I am trying to disassemble by bedframe and the Screwdriver that I have seems too loose. Where can I find a screwdriver to do this?
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4The bed comes with 2 metric hex keys: a 5mm and probably a 3 or 4mm one. Buy a set of metric hex keys and you'll be good.– Aloysius DefenestrateAug 13, 2017 at 17:51
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@AloysiusDefenestrate I think that's the definitive answer: you need a set of (preferably high quality) metric allens.– yo'Aug 13, 2017 at 19:36
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if you're in a hurry, you can probably get away with wrapping the wrench head you've got with a moderate amount of sticky tape, so it would roughly match the hole's dimensions– user1306322Aug 13, 2017 at 20:39
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In Dutch we call it an inbussleutel– ThomasAug 14, 2017 at 13:54
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3 Answers
It is called a "hex key", "Allen key", or "Allen wrench".
You can also find socket wrench tools with this hexagonal drive shape. Hex key socket wrenches are almost always stronger than Allen keys, and less likely to round out the screw head.
Both the fasteners and the tools shipped with Ikea furniture kits are necessarily the cheapest that can still do the job, so it should be no surprise that the wrench seems too loose. You may need to use a slightly larger hex key tool, even if it is nominally the "wrong" size.
If the next size larger hex key is too large, try one from a different standard, i.e. the next size metric for a SAE screw.
Once you have removed the cheap Ikea screws you should replace them with better quality. "Star drive" would be the best; purchase the screws and driver together.
answered Aug 13, 2017 at 17:20
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3You'll be in metric with Ikea. That is the usual problem with a Liberian, Burman or American working on Ikea furniture: theye typically have Imperial tools and their fit is rather hit-and-miss. Aug 13, 2017 at 18:50
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1@Harper: I assumed that the hex key OP is holding in the pics was provided by Ikea, and is metric. Perhaps I should have asked where he got the tool. Aug 13, 2017 at 18:58
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1@MartinBonner I have a number of Ikea funiture items, and the hex drivers included in those were S-shaped and had rounded handles (big fun when your hands start to sweat...). See this image. OP's picture of the driver makes me think it's not the standard Ikea one.– MarioDSAug 14, 2017 at 15:09
As a last resort before drilling it out if it becomes to stripped to remove. Find a slightly larger straight slot screwdriver and expand the current Allen driver contact points. Then use a 6 point star driver or being furniture just tap the screwdriver into the fastener and remove and replace it since it's not likely to be corroded.
You need 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm Hex key (a.k.a Allen wrench, Inbus) for IKEA furniture. I recommend to buy a screwdriver bit set or a hex key set, because these are the most common hexagonal socket sizes. (I have 2 hex key sets and 4 different screwdriver bit sets, and all of them includes these sizes.)
