What Tools You Actually Need to Build Flat-Pack Furniture

April 2, 2025

Your Go-To Gear for Battling Flat-Pack Frustration

We’ve all been there—surrounded by cardboard, crumpled instructions, and twenty mysterious screws that somehow look identical but absolutely are not. Flat-pack furniture gives us that satisfying DIY rush, but only if we have the right tools on hand. Trust me, trying to tighten a bolt with a butter knife? Been there. Not proud of it.

If you're ready to ditch the guesswork and feel a bit more Bob the Builder (or at least less like you're wrangling an angry octopus), here's your friendly guide to the tools you actually need to build flat-pack furniture. No fluff, no overpriced gimmicks. Just solid gear to get the job done right—the first time.

1. Screwdrivers (Yes, more than one!)

Honestly, a basic screwdriver set is non-negotiable. Most flat-pack kits come with at least a few screws that’ll need either a Philips head or flat head to tighten things up.

Phillips Head: That’s the star-shaped one, used in most flat-pack builds.
Flat Head: Sometimes needed for older kits or small brackets.

Go for a magnetic tip if you can. It’ll keep you from crawling under the couch to fish out rogue screws. Been there, too.

2. Allen (Hex) Keys

Ah yes, the little L-shaped wonders! Most flat-pack pieces include a flimsy one, but they’re tiny and can wreak havoc on your fingers. If you can, get a proper Allen key set with comfy handles. Your knuckles will thank you.

3. A Good, Solid Hammer

This one splits people. No, you’re not trying to take down a wall. But lots of furniture uses wooden dowels that need a gentle tap into place. Try a rubber mallet for a softer touch—it won’t dent your freshly bought bookshelf. Or if you're using a traditional hammer, wrap it in a tea towel to keep things neat.

4. Tape Measure

You’d be surprised how often dodgy guesswork leads to crooked installations or a dining table that sticks out into the hallway. Use a good old tape measure to double-check dimensions before you put drill to wood. It’s boring, and it’s brilliant.

5. Battery-Powered Drill or Electric Screwdriver

Alright, technically not a must—but hear me out. If you’ve got a whole bedroom suite to assemble, a cordless drill will make you feel like a superhero. Set it on low torque to avoid over-tightening screws and damaging panels. Look for machines with screwdriver-compatible bits for best results.

6. Level (Spirit or Digital)

No one likes a wonky shelf. A small spirit level is all you need to keep things from going lopsided. They’re cheap, easy to use, and help avoid arguments about which way is “straight enough.”

7. Ziplock Bags or Small Containers

I learned this one the hard way. Every flat-pack kit comes with tiny screws, bolts, plugs and washers—and the moment you open the packet, they start vanishing. Don't let them win. Toss each type into its own ziplock bag or little tub and label them if you’re feeling fancy. Or just scribble “weird silver bit” on a sticky note. Whatever works!

8. Pencil and Notepad

They might feel a bit old-school, but a pencil helps with light markings and aligning frames, especially when it comes time to mount things. Scribble your marks where screw holes should be. No guesswork. Erase later.

A Few Cheeky Extras

If you're really looking to make the whole build smoother (and save your knees):

Kneeling pad – your knees were not built for hardwood battles
Work gloves – to keep blisters and splinters at bay
Bluetooth speaker – flat-packing to your favourite playlist? Pure therapy

Final Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Been There (And Still Has the Allen Key Cuts to Prove It!)

Take regular breaks. That innocent-looking bookshelf can quickly become your nemesis if you're hangry or frustrated. Read the instructions all the way through before you start. Yes, I know—no one likes doing that. Do it anyway. Then lay out all the parts, count the screws, and group similar bits together.

And remember: mistakes happen. It's just furniture, not a rocket ship. If you mess up a step, laugh, rewind, and try again. Strathalbyn H Hardware’s got your back if ever you need advice, extra screws, or a quick sanity-check at the counter.

Happy building, folks—and may your shelves forever be level!

Warmly,
Candeece ✨