I suck at IKEA.

January 4, 2008 11:20 PM

How do you get a plastic IKEA rivet out of a half-built drawer?

I was on auto pilot putting together the last drawer and did this step, except I put the middle board in upside-down. So I desperately need to get that middle board turned right side up, otherwise the drawer set is pretty useless. I tried pulling it out, but unfortunately it seems to be in there nice and good. I'm afraid I'm going to tear apart the particle board if I pull too hard.

posted by hellbient to home & garden (4 comments total)

The particle board is stronger than the plastic rivet, so if something's going to give it probably won't be the drawer piece. Use something flat to pry the boards apart a little then just pull them apart, being sure to keep them straight. You can always get replacement rivets from Ikea if necessary.
posted by bizwank at 11:34 PM on January 4

Use a car jack inside the drawer.
posted by hortense at 11:57 PM on January 4

It worked! Got one side, working on the other. Thanks, with your help, I may get some sleep tonight.
posted by hellbient at 11:58 PM on January 4

Just got the other side!
Car jack's a good idea too.
posted by hellbient at 12:05 AM on January 5