FRENCH CLEATS EXPLAINED...In 5 Minutes! (There's More To French Cleats Than You Think--3 Main Uses!)
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FRENCH CLEATS EXPLAINED...In 5 Minutes! (There's More To French Cleats Than You Think--3 Main Uses!)
There are about a million french cleat tutorials and project idea videos here on TH-cam. But this video is different...this short video from The Honest Carpenter will explain the underlying principles of the french cleat. It'll discuss WHY carpenters use them so often, WHERE we use them, and HOW you can use them in your projects as well!
FRENCH CLEATS are simply a method of mounting, suspending or hanging things from a vertical wall.
They consist of a board or slat with a 45-degree or 30-degree bevel across the top, mounted to a wall or stationary surface. This mates with an opposing bevel mounted to the back of another object. By hooking the two bevels together, the second object can be hung from the wall.
The reverse bevels trap each other. They prevent the mounted object from falling downwards, and also from PULLING AWAY from the wall.
FRENCH CLEATS ARE EXTREMELY STRONG!
Only engineers can determine their exact strength. But, as a rule of thumb: If you use 3/4" plywood for your cleat, and 2-1/2" deck screws to attach the ply to studs at every stud location, the cleat can typically hold 80+ lbs.
If you stagger two screws vertically, spaced out by an inch or more, at each stud location, then you can DOUBLE the mounting strength. And, you can also use MULTIPLE CLEATS, one spaced high, one spaced low, to mount a single object, adding even more strength.
In a full wall system, french cleats can create a blank canvas from which to hang many tools or materials. And, this creates VERSATILITY, because you can always change or move mounts however you like.
French cleats also allow you to DISGUISE YOUR MOUNTING METHOD.
French cleats are often used to hang very heavy cabinets. Carpenters will hide a cleat on the back side of the cabinet, firmly attached to the structure. The cabinet itself will then hide a french cleat mounted to the wall.
And now, custom metal hardware performs the same function as the french cleat! It can be attached with just a drill, cutting out the carpentry phase.
Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Great job. I loved your video and saw your interview as well on another channel. You are doing great things. That 45 degree angle is super important. At 45 degrees, forces in the X and Y direction are the same. That's the only angle from 0 to 90 degrees that offers that which is 45 is found everywhere when you need building strength.
Thank you, Dave! Dang, that’s a great point. I wish I’d put it that way in the video 😆 That’s the engineering side of things that I sometimes don’t convey as well in my scripts. Thanks for watching the interview with Steve too-he’s such an easy guy to talk to!
@@jeremiahbullfrog9288 Great point… also if using scrapwood (knotty) or low grade plywood, I’d trust 30 degree cleats over 45.
Moving the center of mass below the hanging point also will reduce the torque and reduce the amount of shear force.
Is there a max height for a cleat so it doesn't fall over? For a heavy vanity should the cleat be near the top of the back or middle? Thanks
@@instantalbums Great question. I have never used a cleat for a vanity - but have for a variety of power tools. Definitely towards the top and bottom. Give it two points of attachment for stability. Max weight? Well, I'm sure there is but for a vanity if you do two points attached to studs, you should be fine.
This is by far the best channel for everyone. I'm a union carpenter of 10 years and still love hearing you explain things/methods I've been using for years
Thanks so much, Kellan! I love hearing from other carpenters. I really appreciate the feedback!
Couldn't agree more!
Yeah, I'm a hack carpenter that's leveled up over the years, same deal, it's great having things like this explained and learning a few things along the way
As a picture framer, I can say that the aluminum cleats like Honest Carpenter links to are great not only for heavy things but also for customers who do not like the traditional way a picture hangs from wire and want a more even against the wall look. When using them on very heavy frames, and I've done this on a ridiculously heavy mirror that was 10 feet wide, remember you can put another rail along the bottom edge of the frame for extra support as long as your frame is wide enough to hide the wall hardware. About 3 inches should do it.
We utilize french cleats all the time for high school theater sets. The kids run the show and we needed a simple, strong method to put scene overlays on different set pieces. For example, Kids will grab a 6' x 6' flat, run out on stage during scene change, drop it into place, shift left/right for alignment, run off stage. Speeds up the scene changes a lot!
