Not impressed with this shelf. I initially used a blunt hammer with thick cloth covering to try and put the post, beams, and brace in place. Then used a rubber mallet to try get a stronger hinge with the connecting pieces. Tried to peg the braces to the posts but short of me welding or completely bending the metal, the pieces would still come apart any time I tried connecting other pieces. I’m a fairly strong guy too. Mine could be faulty but was unable to get ahold of manufacturer and quite frankly, there are better shelf units that are easier and less frustrating to assemble. This is just my experience, but for how long it took to get delivered, (about a month) and the cost, not worth it.