have carpet floor and was looking at one with 6 shelves for $60

[@NotATechShow]

You should by fine dude. Just don’t store your bowling balls on the top shelf and you’ll be fine

[@SympatheticNightmare]

@@NotATechShow Damn, I wanted to use it for my anvil collection

[@sarasal5095]

@Lisa Robb That's exactly what happened to mine!

[@nasseral-fannah30]

Super useful and clear. Thanks a million 😊

[@NotATechShow]

Great to hear! you are so welcome! The best way to say thank you is to hit the little red subscribe button ;)

[@Polyglotwriter]

I’m through all steps upto 6 mins 30 seconds. And my frame is wobbly. But all the wooden planks are attached to each other with no visible space between them. Any suggestions on what I should do? (I’m assembly the smaller Billy with 3 shelves made of 2 adjustable planks) Thanks!

[@tinabraxton4906]

Thanks. You answered both of my questions.

[@NotATechShow]

Glad I could help!

[@binyoung7297]

Very important question. At 9:18 when you were trying to detect the studs, are you saying that we should drill into the stud? I thought that electric wires run down studs, and therefore, we should avoid drilling into it??

[@NotATechShow]

if you are hanging any weight off the wall, just screwing into drywall is not going to work. drilling into studs gives support so you can hang cabinets, TVs and shelving on a wall.

[@binyoung7297]

@@NotATechShow But in this case, we are not hanging anything on the wall? Also, what about the issue of electric wires running down the studs?

[@13thsun46]

I hope you took a hint from your shirt and toasted your excellent handiwork with a shot of JD!

[@NotATechShow]

Hahaha! Naturally

[@tanviralom7767]

Thank you so much for the video. Saved me a lot of time 🙂

[@vanyamylove]

Thank you so much for this video .so helpful.. Please do more vidoes like diy hacks

[@NotATechShow]

Thank you for watching! I am always on more content for diy content. Getting better everyday!

[@madfukncdn]

Thank you very much for the assembly video; it makes it less frustrating

[@NotATechShow]

Glad I could help!

[@joep8830]

Going to pick one up now just because of how easy u made this look 👍🏽lol thank u

[@NotATechShow]

It is the easiest bookshelf to put together. Thanks for watching!

[@Spunk12]

@NotATechShow 04:12 at video- I accidentally attached that piece holes on other side, do you think it's still okay sturdyiness wise or is that one shelf now lil bit more weak than others ? I realised it when shelf was already together and all the shelves filled 🤦‍♂️

[@NotATechShow]

Yeah should be fine. It works in both directions. The first one I made years ago, I did the same thing. It is still standing today. See my video: Billy bookcase 10 years later

[@renovalentino7852]

One of the mechanism got stuck half inside the hole and half outside, would that cause an issue later on? 😭

[@MylesAway3]

Thank you so much! This was very helpful!

[@NotATechShow]

no problem! thank you for watching :)

[@stockadeproductionsaustral6035]

Thank you so much for explaining what to do (and why) and what not to do. 👍

[@rayjaytay8442]

Are all the holes suppose to be align to where you have a lot of flexibility of how much distance you want the shelves or are there only certain spots you can place the shelves? Not all the holes are align on mine is it defective?

[@IcemakeSantouryuu]

Do you have any advice for removing the nails in the back? I hammered the nails in with the back facing the wrong way, lol. Way to pay attention, me... I am curious about that anyway though in case I do want to deconstruct it in the future.

[@PhoenixPei]

How do you make sure there’s no gap between the wall and shelf?

[@FyreTeGo]

Hello, for some reason the left wall of my bookcase is leaning. I flushed it in as far as I can there was no gap when I installed the c lock. Could this be a defect?

[@itsleesh]

Thanks for this video, it was a great help! Have a question though, can the extra shelves be moved and adjusted after they have been secured in place?

[@NotATechShow]

Thanks for watching! Yes they can. The little pegs come out pretty easily and you can move them. The only shelf that can't be moved on this unit is the middle one because it is part of the structure. Have a nice weekend!

