EZ Lok Fasteners / Removable Table Top

[matt romanowski]

I am building an African Mahogany outdoor trestle table (based on the WoodWhisper plans). I am going to finish it with Waterlox Marine Satin and will take it apart and store it inside in the winter. I was thinking about using EZ Lok fasteners in the top and making sure the supports have plenty of clearance for movement.

What have people's experience been with these? Does anyone have different ideas for the top attachment? I know about figure 8 fasterners, buttons, wood blocks, etc, but I am worried about using wood screws in the same hole year after year.

[Jamie Buxton]

The broadly-used name is threaded insert. EZ Lok is one retailer. I like the brass ones which EZ Lok calls EZ Knife. They are a good way to put threads into wood when you think the screws will be driven and removed many times. Lee Valley sells a terrific tool for installing them. https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/screwdrivers/bits/65133-5-16-18-insert-nut-driver and https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/screwdrivers/bits/70791-1-4-20-insert-nut-driver