Looking for a way to securely hang your tools and fixtures? Cody from Craftswright has designed an innovative locking French cleat system that’s easy to make and incredibly effective. This guide will walk you through the steps to create this system, ensuring your items stay securely in place while remaining easy to rearrange.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Wood for cleats (1/2 inch material recommended)
- Table saw
- Combination square
- Steel rule
- Plywood for fixtures
- Brad nailer
- Wood glue
- Drill
- Clamps
Step 1: Understanding the Cleat Dimensions
Cody begins by addressing a common issue with French cleats—the width of the boards. To ensure symmetrical cleats at a specific height, he provides a formula:
Cleat height × 2 – thickness of the material – kerf of the saw blade
For instance, if you want 2-inch tall cleats from half-inch material, the calculation would be:
- 2 inches × 2 = 4
- 4 – 0.5 (thickness) – 0.125 (kerf) = 3.375
- Add a chamfer of 0.25 inches = 3.875 inches
Step 2: Cutting the Cleats
Now that the dimensions are clear, Cody moves to the table saw. The wall cleats are cut at 3.875 inches wide. He emphasizes the importance of using a steel rule for accurate measurements.
Step 3: Creating the Fixture Cleats
Next, he explains that the fixture cleats will be slightly shorter. For this, the calculation would yield fixture cleats at 2.875 inches wide. He proceeds to cut these as well.
Step 4: Making the 45-Degree Cuts
Cody demonstrates how to set up the table saw to make precise 45-degree cuts. He finds the center point of the board and marks it before adjusting the saw fence accordingly.
Step 5: Finalizing the Cleats
After cutting all the cleats, Cody mentions the importance of chamfering the edges to ensure they fit together smoothly and securely. This step is crucial for the locking mechanism to function properly.
Step 6: Prepping the Wall
Before attaching the cleats to the wall, Cody measures where the studs are located and pre-drills holes for easy installation. He suggests using a countersink bit for a flush finish.
Step 7: Attaching the Fixtures
After securing the wall cleats, Cody explains how to attach the cleats to the back of the fixtures. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the fixtures are aligned correctly for a secure fit.
Step 8: Adding the Locking Mechanism
Cody reveals his innovative solution for locking the fixtures in place. He uses small keys to prevent the fixtures from sliding off the cleats while still allowing for easy adjustments.
Step 9: Testing the System
Finally, Cody tests the locking mechanism to ensure everything is secure. He demonstrates how easy it is to rearrange the fixtures while keeping them locked in place.
Conclusion
With this locking French cleat system, Cody has not only provided a practical solution for hanging tools but also a way to keep them organized and secure. This method is a game changer for anyone looking to maximize their workshop space while maintaining flexibility in storage.