This is hands down the best video on TH-cam explaining French cleat system for a beginner. For example you explaned the mistakes of why the speaker tool holder didn't work. It was so helpful. I hope you show your redo. Also, I would like to see how you made some of your tool holders, like the drill bit holder. You are so good at explaining the basics. That's great for a beginner like me.
Thanks for the feedback, I plan on another video in the next few weeks where I cover some of the tool holders I've built, and some new ones I have in mind. Welcome to the channel
Holy smokes! My homemade screwdriver holder (rack) has the exact issue as your Bluetooth speaker shelf. I haven’t taken the time to investigate why it’s constantly falling off the wall or how I need to fix that. And now I don’t have to figure things out because you showed me. Thanks!
@@billmiller5924 You are welcome. I hope you like it. I removed the shoulder pads and I felt they were too bulky and never stayed in place. But everything else I love about it.
The math is pretty easy. It’s ¹/₂ the width of the board - ¹/₂ the thickness of the board - ¹/₂ the width of the saw blade kerf. In your case: 3-¹/₂ - 3/8 - 1/16 = 2-13/16 where you put your fence. Hope it helps!
I have just subscribed because you filled in a few gaps in the setup of the dimensions for building a french cleat wall I will be building once I recover from a recent surgery and regain my strength. As I am now retired at 74 I am going to be doing woodworking to occupy my extra time and to stay in shape. Thanks for all the great tips.
I’ve watched a LOT of YT videos on French Cleats, and you raise some points that no one else has! For example, no need to make the tool holder clears the same height as the wall cleats. Or, no need for the tool holder cleat to run the full width of the holder. Nice job; glad I watched to the end!
I am brand new to this and basic woodworking. This is by far the best video I have seen on the topic. Thank you for the investment of your time and energy into this.
I have also been building small organizing cabinets or at least simple boxes to organize like items to get organized. For example, I built a Dremel tool station that has the tool and all accessories and supplies in one enclosure that hangs up on the French cleat wall and comes off when needed. Super neat. Now I’m making something similar for all my soldering irons and wire splicing stuff (also decorating it in a steampunk theme to make it more fun).
Thank you for the detailed process! Makes sense. We are going to be using the French cleat system to install a removable 2 part (split down the middle) king size murphy bed in a cargo trailer... Camping on the weekends, empty usable cargo trailer during the week for work etc. Bed will be 2x4 construction but feel confident 3/4 plywood cleats on both sides will be strong enough. we will use full length cleats on the bed cleats as well as the wall. Bed will also be supported with legs. Bed can also be a couch/sofa if needed too! This video also gave me ideas how to add a small shelf to put my phone/book on in bed as well as a removable table in couch position. So many options!!!
Great video on French cleats, the black background is a sharp look. I have a lot of French cleats in my shop and every once in awhile will rearrange my tool holders…so easy with this system.
Superb video. I’ve watched a lot of French cleat videos and you cover the key points better than most. Your center of rotation point is not one I’ve seen presented that way or as well before.
Also, to make them even easier to cut, just angle your blade to 45 and set the fence however thick you want your cleats, then just start cutting them off a 4x8 sheet, one after another... You end up with a 45 degree cleat on top, and a 45 degree that goes back towards the wall on the bottom then, and it looks cool! All I'm saying is, in all of these videos for French Cleats, people always tell you to measure this and that to find the middle of each double cleat you will cut, all so that the bottom is squared, but it's such a huge pain in the @ss to screw around like that when you can just set the saw up and start ripping them off one after another, and you don't have to worry about the knuckle cutting edge that's left on the bottom edges then either, because it's a 45 degree that slops back down towards the wall, and they all match and look cool as well!!!
WOW!!! First-time viewer/subscriber...LOVED this video. I'm a little older than you sir, I do believe and we didn't have the internet..but thankful for folks like yourself on here sharing your much-appreciated knowledge. I mentioned the age simply...at 60, this year...I am just now hearing of the French cleat."...or maybe it was called something else by another....but I am amazed at what I have seen on different videos of what one can do with them...AMAZING!. Your video, however, is by far the best one I have sat through to the end and thoroughly enjoyed...informative in such a manner that it was easy to understand...thank you. Sincerely, thank you for your passion, love for your work, and the careful thinking that goes into the video and all the info you share. Keep up the great work and I am looking forward to the next one!!!
