fixing furniture topplates

[Dominique Meuris]

Dear

I have a furniture factory in the Czech Republic.
currently i'm looking for a new way of fixing our topplates of lower part furniture pieces.
at this moment we just fix them with screws. I know this isn't the best solution that's why i'm wondering what the best way is for fixing it.

This is an example of 1 of the pieces we make, and i'm looking for a new way to fix the topplate of the lower part.
http://www.cocoon-interior.be/gallery/G10.jpg

I was thinking of using 8-style topplate fixers or Z-clip topplate fixers.
what do you think is the best?

I'm thinking on using the 8-style because it gives some allowence to wood moving. and still it doesn't require a lot of space
http://www.rockler.com/desk-top-fasteners?sid=AFC13
http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?c=&p=40146&cat=3,41306,41309

[Bill Huber]

FWIW, I have used the figure 8, the Z-clips and home made wooden ones.

I like the Z-clip the best, for me there are much easier it install, I have a slot cutting bit with a large bearing on it and just hit the apron of a table where I need to install the clips with the cutter. Set the top on, square it up the the legs and put in the clips.

[Andrew Pitonyak]

From a manufacturing perspective, what would work best? As long as you allow for movement, I don't see a problem with screws (ie, over-size holes).

For ease of disassembly and reassembly, the z-clips seem like a winner because you are not required to totally remove the screws. Also, z-clips allow you to move the clips if the holes strip.

[Dominique Meuris]

From a manufacturing perspective, what would work best? As long as you allow for movement, I don't see a problem with screws (ie, over-size holes).

For ease of disassembly and reassembly, the z-clips seem like a winner because you are not required to totally remove the screws. Also, z-clips allow you to move the clips if the holes strip.

Ofcourse for us speed is the most important factor in production.
That's why I do not like to screw them anymore aswell. because then we need to fix a list from the front till the back, which means. planning, cutting, sanding, drilling holes, screwing, ...

Personally I think that the Z-clips are the best way for us, never heard about the 8-style figures yet but I just found this on the internet.

best regards,
Dominique