How To Fix Wobbly IKEA BEKANT Desk Legs (FAST & EASY)
Fix your wobbly IKEA BEKANT desk with this easy step-by-step guide. Learn how to remove the desktop and tighten the loose hex bolts for a sturdy workspace.
Key Takeaways
Why Your IKEA BEKANT Desk Wobbles
Over time, your IKEA BEKANT desk might start to shake, rock, or feel unstable while you are typing or working. This common issue is almost always caused by the hex bolts that secure the metal legs to the desk frame coming loose.
Fortunately, fixing a wobbly IKEA BEKANT desk is a fast and easy process that requires zero specialized skills. By removing the desktop to access the internal frame bolts, you can easily tighten the hardware and restore your desk to a perfectly sturdy condition.
Tools You Will Need
You only need two basic hand tools to complete this repair. If you don't have them on hand, you can grab them using the links below:
FAQ
Can I tighten the IKEA BEKANT desk legs without removing the wooden desktop?
No, the main hex bolts that secure the legs to the metal frame are located internally. You must detach the desktop by removing the nine plastic push rivets to access and tighten the hardware properly.
Is it necessary to remove the under-desk cable management net during this repair?
You do not need to remove the cable management net. Simply leave those specific pins in place and only remove the nine push rivets that directly connect the main metal frame to the desktop.
To access the frame assembly, you first need to turn the desk upside down. While it is possible to do this by yourself, having a second person makes it much safer and easier.
Before flipping the desk, make sure your floor is clean. Alternatively, lay down a large blanket to ensure you don't scratch the top surface of your desk. Carefully flip the desk over onto its face.
Step 2: Remove the 9 Push Rivets
The metal frame is secured to the desktop using nine plastic push rivets. Note: Do not remove the rivets that hold the cable management net in place; only target the nine rivets going directly through the metal frame itself.
Take your flathead screwdriver and carefully pry the locking pin out from the center of the expansion rivet body.
Once the pin is out, get the screwdriver underneath the main rivet body and pry that out as well.
You will be left with two plastic pieces per rivet.
Repeat this process for all nine rivets and collect the pieces in a safe place so you don't lose them.
Step 3: Remove the Frame and Troubleshoot
With all nine rivets removed, carefully lift the entire metal frame off the desktop. Flip the metal frame over so that it is standing upright on the floor.
At this point, you can inspect the joints to see exactly what is causing the wobble. You will likely notice a significant amount of play where the leg meets the frame. In some cases, the connecting bolt may be loose enough to turn by hand.
Step 4: Tighten the Hex Bolts and Adjustment Screws
Grab your 7/32 Allen wrench (hex key). Locate the main hex bolt connecting the wobbly leg to the metal frame and tighten it firmly. Even if only one leg was giving you trouble, it is highly recommended to repeat this process and tighten the hex bolt on the second leg as well.
Pro-Tip: While you are addressing the legs, check the height adjustment screws located on the back of each leg. Use your flathead screwdriver to ensure both of these adjustment screws are firmly tightened down.
Step 5: Reattach the Frame to the Desktop
Now it's time to reassemble your desk. Carefully flip the frame back over and place it onto the underside of the desktop. Make sure to perfectly align the holes in the metal frame with the corresponding holes in the wooden top.
Grab the nine push rivets you set aside earlier. Insert them one by one:
Push the main rivet body through the frame and into the desktop.
Snap the locking pin firmly into the center of the rivet body to expand and lock it in place.
Verify that all nine rivets are fully seated and securely holding the frame to the desktop.
Step 6: Flip the Desk Upright
Carefully flip the desk back over onto its legs. For a little extra stability, you can push the legs out outward slightly once the desk is upright.
Your IKEA BEKANT desk should now be completely wobble-free, sturdy, and ready for your workday!
What size hex key is required for the IKEA BEKANT leg bolts?
You will need a 7/32 Allen Wrench to securely tighten the main hex bolts that connect the legs to the desk frame.
How do I correctly remove and reinstall the plastic push rivets?
To remove them, carefully use a Flathead Screwdriver to pry out the center locking pin, then pry out the main rivet body. To reinstall, push the main body through the frame into the desktop first, then snap the locking pin into the center to expand and secure it.
