French Cleat

[Dave Norris]

Can someone tell me what a french cleat is and what it would be used for?

[Michael McCoy]

Tom Hintz has a good story about them. Most of us use them to hang cabinets or other fixtures.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/frenchcleat.html

[Jim Sears]

Here is a pretty good little video that explains it.

http://www.askthebuilder.com/French_Cleat_Video.shtml

[David Giles]

There are two ways of making a French cleat. The classic method rips a 45 degree angle on mating edges. An alternate method rabbets the mating edges.

If the cabinet will be screwed to the wall, the rabbet method provides a little slop to compensate for out of square walls. It is easier to level a run of cabinets. If the cabinets will be moved occasionally (shop walls), the beveled edge holds them tighter against the shop wall. If they are slightly higher, it doesn't matter.

[Dave Norris]

that's kind of what I thought it might be, but I just call it "a board ripped at a 45". Been using those for a while.

Thanks again.

[David Giles]

that's kind of what I thought it might be, but I just call it "a board ripped at a 45". Been using those for a while.

At least, it wasn't known as a "freedom cleat".

[Peter Quinn]

that's kind of what I thought it might be, but I just call it "a board ripped at a 45". Been using those for a while.

Thanks again.

I used to work in the restaurant business. Do you know the difference between a pizza and a stone pie? About $2.40 up charge. How about the difference between meat loaf and Pate de Campagne? That's about $6/pound up charge. Macaroni and cheese vrs Pasta avec sauce Mornay? About $4.50 a plate.

Difference between a french cleat and ripping a board at a 45?

[JohnT Fitzgerald]

Difference between a french cleat and ripping a board at a 45?

Priceless! :)

[Mike SoRelle]

Priceless! :)


Oui!

grrr on the short message filter