How to Secure Ikea Vttsjo (VITTSJÖ) to a Wall

I ordered 3 units of the display case Ikea calls VITTSJÖ and, to prevent tip-overs, I had to find a way to secure it to the wall. Nothing simple comes up on a web search so I had to devise my own solution, especially that on forums there were no satisfactory answers to people asking for this. Maybe now this will come up in searches if anybody else is doing this.

Step 1: Prepare Your Work

I pondered quite a bit wondering how to secure these tall pieces of furniture to the wall so that I prevent myself (or somebody else) tipping it over one day. I was sure I had to drill holes into the walls (mine are masonry) and use some sort of straps or cables or even chain but to be frank all those I found on a quick search were either expensive, I had to order them from far away or weren't looking good.

So I thought to use the specifically made holes in the Ikea Vittsjo but instead of using a strap I would secure them directly to the wall, solving a few issues:

1) There will be no wasted space between the wall and the display case;

2) There will be no chance of rocking back and forth, side to side;

I bought 3 such units to install one next to the other so bolting them to the wall would give me a good chance to have them stay in fixed positions, with minimal space between the units, something I couldn't have hoped for the units freestanding.

So I basically only need screws, plastic expanding dowels, a screwdriver (manual or electric), washers, and, to be able to insert the washer and the screw into the square tube, some sort of string, thin wire or, as you can see in the pic, some elastic bands.

Note: I used a Girth Hitch (https://roperescuetraining.com/images/rigging/knots/Knots-Hitch-Girth.png) to "lasso" the closed loop of the elastic band around the tip of the screw. Tighten well, the elastic tension will keep it from unwinding off the screw tip.

Step 2: Funny Part: Insert the Screw and Washer in the Back Hole So It Can't Be Seen From the Front

This is the funny part, as the title states. I didn't want to use a very long screw that would extend from the front face of the square tube into the wall. Instead, I used a screw of such a size that it's head goes through the hole, and, to be able to catch on the tube, used a washer that I had to insert into the tube. Actually the pictures are doing a better job of explaining the idea than I can articulate :).

The technique goes like this:

1) Drop the Loop into the tube until its bow goes below the hole;

2) Catch the loop with another screw (basically get the screw into the lateral hole, pull back the loop until you get resistance from the elastic, pull helping screw out keeping the tension on the elastic);

3) While still holding the upper screw, pull the elastic band until you get a good tension on the elastic, then let go of the upper screw into the tube. Hopefully the tip of the screw will get straight out of the hole, otherwise use a pair of tweezers or some fine tipped pliers and play with it until you get it out of the back hole;

4) Use some way to catch the tip of the screw outside so that it doesn't fall into the tube, in which case you will have to rotate the whole thing upside down to let it fall back out and repeat the hole process.

Now do the same for the hole on the other side of the display case.

Step 3: Prepare the Holes in the Wall and Insert the Plastic Dowels

If you have only one unit it should be fairly easy:

1) put the upper frame onto the unit (you had to take it away in order to be able to insert the screw and washer through the tube);

2) push the display case against the wall and do a mark with a thin screwdriver or another thin object (pencil didn't go through the hole, maybe use only the inside ink cartridge);

3) take the unit away;

3) drill hole, plug the dowel;

4) put the unit back on and carefully take whatever you used to secure the screw from falling into the tube out and screw it in completely, without forcing, as you will be taking it out again for the second hole;

5) use a spirit level to find the position of the unit so it's perfectly aligned (you can use the adjusting screw footings to keep that position); !! Check again !! :)

5) mark the second position through the other anchoring hole;

6) take the unit away again (unscrew the first screw until completely out, pinch it again with something so it doesn't fall into the tube;

7) drill hole, plug the dowel into it;

8) install the unit against the wall and screw both screws;

If you don't have any more units, just take a step back and marvel at the sight. Have a beer, this was quite a demanding job.

If you have more units, then you have to get some clamps (with plastic tips shoes mandatory) and just lay flat one unit against the installed one, clamp them together, make sure the tops align, mark for hole, use the spirit level to make sure it's in the right position, mark the second hole, un-clamp, take away, drill holes, put back on, screw both screws, repeat :)

Step 4: Put on All the Shelves

Now I admit to having made one mistake. I didn't use a level and got some waviness because the floor was uneven (it is sagging at the middle). But, if you use the level and adjust the feet accordingly, you should end up with a great result.

This project takes quite a bit of time but when all will be properly arranged with books and decor it will be beautiful.