I’ve noticed that French cleats make hanging things that are long horizontally way easier. Also it’s a better way to spread the weight across the wall rather than in just one or two spots.
Yep, exactly Assemblee! You can get three studs in on the support process with 34" of cleat. They're just so stable and efficient!
This worked great for a new king-size headboard we bought this summer. It provides a rock-solid attachment.
I hung my 55” Sony with 2x4 cleats. Bolted the top cleat right to the Vesa holes
I would have added that when hanging cabinets etc, it’s much easier to ensure that they are level. Verify that the wall cleat is level, and the corresponding cleat on the object to be hung is square/level. This is a huge advantage when your hanging a large or heavy object by yourself. You don’t need anyone to hold the cabinet in place while your trying to screw it down. Plus as you mentioned, you can adjust from side to side easily if necessary.
Thanks for another good, quick and informative video...
Technically sound, practical, and honest- your channel is a true credit to the platform. LOVED this vid. I never knew about french cleats.
There's one more benefit, especially for cabinets and other living space fixtures/art: it makes it much easier to ensure your piece is level. You only have to make sure the lightweight and easy to handle cleats are level when mounting them to the wall, and then make sure your cabinet-side cleat is square, and then you can just throw it on the wall without worrying about leveling up a large cabinet.
It also gives some flexibility for the left/right positioning of the object. Depending on the width of your cleats, you could potentially adjust your object several inches one way or the other.
Thanks! I've watched some of those other videos about French cleats but I still learned a lot from this one. I appreciate the insight into the engineering.
One of the most inspired things I did in my garage was to put a french cleat rail all along the top of the walls. I wanted to get bulky, less frequently used stuff as out of the way as possible, more importantly not shoved behind something in a forgotten cabinet or shelf. If you can't find it, or don't remember you have it, you'll end up getting another. It was so useful I ran a second rail all the way around, then down even more rails in select wall areas. Because I was able to move whole 'areas', e.g. metal working, camping/fishing, in an hour or less, I found out over time that I had some areas of my garage arranged inefficiently. Another benefit was how fun it was to design and build oddball custom 'hangers' for weird stuff - a perfect destiny for cutoffs and scraps.
That sounds like a very intriguing solution! Being able to change around what is easiest to reach makes a lot of sense.
@Kirby Spencer - it’s like you want us to see your garage…pics or we don’t believe you!!
@@duzzitmatter8679 Thanks, but after looking at things with a critical eye the only things anybody would find interesting would be a half dozen of those oddball scrap based 'hangers. The hat rack, drain auger, fluorescent/LED tubes, layout station, crossfire laser, and orphaned drill bit holders are the most original and seem to get the most "Hey, I think I'm going to do that." comments. The rest of it is basic stuff like you see on all of the french cleat channels like shelves, the mandatory charging station, or a stiff laundry basket with a hanger cleat attached to the back. All said, not enough to document for posterity.
Great video.
Also the insights to "why and how" make it easier to understand the concept behind it. yet making it easier for different projects which can adapt the knowledge.
I'm new to woodworking, and haven't built anything recently due to the heat. I now look forward to getting back in the shop and incorporating French cleats into my designs. I had no idea how strong they were. Thanks for info! This video got me to subscribe!
This videos are the highlight of my week, every week. I always learn something new. I knew about French cleats but didn't know all their benefits, I've been thinking of making some myself for a project but was hesitant since I've never made them, and knowing I can buy them solves all problems at once. Thanks for another amazing video!
Super informative! Makes leveling & hanging objects, simpler, safer and EASIER!
Love the bit about how to strengthen with two screws spaced vertical 1 inch apart and then having more than one cleat for heavy furniture. Brilliant video 👍
I had experimented with such forms at various times but didn't know what they were called. Your video has given me some new ideas for my new work shop and home projects. Thanks a million.
Loved it. I can think of many uses.
Love them too. My first experience was a mirror I ordered. It came with a metal French cleat. Worked great getting it level, AND could easily slide it left and right to get it perfectly centered over the sink. Txs
Fantastic explanation ! ..Thank you for sharing !
I love French cleats. Discovered them a few years back and all my shop cabinets and a few in home cabinets are now hung this way. It's so much sturdier than anything else I've tried, and brilliant when I need to take down a cabinet for any reason (cleaning usually).