Thanks for the video; there's some good info in there. I really like the black wall behind the cleats; I think I'm going to steal that idea for my shop.
Great video! You filled in some gaps for me that I was not even aware of. I am in the process of setting up my shop (1 car garage)(smart car maybe) with OSB on the walls for my FC's. I am interested in seeing what else you have on your channel so I subscribed. Happy Holidays!!!
I like your shop apron , it look durable , and good color . It seems to have great pocket locations that are both functional easy reach . I would like one for my self . Where did you buy / get it from . Enjoyed the useful information about the French cleats video. -Robert
Did you put plywood over your drywall before attaching the cleats? Some attache the cleats directly to the drywall, and others recommend ~ ½" plywood over the sheetrock, either for aesthetics or perhaps to allow more attachment points for the cleats. Any advice? Great presentation. I especially appreciated how you stressed proper construction of the tool cleats so they don't rotate off the wall cleat! Thank you!
I’ve built some for cabinets but don’t have them hung yet. I’ve been planning another wall for tools and I e been watching lots of videos for ideas. I agree with you that both sides do not need to be full height. I keep wondering why other channels keep telling you to cut them so they are EXACTLY the same size.
Nods, my advice comes from my own experience. The 45 does all the work. The height of the cleat on the tool holder on most cases is inconsequential. Only when mounting something very heavy or a cabinet, would I go full height.
Thank you for your excellent video. Your explanations are refreshingly clear and succinct. Thank you for sharing. There has been some discussion around cleats with 45 degree cuts top and bottom. Do you have any views on this?
Mdf works fine. Maybe not in high daily use but for the average guy it’s lasted a year so far. I also have open studs with 0 problems. My 8lb maul hangs in the middle of studs again 0 issues after a year. I made my cleats 2 1/4” wide only 1 screw per stud. Other than disagreeing with materials this video is nicely done! Good job helping with information that’s useful!
I’ve seen a couple videos , by far the best, just curious wether I should use 3/4” or 1” for my cleats . I’m leaning towards 3/4” so I can get 4’ by 8’ and make the most.
That answered some of my questions. I had wondered about the space between the cleat and the cleat you put on the tool holder. I can see 2" cleat for tool holder would be great. do you rip 2" strips with a 45 for your tool holders so all you have to do is cut off a section for the tool holder?
Bought a switch from Klein plug any tool and and a dust collector and when you turn tool on the dust collector automatically turns on and continues to run like 15 secs after you shut off tool
Question - Is it possible to use half inch OSB (1/2 inch x 3 inches x 48 inches) to create french cleats? Is half inch OSB strong enough? Will it hold cabinets or tools?
okay -if i use plywood can i use half inch plywood to make French cleats? Also, I found this video, have you seen this video - th-cam.com/video/d9uBHHzjDOs/w-d-xo.html - OSB might be as strong as plywood.
I want to put French cleats on my sheet rock wall. I have seen people use sheets of plywood that they attach the French clear to prior to hanging them on wall. Do you just secure that whole assembly to the studs or would you secure the cleats through the plywood thru the sheet rock into studs?
I want to put French cleats on my sheet rock wall. I’ve seen people add French cleats to a sheet of plywood then attach the whole assembly to the sheet rock wall. Securing the whole assembly to the sheet rock wall do you recommend screws go through the French cleat through the plywood through the sheet rock into the studs? Or just the plywood backer board of the French cleat?
I went directly into the studs. My wall is drywalled. Plywood is only needed if you dont already have drywall, or your stud spacing is too far apart. (like 24"+ instead of 16")
If you decide you need plywood over the drywall, I would attach the plywood first (using screws long enough to put 1 1/2" into the stud, like described in the video), THEN add the cleats to the plywood. That gives you the versatility of moving/rearranging the cleats, in the future.
I've got a metal frame shop where the metal studs are about 5feet from each other. I want to do a cleat system so would you recommend putting wood studs between the metal studs or do you think it's ok to put a piece of plywood attached just to the metal studs?
5' is a pretty good span, but in my opinion, if you use 3/4" - 1" quality 5-ply plywood, I think you would attain the strength you're looking for. That said, any wood studs added between the metal studs certainly wouldn't hurt, and would create additional strength. Perhaps add the wood studs in just one or two of the bays, for handling your heaviest tools, then just use plywood everywhere else, for the smaller items.
