To think I have let down every woman everywhere?

[ImOnMyTumbleTap]

I have disappointed myself in being completely unable to put a fucking, bullshit, crappy bookcase together. It just will not work!

My DP offered to help me with it but I told him I was perfectly capable of putting together a book case, thank you very much. Now I have to go crawling back and say I can't. Gah!

Result!

In your honour I have just backed my massive board in green and purple - Suffragette/Independent DIY Woman colours. It looks lovely.

I have never been more proud of myself! Who needs a man when you have Mumsnet!

Right! Time for some chocolate I think!

Yay!! That looks great.

Well done OP!

Hurrah!!!! I am roaring GEEEEET IIIIIN!!! here. You totally owned that bookcase.

Although I think it needs to store wine as well as books?

Paradise the wine sounds like a good idea! Maybe I could build a hidden compartment to store my wine in. I'm getting into this DIY lark!

Can I must point out that for any problem you have in DIY, there is a YouTube video that tell you how to fix it ?

Obv not needed by the talented OP but useful for future reference for everyone else

Why would I use YouTube when I can have the amazing support of my fellow Mumsnetters?

Have you ever seen something so beautiful in all your life excluding DCs, I guess?

That is a work of art

Hey, most men I know can't put a flat pack together. Some of us have the DIY gene, some of us don't. It isn't gender based.

As someone has already suggested, go and buy a second hand bookcase instead. Or ask Ikea to make them up before you leave, like I do.

Looks like you'll be needing another one of them soon! When your DH seems surprised, act cool as a cucumber as if it's no big deal.

I'm glad I didn't buy a second hand one now! Gave me the opportunity to start this thread and have a good laugh at my inadequacies.

If my DP asks, it took me 20 minutes and I didn't even need the instructions.

Beautiful! And still has room for the new Harry Potter :)

That's the spirit!

Best thread ever. Short timescale, collaborative working, pictures... GO WOMAN!!! 💃🏽💃🏽

I wouldn't over worry about this. Make a cuppa tea, then sit down with the instructions and try to stay calm. Make sure you understand the theory of putting it together so that you don't look like the complete idiot that you feel you are.

I've grappled with flat pack, at times you need an extra hand literally to hold a piece in place while another piece is added. Measure the screws properly - sometimes they add them in say, 15cm and 12cm and are very exact as to which fits into which pre-drilled hole.

There's loads of help on the internet and don't be ashamed to ask DH for a hand. Your hands are prob smaller/weaker than a man's. Use the right tool for the job and rest - your hands.
It's a learning experience and you'll feel a great sense of achievement when you've finished.

Apocalypse I am glad you enjoyed it.

If you are using it with kids it might make sense to use a bracket to attach it to the wall. Or might have books all over the place.

Looks great tho. I made an Ikea coffee table and was so proud. In fact it is still in use about 2 years later.

my H is a kitchen fitter and could have done it with his eyes closed, bu I insisted. So glad I did.

Ah, I've just gone back over the thread. You've done it! Well done. Doesn't it feel great? And now for a cupboard with doors!

I've built one of those Argos units and had the same problem with those little black plastic corner things. No pilot holes iirc.

I am the flat pack Queen! I've even fixed wobbly bookcases like some kind of DIY expert.

Well done!

Unfortunately I don't have anywhere that I can attach it to the wall. My kids are in Year 5 though so they should be alright.