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 answers total)

Best answer: 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, 2008

Use a car jack inside the drawer.
posted by hortense at 11:57 PM on January 4, 2008

Response by poster: 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, 2008

Response by poster: Just got the other side!
Car jack's a good idea too.
posted by hellbient at 12:05 AM on January 5, 2008