Great video, but can I suggest less talking and get to the point quicker and not repeatedly before moving on. Just positive suggestion. Still very informative presentation.
Great video, thanks very much!! I learned a lot, not just about French cleats! I do have to ask, why the love for phillips (star) screws? I find Robertson (square) far superior to Philips. They can take way more torque and don't drive the bit out like I find phillips do. And you really gotta abuse them hard to strip them out. Maybe you should do a comparison video?? That would be pretty cool! 😊 Subscribing!
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This is hands down the best video on TH-cam explaining French cleat system for a beginner. For example you explaned the mistakes of why the speaker tool holder didn't work. It was so helpful. I hope you show your redo. Also, I would like to see how you made some of your tool holders, like the drill bit holder. You are so good at explaining the basics. That's great for a beginner like me.
Thanks for the feedback, I plan on another video in the next few weeks where I cover some of the tool holders I've built, and some new ones I have in mind. Welcome to the channel
I too have been using this method for building mine and it is the most effective method for building I have found!!
I can't thank you enough. Forty five years wood working and still want to learn new ideas.
Julien Lamarche.
I really thank you.
Nice presentation. You took the time to build a mock up for us. A picture is worth a thousand words. Thank you I learned a lot.
Holy smokes! My homemade screwdriver holder (rack) has the exact issue as your Bluetooth speaker shelf. I haven’t taken the time to investigate why it’s constantly falling off the wall or how I need to fix that. And now I don’t have to figure things out because you showed me.
Thanks!
You're welcome! I fail so you don't have to! :)
I like how you explain everything with great detailed information
Thanks- Bill M
Thanks, I appreciate it. Sometimes I feel like I'm being long-winded!
@@TheSuburbanGarageWorkshop - that’s exactly what I liked / meant by great detailed info ….. & where did you buy your shop apron
Thanks again-Bill M
@@billmiller5924 Here is the Amazon link to the Apron I wear: amzn.to/3ic4YZ9
@@TheSuburbanGarageWorkshop I bought the shop apron - thanks for sending the link
@@billmiller5924 You are welcome. I hope you like it. I removed the shoulder pads and I felt they were too bulky and never stayed in place. But everything else I love about it.
The blue tape tip alone was a win! Liked the black backing for tool contrast. Thanks for explaining so well so we avoid finding out
Thanks for getting into some of the potential pitfalls, and how to avoid them.
Great video! Have a much better understanding of how the French cleat system works.
Thanks!
The math is pretty easy. It’s ¹/₂ the width of the board - ¹/₂ the thickness of the board - ¹/₂ the width of the saw blade kerf. In your case: 3-¹/₂ - 3/8 - 1/16 = 2-13/16 where you put your fence. Hope it helps!
I have just subscribed because you filled in a few gaps in the setup of the dimensions for building a french cleat wall I will be building once I recover from a recent surgery and regain my strength. As I am now retired at 74 I am going to be doing woodworking to occupy my extra time and to stay in shape. Thanks for all the great tips.
Great explanation and tips
I’ve watched a LOT of YT videos on French Cleats, and you raise some points that no one else has! For example, no need to make the tool holder clears the same height as the wall cleats. Or, no need for the tool holder cleat to run the full width of the holder. Nice job; glad I watched to the end!
I've watched alone of these but I.would say u explained more then anyone thanks for that
I am brand new to this and basic woodworking. This is by far the best video I have seen on the topic. Thank you for the investment of your time and energy into this.
I have also been building small organizing cabinets or at least simple boxes to organize like items to get organized. For example, I built a Dremel tool station that has the tool and all accessories and supplies in one enclosure that hangs up on the French cleat wall and comes off when needed. Super neat.
Now I’m making something similar for all my soldering irons and wire splicing stuff (also decorating it in a steampunk theme to make it more fun).
That's sound pretty neat!
Thank you for the detailed process! Makes sense. We are going to be using the French cleat system to install a removable 2 part (split down the middle) king size murphy bed in a cargo trailer... Camping on the weekends, empty usable cargo trailer during the week for work etc. Bed will be 2x4 construction but feel confident 3/4 plywood cleats on both sides will be strong enough. we will use full length cleats on the bed cleats as well as the wall. Bed will also be supported with legs. Bed can also be a couch/sofa if needed too! This video also gave me ideas how to add a small shelf to put my phone/book on in bed as well as a removable table in couch position. So many options!!!
