Thread: French Cleats for workshop

Hi Tennyson,

I am just getting into woodwork and have been setting up my shop in a one car garage. I have implemented the french cleat system as used my Marc Spagnuolo in the wood whisperer podcast. I much prefer it to the peg system frequently seen at Bunnings etc.

I just grabbed a sheet of 1200 * 600 12mm ply I had lying around for the back piece, ripped a 45 degree bevel out of a piece of pine (90*19 about 1200 long), also scrap, and screwed it together with some screws. I had 35mm and 25mm screws on hand so chose to go with 35's. The extra bit coming out the back of the sheet, I ground down with my angle grinder. I find for storage, it's going to get a lot of use, so I prefer to use longest screws possible for maximum strength. I would highly recommend this system. I also ripped a 45 degree bevel on some shorter (200mm) pieces I had in my scrap bin and knocked up various shelving units for specific tasks.

Best thing in my shop, which reminds me, I need to make another one.

Hey Guys

How about some pics???

Wot's wrong with nails??

HazzaB

Originally Posted by HazzaB

Hey Guys

How about some pics???

Wot's wrong with nails??

HazzaB

I don't have a camera at the moment, so can't upload photos. These are some really great links though:

What a french cleat actually is

Marc Spagnuolo's episode on french cleat system

Some great examples of french cleat storage units to make

A similar system except with L hooks instead of 45 degree angles

Hope these helped.

With regard to the nails, I suppose you could use nails, I just prefer screws for load bearing applications. I always fear the nail would be wrenched out and the whole unit would come tumbling onto the floor. That's what I fear anyway.

Tom

Thanks Fella's this is brilliant and really helpful. I have made a stack of cleats and jig holding devises and really appreciate the fact I can make a small box with cleat at the back and quickly remove it onto my work bench for use and replace it back on the wall (maybe not in the same spot),
I'll post some picks when finished.
Thanks Heaps - Tom especially

Regards,
Tennyson

Originally Posted by HazzaB

Wot's wrong with nails??

HazzaB

Apparently not classy enough.

Not a thing Hazza - brilliant also - thanks for taking time to reply.
Tennyson

This my version of a French cleat... which I didn't know was a French cleat, goes to show I can still learn something
Attachment 131347Attachment 131348
Attachment 131349

I would prefer to go with screws over nails for this sort of thing
Pete

Hey Pete,

Aren't them pics upside down, the other post shows the hook on the wall facing up so that the other bits 'hook on' ?? and gravity holds them in position.

HazzaB

Originally Posted by HazzaB

Hey Pete,

Aren't them pics upside down, the other post shows the hook on the wall facing up so that the other bits 'hook on' ?? and gravity holds them in position.

HazzaB

no not upside down, here's a rear view of the shelf using that french cleat,
Attachment 131398

the lower half is sitting on the bench as it would be screwed to the wall.
My design differs in there is minimal wedging action as there is in the 45° cut on the typical design.

Pete