Making a French Cleat | Paul Sellers

Have you been looking for a way to hang your wall shelf or clock? Ever wondered what a split cleat or french cleat is? Paul shares this traditional method that really works.
To see a beginner friendly version of how to make a Hanging Wall Shelf, see our sister site: commonwoodwork...
This video first appeared on woodworkingmas...

[@MrScowned]

The first cordless screwdriver. The deadpan delivery. A master craftsman and comedian. I love it.

[@adamrunels6544]

"Stop when you get to the blue bit, thats the vise." Best advice I have heard in a long while, and made me chuckle. Thank you for spreading the joy, knowledge, and pride in working wood with hand tools.

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

I like how your videos aren't heavily edited; we see things happening real time. It gives your videos a relaxed feel like I am a guest in your shop. Thanks.

[@rtmunro]

words to live by, "none of this is really critical, its just good to set yourself a standard of accuracy."

[@Stonerman023]

Man, that eyeballing.. Just drawing that line really impressed me, such skill and experience.

[@canobenitez]

that was impressive.

[@aviacohen3128]

oh yeah, as an illustrator that really shocked me

[@naturallymarisa]

I love that this was all done by hand! The amount of craftmanship is incredible!

[@adamh9126]

Paul Sellers, I love watching and learning from you… and I love your advice… ‘Stop when you get to the blue bit. That’s the vice.’ 😂 Brilliant!! Haha.

[@silenthill5794]

If I'm picking teams for a season of Survivor, and my choices are a 25 year old athlete with a nail gun and solar powered compressor, or Paul Sellers with a sharp chisel, I"m taking Mr Sellers every time.

[@d1want34]

well said

[@cr-ew8od]

Silent- Hill made me lol

[@ginoasci2876]

Silent- Hill: alright, it's my turn to choose my team member.....ok let's see now .....ok i know, ill take the hot gorgeous blonde with the beautiful face a great body, plus she's 22 years old and smells like freash flowers and makes me laugh. Who won this game?

[@cloudrouju526]

thats a cheap trick. no mention of nails?

[@SW-zu7ve]

@@ginoasci2876 Not you, since she's ignoring you and being a tv show she accuses you of impropriety off camera to make it onto the news shows after the stint on survivor is done. Loser.

[@envigraphy]

He made a straight line without a ruler, legendary

[@1Igster1]

Easy to do, really...notice his other fingers sliding along the edge of the piece as a guide ;)

[@sweetgrizzly4915]

Always a pleasure to see a real woodworker and only the noise of the wood hammer. Thank's for that.

[@johnross278]

Mr. Sellers, I love your work and anxiously await everything you produce. Simply excellent. Your calm demeanor and quiet confidence, added to your deep knowledge of great woodworking are very appealing. Thank you very much for putting these videos out. Really appreciated.

[@myleslawless9129]

+john ross Hear, hear!

[@proman3578]

@@myleslawless9129 lol got the reference . Agree!!

[@DaveMalby]

It is so cool to watch someone use the exact techniques that my grandfather used when I was a young boy! Paul Sellers kicks butt!

[@bobroot3654]

I'm sixty nine, early next year, having worked in the trade for many years. Finally I've built my own work shop. Your u-tubes and web pages are most helpful and just in line with what Id like to do and the way I wish to accomplish the tasks. Thanks. Bob

[@fieroboom]

My father recently gave me one of those egg-beater drills, 2 braces, and a bunch of bits. I was so excited to get them!! 😁👍

[@markvreeken]

Nice work as always I like the chiselled rebates for the screws. Very classic touch You Sir are truly a Modern Master Cheers

[@bobcougar77]

I love the way Paul ends his videos. Just done and cut.

[@brianpritt4154]

Paul,.the projects you show aren't that difficult. It's your choice of tools and the experience using them that makes me watch in awe. That shelf holding it's self together without glue was impressive. Another great job. P.S. I would never use a slotted screw.

[@rickl.orchids]

simple, easy, yet one strong way to hang a shelf, cabinet, etc......another nice lesson! thanks Mr. Sellers....

[@EKettler90]

I'm glad I saw this when I did. I've been racking my brain with all manner of complicated contrivance to mount a small cabinet.

[@ccbphot11]

Thank you Mr. Sellers for producing so many wonderful videos. You sir are a terrific teacher.

[@mggcomputers]

It's so relaxing watching Paul's videos. keep up the great work, lots of people come to love your video's including me.

[@lindam.9282]

I know, right! I fell asleep and had to rewind...LOL cause I missed half of it.

[@stephanieray6587]

So helpful, Paul, thank you. Your demeanor is so calm, and your chisels so clean!

[@pang1009]

so impressed by using only hand tools, very enjoy to see your hand work!

[@omarandi5124]

I am a beginner woodworker and I have learned so much watching your videos. Thank you Mr.Sellers for sharing your knowledge. You make your great skills look so easy.

[@TomHowbridge]

I just love the sound he makes sawing....I know its Paul sellers because that sound is sort of iconic !...

[@davidkuhns8389]

I didn't learn a thing new, but I just love to hear you talk and watch you work. Always inspired by your respect for your tools and the wood.