[@maxsteelMountainLover]

absolutely fantastic. I am reviewing instructions as mine comes tomorrow. Doing prep work before tomorrow. Will let you know how much time it took me to do it. Thanks in advance!! (Y)

[@dedit_o]

Well how did it go?!

[@NotATechShow]

Lol, 2 years later. I am curious too

[@kathleenbyers1776]

Great video, looks simple to do

[@choosetoshine2610]

Great demo! New subscriber. Thanks so much!

[@NotATechShow]

Thank you so much!

[@choosetoshine2610]

@@NotATechShow Very welcome!

[@amaliavet]

Hi! have you ever fitted wheels on Billy, using it as a shoe storage? Is it possible?

[@sylpisces]

Hi - could you please tell me the name of the device at 9:15 (didn't quite catch it) and explain the purpose? Thanks in advance.

[@7prudent]

It shows you if there is an electric line/cable going through and inside the wall, so you can decide if you want to drill that spot or not.

[@chriserony]

I'm going to have to take apart one of these so I'll have to do this all backwards.

[@NotATechShow]

Good luck! It shouldn’t be too hard.

[@giacomomaggiore01]

great video, do you know if the background panel is necessary? can I avoid mounting it?

[@NotATechShow]

Its not necessary. The bookcase will work just fine without it

[@bellaluce7088]

Very helpful! Thanks so much!

[@NotATechShow]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@basedasuka]

I hammered through the middle shelf part ): any idea how to fix it?

[@rickyraton12]

That's why we all need to read the instructions...........

[@Paperhooman]

you forgot to mention about the legs that came with the shelf. It might not make much of a difference if you have a carpet but if you have a wooden flooring or any type of marble, it can ruin your floor and the shelf.

[@pamm2230]

When you have vinyl flooring, before standing the bookcase up put felt floor protectors at every corner and in the middle of wider bookcases. The felt will protect the floor and make moving them into place much easier. The felt protectors cam be found at most hardware and sometimes even at your dollar stores.

[@DVDfeverGames]

8:48 Why are there no rear shelf holes corresponding to some of the front shelf holes?

[@NotATechShow]

Good Catch, the extra front holes are to attach the Oxberg Door assembly that is optional to the billy bookcase.

[@HaohmaruHL]

Living alone so no pets/children to climb it. But I'm renting so I can't drill holes in walls. Can I get away without fixing Billy to the wall? Is it wobbly as is?

[@Meowy_Mix]

Thank you very much for the video - very helpful. Is it recommended to use the bracket with the tall Billy if your floors are hardwood or should it be fine?

[@NotATechShow]

im glad you found me! you might be alright with hardwood. i have a few billys and they have done great on solid floor. where i put this one was carpet and it kept wanting to fall forward.

[@Meowy_Mix]

@@NotATechShow @NotATechShow @NotATechShow thanks! One more question: I installed the cam locks without paying attention to the directional arrows but it was inserted flush and screwed in, is It properly installed ? Wondering if I did it wrong

[@NotATechShow]

if it went in flush and screwed in, you did it right. there isbonly one way it fits into the hole flush. you should be fine :)

[@fayful1]

Great video! My daughter put one together, but it's rocking. How do we fix that? Thank you in advance!

[@NotATechShow]

If you didn’t attach it to the wall, that is probably why. IKEA designed it to be supported that way. If you don’t want to put holes in your wall, use a few command strips or 3M double sided tape around the pack perimeter to stick to the wall.

[@fayful1]

@@NotATechShow ok! Its the big one like yours. I hope the strips work! Thank you.

[@grandsongoku]

Do you think I could lay this one down and place another on top of it without issue?

[@carolbufala3562]

Thank You so much for this video!

[@NotATechShow]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching

[@michaelatetzlaff3204]

I recently bought 3 of the normal billy bookcases and one of the thin ones to use as a corner piece, i didnt realize i wouldnt have the corner hardware.... do you have an alternative to use for that corner hardware to avoid gaps and to make it a bit more stable? (its in the corner so i cant mount it) the ikea near me wont have the hardware for a long time i was told :/

[@nuri3397]

I watched this video. Bought a billy bookcase. Everything was smooth except for the last freaking part. Those tiny nails 😅 I hammered them right through the back in a few areas. Uhh well I hope my books cover the damage.