Great informative video! Thank you!
I've watched many of your videos and always learn from them... I saw this some time ago and just watched it again because I built a portable workbench /off feed table and was thinking of using this idea to hang tool & accessory bins on the sides. Your explanation helped me decide this is the way to go. Thanks for the very nice educational video(s) - Larry
Great instructional video E-man!
Good stuff as usual!!! Thanks for the video!!!
Top video mate.
It gave me lots of ideas around the house.
Thank you.
This is a great video, very clear and informational. I really needed this for a project coming up
Thank You great information it explains such a lot
I have used French cleats for mounting a king size head board as well as a lot of things in my workshop. They work great.
I have been contemplating using French cleats in my garage and workshop. This added info closed the deal. Another excellent video …….thank you!
This is the explanation I was looking for. Thanks for sharing it. I will use this awesome trick while creating TV UNIT by my own where wires may requires maintenance or add or upgrade with new gadgets.
Thank YOU I needed this and you helped please keep it up. We need more reviews like this
Ive heard french cleats mentioned from time to time. Thanks for explaining how they work!
Excellent video!
Concise and Informative :)
Cool. Had never heard of it before. Looks useful for the right application.
This video was in the 'recommended' list time and again, but I thought, "what do I care about an exotic "French cleat" but I eventually gave in and watched it. Glad I did. Thanks.
French cleats all the way. Versatility in the shop when adding new tools or reorganising tools is the number one reason i use them. Great content. Cheers 👍😎🇦🇺
Job well done 👍🏾 good coverage, thanks
Always interesting, you do a good job.
Really useful video! Thanks.
Happy to have subscribed. So much good, useful info, clearly and concisely explained every time.
I’m building some cabinets which need to not touch the floor due to extreme vibration caused by a nearby clothes washer/drier. This is the answer.
I love your videos and hope you start publishing again. You should have a show on PBS.
This is amazing! You just solved a problem I couldn’t figure out.
Great info as usual. So very useful! I'm going to save this video and watch it again when the need arises! Thanks!!
Good to know cleats can be used in so many ways. You demonstrated this easily in the video. Now I'm rethinking how I'll hang my kitchen cabinets. Thanks!
Great video. I learnt something new.
Awesome video..learned ALOT!
Thanks. This was great and educational. Keep it up. 🙌
Thank you so much for this educational video ! I am a left handed person in a right handed world and by watching your videos I am getting educated. Thank you !
Been using French cleats for a long time! Great video, thanks
Great explanation, especially for uses other than the workshop.
Again I learned something. Thank you.
Thank you again for all you do. Truly makes things understandable.
Top man, this is what I needed to see
Hi again you did it again you blow my mind I have good idea in what to do tomorrow thanks 😊
Thanks for the super duper explanation of French cleats!
This is easily one of the most educational videos on TH-cam by far.
People like you make TH-cam😂 invaluable!😊
Love french cleats. Nice descriptions.
Awesome info. Thanks!
Thank you! This is all very inspiring stuff. I used to do a lot of DIY many years ago, stopped for various reasons, and am now getting back into it. I came across your channel as I was looking at drill reviews and I'm so grateful I did!
Thank you, Par! I’m really glad it’s all helpful! 😄
Perfect explanation 👍
I'm getting ready to bid out a wall of shelving for a client and this was exactly the info I was looking for. Thank you.
Wow! Very Enlightening!
Excellent video - I will be watching and have subscribed!!! Keep up the good videos buddy
Brilliant and informative as usual!
Thank you, Lu! 😄
Excellent presentation 😊
Thank you for this tutorial it solved are project once and for all 👍
Another great and well done video. Thank you , Ethan 🙏!
I'm not even building shelves but i found this very informational! Great system I might need to incorporate into my garage - It seems it would also help level long objects
I just discovered that my bathroom mirror was mounted this way. Great info. Thanks!
Great video on a not so commonly used method to store, hang, and display items in your house! Great job! 👍
Great job. Thank you.
Great and helpful video. I love how you present the info, and get right to the point.
Thanks, greg!
I'm learning a lot on this channel. Thank you!
Thanks for watching, Christopher! 🙂
awesome I willl be using those french cleats now.
Very helpful!
