How to make ikea chairs & waste a sat morning, swearing

Take parts out of box

Have coffee ready. Especially one in inspirational mug. Don't lose pieces all over floor

The key piece

This is what it should look like

This is the second step of how it should look - with bolt in position

But this irritating piece is the frequent failure mode - doesn't fit well into their poorly drilled holes, and gets jammed halfway frequently, frustratingly

At this point, choose hammer wisely

Very clear step. Feels good to say it loudly. Make sure kids are out of earshot at the neighbors.

Yup, got it in finally.

Release angry tension into the tightening process.

Done. But wait, didn't I try assembling six?

Ask spouse to take broken/busted chair that failed the assembly process back to Ikea to get a proper one