[tantadoodles]

Granted this is my first kitchen cabinet that I'm working on but I have to admit that I didn't expect to feel so clueless.

OK - I have the box pretty much together. All I have left to put on are the legs and the little white angled covers that go on the corner hardware on the inside back of the cabinet box.

In the instructions there is a little diagram that says to make an "X" to mark the spot for a screw in the inside of the big hole on the metal bracket. However, when I nailed on the back of the cabinet - I lined up the bigs hole on the back with the bigs on the brackets. So, now I don't have anything to mark a spot or screw anything into. I can just literally put my finger through the big hole of the metal bracket and back of cab.

So.... how am I supposed to attach the second metal layer (screw w/smaller keyhole looking metal piece) that the white plastic cover is supposed to hang on/attach to ???

My friend who did this over 5 years ago said to just blow it off because no one will see it on the base cab but it bugs me.

Anyone have any suggestions? Do I need to take the back off and reverse it? If so, what's the poiint of the holes on the back?

Ugh. And what about the screws for the legs? I assume I use the left over screws that came with the cab because there are none with the legs package. These screws are shaped like the screws in the diagram for attaching the legs but they are way too long and will still into the cabinet if I screw all the way in. HELP! What screws do I use?
Thanks.

[DesignDiva]

Don't worry...the first one is always the hardest and will take two or three times as long as the rest of them. Once you get the hang of it, it's easy.

Someone will be along shortly to walk you through this...hang in there!

[NBeth]

Hopefully an installer will come along for more authoritative consolation but I think you have to provide your own screws for legs if you want to screw them in. You did right to line up holes. When the pictures show an x, they mean on the wall that peeks thru the hole, I think! Base cabs should be attached to walls for stability (use drywall anchors if you don't happen to have a stud there. The metal flat thing is like a washer for your attachment screw/anchor. Then cover. The plastic bit will go over the bracket you've already attached (try it and see).

It gets easier, so don't worry!

[Chuck]

Tanta - Relax - so far, you're doing just fine.

The "X" that they show on the instructions is actually on the wall, not on the back of the cabinet - the hole in the back is supposed to line up with the hole in the metal "L" bracket, and then you place the cabinet against the wall and make the "X" to mark the spot where your fastener will go.

The sort of tricky part is figuring out what kind of fastener to use - this depends on the construction of your wall. If it's a stud and drywall or plaster wall, you can use toggle bolts (3/16 x 3 or 4"); if it's masonry, you need some sort of anchor suitable for brick or concrete.

I use 1 5/8" drywall screws for attaching the leg block, which I screw through the whole block and into the cabinet bottom; as long as you don't over tighten, you won't pop through the inside. Torrus uses 3/4" screws with finish washers, which he screws through the thin material at the bottom of the hole where the leg is inserted. Choose whichever you're more comfortable with.

And just so you know, those leftover silver screws are for attaching the countertop, but they are only for laminate tops, so if you're using stone, Corian, butcher block, etc., you can throw them a way.

I've sent you a PM about all this.

[kellybmw]

Chuck, thank you for sharing your many years' of hard-earned experience with all the IKEAFANS- it's a true gift.

CHUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!