Modular Desks - IKEA's JERKER is Undisputed King 
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Modular desks offer versatility, flexibility and customizability so often necessary to make a workspace really productive. IKEA offers many modular desks, such as the GALANT office system, the EFFEKTIV workspace system and the sadly lacking FREDRIK computer desk system that looks surprisingly like the ill-fated JERKER, but tragically, is no substitute.
Note: Ok, so we can all stop blushing, the IKEA JERKER desk was given a Swedish boy’s name which means `Ever Powerful Ruler`. Now we can all giggle at some poor Swedish kid named Jerker Petersson and get on with discussing the most popular discontinued IKEA desk of all time, the Ever Powerful JERKER!
Modular Desks
Many of IKEA’s more popular products are based on component systems – meaning that you buy the basic unit for one price, and then you can add various parts and accessories as desired and required for your own particular configuration. JERKER was particularly successful component system, offering swinging side shelves, a towering top piece, shelves and each of the accessory pieces could be attached at the desired height. Brilliant!
JERKER reigned supreme for a number of years, and there’s been no indication of why it was discontinued (See also: IKEA Discontinued my ‘X’ … Or Did They?). In 2003, the catalog features the JERKER system prominently but by 2007 only the JERKER desk remained in the catalog, and the interloper, FREDRIK was masquerading as a modular computer work station. In 2008, there was no JERKER to be found, and the FREDRIK line now included a desk.
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IKEA JERKER Facebook Plea
Our friend Jen Segrest of Flatpack Ohio (formerly OH, IKEA) fame recently started a Facebook page (what’s it called now? A Liker page?) called IKEA JERKER Desks – Bring them Back! I’m guessing the chances are slim, but hey – you’ve got to have hope. Good luck, Jen!
IKEA JERKER Tribute Sites
Adam has put together a rather comprehensive page of links about the IKEA Jerker desk – many of the links lead to 404 Not Found pages, but a surprising number are still active. You can see pictures of many IKEA JERKER desk assemblies by clicking around there.
I never owned a Jerker desk, but I do own a Fredrik desk right now. The problem is that I want to buy the Fredrik drawer that goes with the desk, but it’s discontinued!!
I love my Jerker v2, though there are many devotees who favor the v1. The fact that it was a cheap Craiglist acquisition makes it even sweeter. I don’t have any of the accessories, nor the rare standalone shelf unit companion. I do have an extra shelf, which would be make more useful with the extensions.
On its own, it’s a very sturdy piece of kit. Functional and versatile, if not pretty. Provided the metal structures are in good condition, it should last a long time. The hardware and the desktop surface could be easily replaced if they are worn out.
Nicholas Cortolezzis must have been tasked to design a less-costly version, hence the Fredrick. In my opinion, one would be better off searching for a used Jerker, even though some price them somewhat unrealistically.
Hey Joey, where do you live? I have a Fredrik drawer that I’m trying to find a home for. email me, coasta at gmail.com. thanks.
Joey, they have the Fredrik drawers IN STOCK at the Charlotte store. Just saw them today.
Call ‘em!
Joey, they have the Fredrik drawer IN STOCK at the Charlotte store. Just saw them today, in fact. You should call them! Good luck!
I’m in the Seattle area and have a Jerker desk, in good condition, for sale. If anyone is interested call me at 206-307-8665. Pickup in Kirkland near Totem Lake.
It is indeed the best desk I’ve ever owned and the only reason I’m selling is because I now live overseas, I’m just here on vacation and to clear out my storage unit.
I’ve always been a fan of the Jerker V2. It was a sad day when IKEA chose to discontinue the desk around 2007, which made finding accessories a treasure hunt.
When I first purchased the desk, I bought a top shelf extender and 2 side swivel platforms. A roommate also bought the desk but found no use for the 1 swivel he bought, and ended up selling it to me. Having 3, I really wanted 1 more swivel and have been searching Craigslist for the last several years. As luck would have it, I found someone locally selling 4 swivels. He had bought them with the intention of somehow mounting them to his Fredrik desk with no luck. I snapped up all 4 for his $5.00 asking price even though I only needed 1 more since these parts are so functional.
Originally bought for $129.00 in 2005, this desk has been absolutely awesome for my needs and extremely well built. I’ve definitely gotten my moneys worth out of this desk.
I have one for sale in Los Angeles. Contact me at josh@joshdowell.com
I just got one that a friend was giving away, in part because of the praise on this site. I love it.
I’m selling mine (reluctantly) on CL if anyone is interested: http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fuo/2266788328.html
I just recently read about this and I really want one. The fredrick table does not appear to be easily adjustable. Anyone have any experience with the fredrick table and how it adjusts.
I have a fredrik desk the wide one. As far as adjusting it, if you know how to assemble it then you know how to adjust it. I love my fredrik desk it keeps my external hard drives organize and its pretty sturdy. As for the drawer, I’d suggest to get the Helmer drawer unit. It’s $40 here in Southern California and the Fredrik drawer is $30 but the Helmer gives you more drawers.
If anyone needs the Jerker swivel table, I have one. email dowhatyado@sbcglobal.net
how do i adjust the height of the table on the fredrik desk – it seems almost impossible as it clips in and wont unclip – any advice gratefully received!
thanks
I am selling my Jerker if anyone’s interested? Birch/silver located in Cambridge uk. Make an offer (include realistic postage and packing please). Steve 01223 33 0580
I have a CPU Holder that I would like to trade for accessories such as a swivel table. Let me know what you have. wandasmans@me.com
Hi,
I’m from Portugal. Does anyone has Jerker shelfs to sell and the additional height modules that could ship to Portugal?
Best regards,
Telmo