How to Assemble IKEA ALEX Drawer Unit

Step-by-step assembly

1. 

   Step 1

   Screw 6 cam bolts into the two side panels.

   Turn them in by hand, all the way — no gap under the collar.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:16)

2. 

   Step 2

   Push 12 wooden dowels into the ends of the sides and the back panel.

   Half of each dowel stays sticking out.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:23)

3. 

   Step 3

   Stand both side panels up onto the back panel.

   The bolts and dowels slide into the holes along its edges.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:30)

4. 

   Step 4

   Insert 6 cam locks (119251) and turn them clockwise to lock.

   Use the 119251 locks here — the 103114 ones are for the drawers.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:36)

5. 

   Step 5

   Screw 12 cam bolts into the top and bottom panels.

   6 in each panel.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:44)

6. 

   Step 6

   Fit the top and bottom panels onto the ends.

   Check which way the top faces — it differs for a freestanding unit vs. under a desk (manual p. 8).

   ▶ Watch this step (0:51)

7. 

   Step 7

   Insert 12 cam locks (119251) in the sides and turn them clockwise.

   This pulls the top and bottom tight against the sides.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:59)

8. 

   Step 8

   Press the 4 glides into the bottom, then stand the unit up.

   Using casters instead? They’re sold separately — see manual p. 10–11.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:07)

9. 

   Step 9 · manual step 8

   Stand the unit upright.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:14)

10. 

    Step 10

    Now the drawers.

    There are five. We’ll build one step by step.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:19)

11. 

    Step 11 · manual step 9

    Screw 4 cam bolts into the back of the drawer front.

    Lay the front face-down on the rug.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:22)

12. 

    Step 12 · manual step 10

    Place the two drawer sides onto the bolts.

    Runners facing outwards.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:29)

13. 

    Step 13 · manual step 11

    Insert 4 cam locks (103114) and turn to lock.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:34)

14. 

    Step 14 · manual step 12

    Slide the drawer bottom into the grooves.

    Push it all the way down to the front.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:41)

15. 

    Step 15 · manual step 13

    Slide the drawer back in on top of it.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:46)

16. 

    Step 16 · manual step 14

    Tap in 4 screw-dowels (110519) with a hammer — 2 each side.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:51)

17. 

    Step 17 · manual step 14

    Turn the drawer the right way up.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:59)

18. 

    Step 18 · manual step 9–21

    Build all five drawers.

    3 are built like this one (steps 9–14). The other 2 have lower sides — follow steps 15–21; the method is the same.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:03)

19. 

    Step 19 · manual step 23

    Slide the drawers in until they click.

    The 2 low-sided drawers go in the top two slots, the 3 tall-sided ones below.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:10)

20. 

    Step 20 · manual step 23

    Pull each drawer out and fix it to its runners with 2 screws (105021).

    Use the Phillips screwdriver. Push the drawer back in when done.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:20)