[@mathew1268]

Do you think the bookcase would have any issues if you didn’t put the back panel on? I prefer the open back look but I’m afraid it won’t be as sturdy.

[@NotATechShow]

I have multiple Billy bookcases around the house. One of which I have had for almost 10 years without a back on it. You will be fine running it without a back. It is not structural at all.

[@NotATechShow]

How bout that response time, lol

[@mathew1268]

NotATechShow I was just about to say, wow speedy response. I really appreciate it and your input. Thanks!

[@py2007]

Do you know the dimensions of the gap at the bottom for fitting over a skirting board? My skirting board is quite high (6" but it does slant in slightly at 4") and I am not sure it would fit over it.

[@NotATechShow]

I just measured it. The slot for the base board is 4”. It starts to taper/slant at 3”. It sounds like you would need to modify the bookcase to fit against your wall.

[@py2007]

@@NotATechShow Thank you so much for doing that.

[@zangetsu3354]

Awesome vid! Looking into getting one of these shelves but was curious if the back thin board is really necessary for the build (looking to install LED's is why). You have any thoughts on whether or not that piece is really necessary for stability and integrity?

[@NotATechShow]

It is entirely optional. I have a backless billy that is featured on my channel. Go to: IKEA Billy Bookcase - 10 years later to see it. Link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYKpfKKZZ7ybqsU

[@badocto4737]

The Billy bookcase I bought, it's a smaller ones, the back panel slides into the wooden top, and it it flaps in and out like a screen door in a wind storm, I can't get it to go in straight.

[@NotATechShow]

Did you use the little nails that the billy comes with secure it to the back?

[@badocto4737]

@@NotATechShow No, I can't get it in the top part; it won't go in straight, even with the shelves in.

[@rossgraham343]

Are the shelf support pins for IKEA Billy bookcases removable? My teenage son put the shelves in the wrong holes, and I can't seem to get the shelf support pins out again.

[@NotATechShow]

Yes, they are removable. However, you may need some pliers to do so.

[@scottwallace1]

Thank you. Though that they don’t give you the screws to go in the wall for the wall brace is pretty bullsh*t.

[@NotATechShow]

You are welcome! And thank you for watching! Also, I agree, that is not cool to not include those

[@hobbsy]

thank you for the helpful video

[@cmphillips1968]

Great video, I dont like how Ikea have made the cams plastic now, didnt they use to be metal....but it is a great bookcase, I have a few myself...

[@NotATechShow]

I agree, the plastic cams break so easily if you are not careful. They still have metal cams on other pieces but the Billy cams are plastic to keep the cost low I think

[@NotATechShow]

And thank you! I appreciate you checking it out

[@cubanjavonne]

I broke off one of the cam locks (on the bottom) do I really need both cam locks for the top? I was going to use one from the top

[@NotATechShow]

I actually did the exact same thing while making this video! I only have one cam lock on the top because of it. You never see it and most of the structural components are at the bottom anyway.

[@cubanjavonne]

NotATechShow great! I ended up using one from the top and buying some additional ones from a Home Depot. Thanks for the info!!

[@JU-cs8fs]

Any idea on how to reinforce these shelves, After it’s been screwed to the wall? I’ve found some of the shelves are sagging due to heavy books. Any easy tips to reinforce them for an amateur DIY person would be highly appreciated

[@dshe8637]

You can put a metal bracket under the middle of each shelf and screw it to the wall using wall plugs

[@Synthes1sX]

I want to install oxberg glass door to the bookcase the question is would that be stable enough without screwed it into the wall ?

[@NotATechShow]

When the doors are open, it could cause the bookcase to tip over if bottom of the bookcase is empty

[@Synthes1sX]

@@NotATechShow Ah that's not good , any tips how to make it stable without screwed it into the wall ?

[@NotATechShow]

I would suggest not putting it on a carpet floor. It will be more stable on a hard flat surface. I have also seen people use strong double sided tape on the back edges

[@alexa4201]

Just got done building mine! Thank you a lot for this video :D

[@MadisonD941]

Did you use an electric drill/screwdriver to attach brackets to the top & to the wall? No one shows how to do that.

