The IKEA Furniture Recall – What’s Next?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably well aware of the IKEA furniture recall. However, as mentioned in my previous blog, “What Everyone Should Know About the IKEA Furniture Recall,” the safety considerations and implications are not specific to IKEA brand furniture, or to furniture itself. Below are steps individuals can take to ensure that their furniture, and any heavy objects for that matter, are securely fastened to the wall.

Tip Over Restraint Kits

For the IKEA furniture recall, a colleague of mine mentioned that she voluntarily participated in the recall by requesting several safety kits from IKEA. I asked if I could examine the Secure It Safety Kits she received. The furniture models you own will determine which kits to request. My colleague received Kits R1 and R2.

Each IKEA kit includes instructions and diagrams for three kinds of wall materials:

wood-stud_opt
  • Drywall or plaster with available wood stud

drywall-no-stud
  • Drywall without available wood stud

masonry_opt
  • Masonry

Page 2 of the safety kit’s instructions manual further illustrates four necessary tools for the job: a Phillips head screwdriver, cordless drill, 5/8” (8 mm) drill bit, and a 1/8” (3 mm) drill bit.

ikea-tools-needed_page_1

If you ask us, the fifth item should be a Zircon stud finder!

Considerations Before Fastening

Fastening your heavy object to a wood stud with a screw is ideal. However, if your dresser needs to be fastened to the wall and there is no wood stud, you can either move the dresser a few inches to where a stud is or you can use a drywall anchor to fasten into the hollow wall.

Having a Zircon stud finder will help you determine which fastener to use by determining whether a stud is present or not.

To fasten your heavy object to concrete or masonry walls, and to avoid rebar and other metal such as electrical conduit that may be embedded in your wall, you’ll need a Zircon tool with Metal Scan mode.

The IKEA safety kit instructions mention that if you have any questions, customers should consult their local hardware store. Fortunately, almost every hardware store and home improvement center in the U.S. can also explain the benefits of a Zircon stud finder and recommend the model that’s right for you.

If you need assistance during your fastening project or have questions related to which model is right for you, please don’t procrastinate! Call our Zircon Tool Pro experts at 1-800-245-9265, Mon – Fri, 8AM – 5PM PST. Take Chairman Kaye’s advice, please act immediately!

One of Zircon’s long-time consultants, Kurt Stauss works with the pros who need and use Zircon tools on the job. A seasoned tool and industry expert, Kurt travels across the globe to demonstrate how Zircon tools is the solution to everyday problems.