Good luck with your build! Let me know how it comes out.
Great video on French cleats, the black background is a sharp look. I have a lot of French cleats in my shop and every once in awhile will rearrange my tool holders…so easy with this system.
This is the best video on French Cleats I've seen!
Superb video. I’ve watched a lot of French cleat videos and you cover the key points better than most. Your center of rotation point is not one I’ve seen presented that way or as well before.
excellent intro to french cleat walls. I love the do's and don'ts section and really appreciate all the pointers!
Also, to make them even easier to cut, just angle your blade to 45 and set the fence however thick you want your cleats, then just start cutting them off a 4x8 sheet, one after another...
You end up with a 45 degree cleat on top, and a 45 degree that goes back towards the wall on the bottom then, and it looks cool!
All I'm saying is, in all of these videos for French Cleats, people always tell you to measure this and that to find the middle of each double cleat you will cut, all so that the bottom is squared, but it's such a huge pain in the @ss to screw around like that when you can just set the saw up and start ripping them off one after another, and you don't have to worry about the knuckle cutting edge that's left on the bottom edges then either, because it's a 45 degree that slops back down towards the wall, and they all match and look cool as well!!!
What a great video! Very well explained and in depth.
You can be a teacher!
This was a very helpful video. Great presentation and very clear instruction. Thanks for taking the time to make it ! Cheers.
WOW!!!
First-time viewer/subscriber...LOVED this video. I'm a little older than you sir, I do believe and we didn't have the internet..but thankful for folks like yourself on here sharing your much-appreciated knowledge. I mentioned the age simply...at 60, this year...I am just now hearing of the French cleat."...or maybe it was called something else by another....but I am amazed at what I have seen on different videos of what one can do with them...AMAZING!. Your video, however, is by far the best one I have sat through to the end and thoroughly enjoyed...informative in such a manner that it was easy to understand...thank you. Sincerely, thank you for your passion, love for your work, and the careful thinking that goes into the video and all the info you share. Keep up the great work and I am looking forward to the next one!!!
Perfect- there is so much noise out there wrt French cleats and I'm ready to do some.
You can do it!
Thanks for the video; there's some good info in there. I really like the black wall behind the cleats; I think I'm going to steal that idea for my shop.
Very informative, clear and good
SUPERB!!! This is the kind of video to learn the do's and don'ts. Thank you for taking the time. Subscribed!!!
This was an extremely helpful video. I am excited to follow your tips to make a french cleat system for my garage. Thank you. :)
Thanks nice video nice advice well appreciated thanks from Dave in Wales UK.
Great tips - thanks
You're welcome!
WOW. This is some great information, Thank you for the video.
You've shared a lot of great info, it was just what I was looking for. Great Job and I subscribed!
Thankyou. Awesome instrucs.
I enjoyed the video love learning something new.
Great video! You filled in some gaps for me that I was not even aware of. I am in the process of setting up my shop (1 car garage)(smart car maybe) with OSB on the walls for my FC's. I am interested in seeing what else you have on your channel so I subscribed. Happy Holidays!!!
Thanks!
I like your shop apron , it look durable , and good color .
It seems to have great pocket locations that are both functional easy reach .
I would like one for my self .
Where did you buy / get it from .
Enjoyed the useful information about the French cleats video.
-Robert
ty very much
Did you put plywood over your drywall before attaching the cleats? Some attache the cleats directly to the drywall, and others recommend ~ ½" plywood over the sheetrock, either for aesthetics or perhaps to allow more attachment points for the cleats. Any advice? Great presentation. I especially appreciated how you stressed proper construction of the tool cleats so they don't rotate off the wall cleat! Thank you!
Its drywall. But the cleats are screwed through the drywall and into the studs with 3-1/2" screws
I’ve built some for cabinets but don’t have them hung yet. I’ve been planning another wall for tools and I e been watching lots of videos for ideas. I agree with you that both sides do not need to be full height. I keep wondering why other channels keep telling you to cut them so they are EXACTLY the same size.
Nods, my advice comes from my own experience. The 45 does all the work. The height of the cleat on the tool holder on most cases is inconsequential. Only when mounting something very heavy or a cabinet, would I go full height.
