How to assemble IKEA ALEX Drawer Unit/Drop File Storage

Step-by-step assembly

1. 

   Step 1 · manual step 1–2

   Take the 2 runners (125317) apart; screw one onto a side panel.

   Lift the catch and pull out the inner rail — keep it for step 37. 3 screws (113928), side lying on the rug.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:17)

2. 

   Step 2 · manual step 3–5

   Add 6 cam bolts, 2 dowels and 2 glide strips to the side.

   Cam bolts (118331) by hand; dowels (101345) in the top edge; strips (102372) under the bottom edge.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:24)

3. 

   Step 3 · manual step 6–8

   Push 4 dowels into the back panel and set it on the cam bolts.

   Lock it with 3 cam locks (102509) — turn them clockwise.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:32)

4. 

   Step 4 · manual step 9–11

   Fit the bottom panel the same way and lock it.

   4 dowels (101345) in its ends, then 3 cam locks (102509).

   ▶ Watch this step (0:41)

5. 

   Step 5 · manual step 12–15

   Prepare the second side panel the same way.

   Runner with 3 screws (113928), 6 cam bolts, 2 dowels and 2 glide strips.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:50)

6. 

   Step 6 · manual step 16–17

   Lay the second side on top and lock it with 6 cam locks.

   3 locks (102509) in the back panel and 3 in the bottom panel.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:58)

7. 

   Step 7 · manual step 18

   Screw 6 cam bolts (118331) into the top panel.

   Turn them in by hand, all the way.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:07)

8. 

   Step 8 · manual step 19

   Turn the unit onto its back and push the top panel on.

   The cam bolts and dowels go into the holes in the side edges.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:12)

9. 

   Step 9 · manual step 20

   Lock the top with 6 cam locks (102509), 3 in each side.

   Turn them clockwise to pull the top tight.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:20)

10. 

    Step 10 · manual step 20

    Stand the unit upright.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:27)

11. 

    Step 11

    Now the drawers.

    3 small drawers, all built the same way, and the file drawer.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:31)

12. 

    Step 12 · manual step 21–23

    Join the 2 sides to the drawer front.

    2 cam bolts (118331) in the front, a dowel (101345) in each side, then 2 cam locks (103114).

    ▶ Watch this step (1:34)

13. 

    Step 13 · manual step 24–25

    Slide in the bottom and the back; tap in 4 screw-dowels.

    2 screw-dowels (110519) on each side, with the hammer.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:44)

14. 

    Step 14 · manual step 21–25

    Turn the drawer over and build the other 2 the same way.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:52)

15. 

    Step 15 · manual step 26

    Pull the runners out and slide the 3 drawers in.

    Rest each drawer on its runners and push it all the way in.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:57)

16. 

    Step 16 · manual step 27

    Fix each drawer to its runners with 2 screws (105021).

    Pull the drawer out, screw, push it back in — 6 screws in all.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:05)

17. 

    Step 17 · manual step 28–29

    File drawer: push 4 dowels into the rail and 4 into the back.

    Wooden dowels (101345), 2 in each end.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:11)

18. 

    Step 18 · manual step 30–32

    Join the sides, rail and back; slide the bottom in.

    Tap 4 screw-dowels (110519) through the sides into the back first.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:17)

19. 

    Step 19 · manual step 33–35

    Fit the front: 4 cam bolts, onto the dowels, 4 cam locks.

    Cam bolts 118331 in the front, 4 dowels in the side ends, then locks 103114.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:27)

20. 

    Step 20 · manual step 36

    Screw the wheel (111402) on with 2 screws (109041).

    It goes on the underside, just behind the front — see the manual, step 36.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:36)

21. 

    Step 21 · manual step 37

    Screw an inner runner rail onto each side.

    The rails from step 1 — 3 screws (113928) per side. Check the direction in the manual, step 37.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:42)

22. 

    Step 22 · manual step 38

    Slide the file drawer in on its runners.

    Push it all the way in.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:49)

23. 

    Step 23 · manual step 39

    Hang the 2 file rails (107246) on the drawer sides.

    Push a rod (10141712) into each rail — see the manual, step 39.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:56)

24. 

    Step 24 · manual step 40

    Stick the 4 felt pads (102384) on the top corners.

    The manual shows them under a desk top.

    ▶ Watch this step (3:02)