[@NotATechShow]

Yes I did. It is much easier that way. It’s just hard to hold the camera and drill at the same time, lol. If you use wood screws, it goes into the stud without having to drill a hole first.

[@jphyun5469]

Do you know what size those Cam locks are? I might want to purchase metal versions since your's look like they're plastic.

[@NotATechShow]

The ones that come with the Billy bookcase nowadays are plastic. However, the Cams from ikea are all the same. You can purchase metal ones from ikea. Or if you go to the store “if they are open” and they usually give them away in giant bins near customer service

[@misc328]

any tricks to finding a stud without a stud finder?

[@kaikaichen]

You may be able to knock on the wall (like how one would knock on a door) while moving in a horizontal direction. Listen closely, and if the knock stops sounding "hollow" then you might have found a stud at that spot.

[@NotATechShow]

Thank you, couldn’t have answered better myself, lol

[@1vasya]

Thank you for the video! Could you please share the link to your ratcheting tool or it’s exact name? Thanks again!

[@NotATechShow]

No problem! I was able to find a very similar set on amazon. Link is in my latest video “My favorite everyday tool”

[@1vasya]

NotATechShow thank you so much!

[@FlutePlayer777]

How long is the box? I am trying to figure out if it will fit in hubbys car.

[@NotATechShow]

It depends on which Billy bookcase you buy. The box will be the same length as the height of the bookshelf. You can look at the dimensions on ikea’s website

[@FlutePlayer777]

@@NotATechShow Gotcha. I figured it was all one piece on the sides. Thanks. I checked the website. Now I will be measuring the car.

[@MoSportschannel]

What is the name of the grey thing @2:41?

[@NotATechShow]

It’s called a cam lock

[@TheVIPDiva]

This video makes me not want to call a Task Rabbit.........yet LOL

[@NotATechShow]

You got this! They are super easy 🙂

[@iantaylor6538]

Would have been nicer if you had glued the dowels, tightened the shelf fixings properly and glued the back panel

[@NotATechShow]

not a bad idea if you never plan to dissassemble.

[@jcmariedizon2082]

I bought billy bookcase slim with 6 shelves. Am i okay without screwing it on the wall? Is it stable enough?

[@NotATechShow]

Since it is so tall. It can be a little unstable if you are putting it on carpet. Hard floors it should be pretty secure as long as you aren’t putting heavy stuff at the very top.

[@jcmariedizon2082]

@@NotATechShow I am planning to put my books. Is that still fine without screwing?

[@NotATechShow]

Should be fine if you have a somewhat solid floor. I have soft carpet in my office where mine is mounted and it leaned forward a bit standing up straight so I put a screw in the wall to secure it.

[@jcmariedizon2082]

@@NotATechShow Thank you very much!! Really appreciate it.

[@acastleovertheriver3407]

Hi, I was wondering how long the bookcase is in its package?

[@NotATechShow]

It is as long as the side pieces. My bookcase is about 7 feet tall. The box was just as long

[@acastleovertheriver3407]

@@NotATechShow thank you for replying!! I just ended up getting three of them and built them without trouble!

[@ThonColinFilms]

What’s that stud thing at the end for?

[@NotATechShow]

it is used to find a wooden stud in the wall so you are not drilling into just drywall. if you were to just screw the brace without finding a wall stud, it would likely just fall out. This way it is secure.

[@NotATechShow]

Shout out to your channel! I love seeing channels that were created when KZbin's early days.

[@ThonColinFilms]

@@NotATechShow Thanks!!

[@Destinyofhearts]

What height is the one in the video?

[@NotATechShow]

This one is 79 1/2 inches tall

[@jayasangha6763]

Does it need to be screwed into the wall?

[@NotATechShow]

If you get one of the taller ones “like the one shown in my video”, then yes, I highly recommend doing so. The shorter ones are more manageable without attaching to the wall.

[@kisbalqis8863]

What happen if I dont put that bracket :/

[@NotATechShow]

If you bought a tall billy bookcase like in the video, it might tip forward and fall. I have shorter Billy's that have no problem standing on their own without the bracket.