Thank you for your excellent video. Your explanations are refreshingly clear and succinct. Thank you for sharing.
There has been some discussion around cleats with 45 degree cuts top and bottom. Do you have any views on this?
Mdf works fine. Maybe not in high daily use but for the average guy it’s lasted a year so far. I also have open studs with 0 problems. My 8lb maul hangs in the middle of studs again 0 issues after a year. I made my cleats 2 1/4” wide only 1 screw per stud. Other than disagreeing with materials this video is nicely done! Good job helping with information that’s useful!
I’ve seen a couple videos , by far the best, just curious wether I should use 3/4” or 1” for my cleats . I’m leaning towards 3/4” so I can get 4’ by 8’ and make the most.
3/4. True 1" stock is hard to find and expensive
I've seen a bunch of cleat videos where they put plywood over drywall before hanging cleats. I wasn't sure that was necessary, what are your thoughts?
That answered some of my questions. I had wondered about the space between the cleat and the cleat you put on the tool holder. I can see 2" cleat for tool holder would be great. do you rip 2" strips with a 45 for your tool holders so all you have to do is cut off a section for the tool holder?
Cleats are spaced 3-1/2 apart. I use a 2x4 as a spacer. My Cleats are 3" tall and I use 1x4 pine board that I cut a 45 on the edge
Yes, rip a couple of full length 2" strips ... then you can cut off a piece, the size you need, as you build each tool holder.
Bought a switch from Klein plug any tool and and a dust collector and when you turn tool on the dust collector automatically turns on and continues to run like 15 secs after you shut off tool
Question - Is it possible to use half inch OSB (1/2 inch x 3 inches x 48 inches) to create french cleats? Is half inch OSB strong enough? Will it hold cabinets or tools?
You should never use OSB or MDF.
okay -if i use plywood can i use half inch plywood to make French cleats? Also, I found this video, have you seen this video - th-cam.com/video/d9uBHHzjDOs/w-d-xo.html - OSB might be as strong as plywood.
I want to put French cleats on my sheet rock wall. I have seen people use sheets of plywood that they attach the French clear to prior to hanging them on wall. Do you just secure that whole assembly to the studs or would you secure the cleats through the plywood thru the sheet rock into studs?
You can see that I just secured it to the studs. Plywood is only needed if you didn't have drywall or your stud spacing isn't 16" on center
I want to put French cleats on my sheet rock wall. I’ve seen people add French cleats to a sheet of plywood then attach the whole assembly to the sheet rock wall. Securing the whole assembly to the sheet rock wall do you recommend screws go through the French cleat through the plywood through the sheet rock into the studs? Or just the plywood backer board of the French cleat?
I went directly into the studs. My wall is drywalled. Plywood is only needed if you dont already have drywall, or your stud spacing is too far apart. (like 24"+ instead of 16")
If you decide you need plywood over the drywall, I would attach the plywood first (using screws long enough to put 1 1/2" into the stud, like described in the video), THEN add the cleats to the plywood. That gives you the versatility of moving/rearranging the cleats, in the future.
I've got a metal frame shop where the metal studs are about 5feet from each other. I want to do a cleat system so would you recommend putting wood studs between the metal studs or do you think it's ok to put a piece of plywood attached just to the metal studs?
I'd put up a sheet of plywood between the metal studs if it was me
5' is a pretty good span, but in my opinion, if you use 3/4" - 1" quality 5-ply plywood, I think you would attain the strength you're looking for. That said, any wood studs added between the metal studs certainly wouldn't hurt, and would create additional strength. Perhaps add the wood studs in just one or two of the bays, for handling your heaviest tools, then just use plywood everywhere else, for the smaller items.
Is it 👌 to use osb for French cleats
No, they are not as strong. Either plywood or regular wood
I've always been told you need more than 2 inches
need more volume
Great video, but can I suggest less talking and get to the point quicker and not repeatedly before moving on. Just positive suggestion. Still very informative presentation.
my comment
😂😂😂
:)
Too much talking.
Great video, thanks very much!! I learned a lot, not just about French cleats!
I do have to ask, why the love for phillips (star) screws? I find Robertson (square) far superior to Philips. They can take way more torque and don't drive the bit out like I find phillips do. And you really gotta abuse them hard to strip them out. Maybe you should do a comparison video?? That would be pretty cool! 😊 Subscribing!