What Tools Do I Need to Put a Mates Bed Together?

Screwdriver

• A screwdriver is an essential tool for constructing nearly any piece of equipment or furniture, including a bed. Many beds have screws that get twisted into the frame to hold baseboards and other pieces together into a cohesive unit. While screws come in varying sizes, a basic screwdriver should fit the screws typically used in bed construction. Some beds use flat-head screws while others utilize Philips screws, which have a cross-shape. Have a screwdriver for both varieties to ensure you can work with either screw type as needed.

Allen Wrench Set

• An Allen wrench is a piece of curved metal that is usually in the shape of a square or a hexagon at the end. The wrench slides into a bolt and is then twisted to either tighten or loosen the bolt. Many beds rely on Allen wrenches during assembly. Most will come with the appropriate wrench along with the bolts and screws but if the bed has been assembled before, the wrench may have been lost. Bring a full set with you so you can quickly tighten and loosen bolts of various sizes. This saves you time and effort.

Socket Wrench Set

• A socket wrench works in similar fashion to an Allen wrench but with a completely different type of bolt. The socket wrench fits around the outside of a bolt and then provides a lever that you use to tighten or loosen it. Socket sets come with a variety of different attachments that all snap onto the same handle, making it adaptable so you can change it to accommodate the specific bolts on the bed.

Rubber Mallet

• Some bed components are supposed to slide together before the bolts or screws go in to hold them in place. Unfortunately, with age and wear, these parts often become difficult to manipulate properly if the bed has been disassembled and reassembled multiple times in the past. A rubber mallet works like a hammer in that it strikes one piece to force it into a slot or opening but the rubber is less likely to cause damage than a metal hammerhead is. Ideally, the mallet won't be needed and the bed will fit together smoothly. However, it is better to be prepared in case this doesn't happen.