Great learning vid as always- forwarded to my son, too!! Love hiding set up and strength of the FC method and moving mounted objects! Hey Ethan, your garage/working room is looking sooooo awesome!! Love all your builds- envying over here!!! 🤪😜🥰👊👍👍
I use French cleats for all the reasons you explain. Good vid, love your channel!
Yes I do and when I can.Good video man
Excellent, thank you.
I'm gearing up to build a cabin-style tiny house, and have been struggling with the fact that I want to balance two conflicting desires ... I like the durability and solidity of making much of a structure built-in (specifically the places that will be a desk corner and a kitchen counter with lots of fold-out features) ... That is to say, I don't really care for freestanding furniture all over the place ... But I also like being able to just up and rearrange a room now and then for the sake of a change!
Now I know this is the perfect solution! If I design the entire space with cleat-equipped walls from the get-go like a big workshop, not only will that look awesome, but also I'll be able to mount all my large structures and shelves in a universal size of cleat form factor, then have infinite customizability and be able to tweak the space easily later after I've lived in it for a while and really tried things out! This is great, thanks for this! I knew a bit about french cleats before but your video inspired me to consider their full potential and I'm very excited to go places with this idea 😁
Great video. Everyone should get to know this system, it’s extremely reliable. Get the metal one mentioned if you don’t have access to a table saw. I strengthened an IKEA double cabinet that had survived a fall, however it killed a monitor. I took 1x4 pine and screws to go all around the back of the cabinet, and accommodate my oak French cleat, fashioned to a pine wall cleat. To support the bottom of the cabs I ran the rest of the 1x4 pine scrap for another wall cleat and put two screws with washers for even more strength. I want to say it was cut at 36 degrees. Couldn’t be stronger!
Ohhh these look so fun AND useful....straight up dreamy for a small apartment where you need to build some extra storage space.
Thanks for the content great video, now I can use this for reference.
You're welcome, David!
I just got the paint to stamp, the five and one based on your last video; I have them in the past but because of your video Explaining at all, I decided to get the same exact one you had on the video brother
Great info great video
Brilliant in depth explanation. It would be good to see a demonstration of some plywood holding some load and the best fixing into different materials
Great video as always, super informative
Thank you, Karolis! 😄
Thanks for sharing your great information on the French connection! Great way to hang things 👍 good job! Thanks
Thanks Bruce! Gene Hackman approves of this method 😆
Love this.
Sold! Will build for my shop!
Thanks. I just watched 5 videos about french cleat shelves for various tools and came away with absolutely no clue what French cleats were or how they work. Subscribing.
Didn't even know about it. But now I do. This is the kind of content that keeps me hooked to TH-cam
Great video...I like the explanation as to why we would use them. I have them all over the walls in my shop.
Thank you, David! 🙂
cool video thanks for sharing
Thanks for your advice.
You’re welcome, Burl!
I've been looking at a way to hang an old craps table bottom to my wall and this is an elegant solution to this! Thanks!
Good deal, Top Hat! Sounds like it’ll work 🙂👍
Thanks Ethan, that was very interesting. Stay safe as always from South Africa
Thanks. Val! 😄
A cheap metal French cleat from WalMart solved a HUGE problem I had with a 45lb mirror. That cleat alone is rated at 80lbs as drilled into studs. It’s a perfect solution many times.
I'm not sure when those little things showed up, Duzzit. But they're crazy helpful! It's really a point-and-shoot solution for most smaller mounting tasks.
@@TheHonestCarpenter - I completely agree. I did struggle with how to mount the mirror as it belonged on the dresser. I mounted a TV above that instead. Looked at several different mounts and found this…
www.walmart.com/ip/Hangman-Products-S2060-SF-32-80-Simple-Flat-Panel-TV-Mount-with-Stud-Finder/55556923.
The solution was almost too easy. 👍
You’re awesome super carpenter man! Thanks for your content. Shop is coming along nicely.
Thank you, Zawsas! 😄 It's getting there, slowly but surely!
Excellent!🎉
Looks like you took the time to chamfer a bit of relief on the ends of your cleats as well. That's clever and a sign that you know what you are talking about. Great job!
Yep I’ve been using French cleats for a while now! And yes your videos are always helpful! Keep up the good work my friend your new shop looks great!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱
Thank you, Rico!! 😁👍