How to assemble IKEA ALEX Drawer Unit with 9 Drawers

Step-by-step assembly

1. 

   Step 1

   Screw 6 cam bolts (118331) into the two side panels.

   3 in each side, along the back edge. Turn them in all the way.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:17)

2. 

   Step 2

   Push in 4 dowels (101345) and stand the sides up on the back panel.

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

   ▶ Watch this step (0:23)

3. 

   Step 3

   Insert 6 cam locks (119251) in the back panel and turn them clockwise.

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

   ▶ Watch this step (0:30)

4. 

   Step 4

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

   ▶ Watch this step (0:38)

5. 

   Step 5

   Push 4 dowels (101345) into the sides and fit the top panel.

   Check the detail in the manual (step 5) for which way round it goes.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:44)

6. 

   Step 6

   Insert 6 cam locks (119251) in the sides and turn them clockwise.

   This pulls the top tight against the sides.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:51)

7. 

   Step 7

   Push 4 dowels (101345) into the sides and fit the bottom panel.

   ▶ Watch this step (0:59)

8. 

   Step 8

   Fix the bottom with 6 screws (100214) and the Allen key.

   3 screws into each side panel.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:06)

9. 

   Step 9

   Tap the 4 glides (119363) into the bottom with a hammer.

   ▶ Watch this step (1:13)

10. 

    Step 10 · manual step 9

    Stand the unit upright.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:19)

11. 

    Step 11 · manual step 10

    Place the unit against the wall and mark its top edge.

    Use a pencil.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:23)

12. 

    Step 12 · manual step 11

    Screw the strap to the wall 5 cm (2") below the mark.

    Wall screws and plugs are not included — choose them for your wall type.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:29)

13. 

    Step 13 · manual step 12–13

    Push the unit back, feed the strap into the slot and screw it on.

    Pierce the strap with a screwdriver, then fix it inside with the screw and washer from kit 105867.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:36)

14. 

    Step 14

    Now the drawers.

    5 shallow and 4 deep. We’ll build a shallow one step by step.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:44)

15. 

    Step 15 · manual step 14

    Screw 2 cam bolts (118331) into the drawer front.

    Lay the front face down on the rug.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:47)

16. 

    Step 16 · manual step 15

    Push 2 dowels (101345) into the sides and place them on the front.

    ▶ Watch this step (1:53)

17. 

    Step 17 · manual step 16

    Insert 2 cam locks (103114) and turn them to lock.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:00)

18. 

    Step 18 · manual step 17

    Slide the drawer bottom into the grooves.

    Push it all the way down to the front.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:07)

19. 

    Step 19 · manual step 18

    Fit the back and tap in 4 screw-dowels (110519).

    2 on each side, with the hammer.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:12)

20. 

    Step 20 · manual step 18

    Turn the drawer the right way up.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:19)

21. 

    Step 21 · manual step 14–23

    Build all 9 drawers: 5 shallow and 4 deep.

    The deep ones (steps 19–23) get 4 cam bolts, 4 cam locks and no dowels — the method is the same.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:23)

22. 

    Step 22 · manual step 24

    Slide the drawers in: deep ones at the bottom, shallow ones on top.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:31)

23. 

    Step 23 · manual step 24

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

    Use the Phillips screwdriver. 18 screws in total.

    ▶ Watch this step (2:44)