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:
- Drywall or plaster with available wood stud
- Drywall without available wood stud
- 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.
If you ask us, the fifth item should be a Zircon stud finder!