[tfullman]

We bought the 5x5 Expedit book case last night and tried to assemble. But all the wood dowels seem too long, nothing would tighten up, and it was all an uneven jumbled mess! The dowels were hammered into the side pieces all the way, and then when applying the smaller shelves, the dowels were VERY loose in the pre-drilled holes, and wouldn't go deep enough to flush up the shelf from the vertical. Is this just a defective piece or are we doing something wrong. We're about to make our 4th trip to Ikea this week for return/issue resolution.

[robcalif]

I have the same problem. I bought the large 5x5, comes in 3 boxes. Having trouble with the dowels which come in the 1st box with the 4 outside pieces. They fit fine in the outside pieces but not in the shelf pieces in the other 2 boxes. They are too loose in those. They have a different proportion (longer, thinner) than the ones pictured on this guys 4x2 assembly photos. All the numbers on the boxes check out. But I wonder if they changed something over time and I've got a mismatch???
I'll have to check back with IKEA tomorrow.

[robcalif]

OK got my proof there are 2 versions.

These instructions found here are copytright 2005
Lost assembly items for Expedit bookcase

and picture 72 fatter 2inch dowels.

In my first box I got 80 thinner 2 3/8 inch dowels. instuctions are copyright 2008.

So my other 2 boxes are the 2005 version.

The labels on all three boxes are copyright 1999 and have the exact same model numbers - so there's no way to tell them apart.

[g0b0]

The EXPEDIT is currently beeing released in an new improved version. It could be that you have recieved a combination of an old and new version that is simply impossible to assemble. The new version has thinner pegs and at some places 2 next to eachother.

I would suggest to check your local IKEA, they should know what im talking about. Be sure to be bring all parts.

Hope this helps.

[robcalif]

Here's how to tell the difference - make sure all the boxes have the same.

on the left side of the lable on boxes 2 and 3 is either 813B or 825B (or possibly something else)

On box 1 it is very faintly in my case stamped on the carton itself, rather than being printed - so look carefully on that one.