[@hansdegroot8549]

I just discovered your channel today. It's very relaxing seeing you doing everything with handtools. Real woodworking. I got into woodworking only a short time ago. I only know to use some handtools. Mostly I use powertools. I've never made a French cleat. Doing that with handtools is awesome. But I cannot imagine myself cutting the wood with a handsaw enough straight. :-)

[@ladygardener100]

you will, I have been practicing for about six weeks, and I think I can manage it.

[@stevefowler3398]

Paul Sellers is not human! No human can cut THAT straight. And THAT quickly. And then just sort of smooth it off with a plane.

[@britfin007]

Nice video Paul. Clean concise and to the point without any waffle.

[@balanair2577]

Nice and nostalgic to see some old fashioned wood working.

[@MegaYosarian]

Calmness, skill and accuracy personified. Thank you sir John.

[@jakeerussell7496]

You've been my biggest inspiration while I've been building my shop.

[@cob578]

I really enjoy watching all your videos I learned most of my woodworking skills from my grandfather in a workshop 55 years ago and I'm still learning he was French and worked at a furniture store as well as making cabinets, always teaching , and you bring me back so many people today have forgotten these trades, and for myself I always learn something every day, Thank You.

[@beholderer]

Paul: "This was the first ever screw driver". That comment xD soo true! Priceless! You are amazing, Paul!

[@georgiadavison4394]

What he said was "The first cordless drill.".

[@Jordan-ki7cz]

Paul,Your work is amazing, thank you for sharing everything on your channel with us. My grand father was a carpenter, I have a few pieces around my house that he made using the same tools you are. Sadly he was not able to teach me anything about how he created them, but watching your channel I am learning a lot of the techniques he most likely used when he was working. I am planning out a few projects of my own and I am trying to find the manual tools that you utilize in your projects as well, I want to create some amazing works of art for my children and grandchildren to inherit.

[@lourencosantiago9779]

Hi Paul. I washed this video the plane. Your videos is fantastic and contribuild for my ocupetion. I love wood! tanks a lot. God to protec all the time.

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

I made a head board for a bed many years ago, this is how I mounted it to the wall so it would stay tight against the wall. Thanks for sharing, I dint think about doing the recess areas like you did for the screws, As always excellent video sir. I hope you all have a blessed weekend. Dale

[@charleyandsarah]

I'd been wondering about the name variation, thanks for clearing that up. And the wonderful tutorial, as always.

[@maehay4065]

My first time watching this process completely to the finish line! Perfection...

[@deounb]

In Brazil this split/French cleat is called "mão amiga" or helping hand or literaly friendly hand. Thanks for sharing.

[@PatrickParsonWorkshop]

+deounb Very interesting! It's neat to know folks use these cleats all over the world. : )

[@Kunfucious577]

Paul has the best tools.

[@henryraynald7947]

Thank you once again Paul and I like the the term 'split cleat' as well. Classic woodworking video from a master craftsman like you is such a treat.

[@GreenFr0g]

Working through the 1st Artisan course hanging wall unit, this is a fantastically useful video. Thanks Paul and team.

[@BringbackthefarmBlogspot]

You're the best woodworker I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing these videos. Inspiring!

[@OfficerPaterFamilias]

Another great video. Clearly explained and well produced. Great job gentlemen.

[@DaemonDriver]

It is always pleasure to watch, how you do everything with just a hand tools! Thanks!

[@boozoochavis7506]

Great little video on the 'French' cleat, but I was almost as impressed if not more than with that little shelf unit. That shelf really is the bee's knees - small, graceful, very stylish and pleasing to the eye. I tuned in for one bit and found something else besides, always a bargain. Thank you for posting these videos and please keep up the good work!

[@aarondavid826]

did he just draw a straight line without a straight edge. Paul Sellers, like a Boss

[@TheReedsofEnki]

How about eyeballing the screw holes for the wall half of the cleat? Paul has some amazing skill.

[@ladygardener100]

ofcourse, and he can probably do a lot of other things we can't emulate, but this is his teaching mode. I am getting there with my sawing, best thing is a small Irwin flush saw, its all about getting the practice, andgetting good results

[@chigambureck8176]

Reminds me of my woodwork teacher in high school 22 years ago! Paul Sellers is a great teacher. Makes everything easy for any beginner to follow through.

[@evilestmark]

He explained this in one video or another. He uses his fingers to set the distance, holds them still and runs them against the edge of the wood as if it were a marking gauge.

[@josephinebennington7247]

You’ll find most experienced woodworkers do this. I have since I was 16, and I’m now way beyond even reversing those 2 digits.

[@gregjohnson5194]

Simply fantastic, very bright! Thanks for the idea.

[@apinakapinastorba]

It is always nice to see alternative way of doing things. I have never seen that cleat used in here, but that seems very handy. Should be easy to attach big and heavy shelf without a need for any measuring except for level.

[@stevepolychronopoulis]

I've made several French cleats, but this one is far nicer. Now I want to go build something new to try it this way. Thanks for the great videos.

[@Popeye64]

Very nice video. I like the way you show everything plus the info on it.

[@6980869]

Thanks for making that video, & always appreciate your thorough explanations for why you do what you do, when yo do. Mahalo & Aloha

[@Bogie3855]

Thanks Paul. I have all the hand tools you have plus a big production tablesaw and more but power tools only go so far. You need to know how to use your hand tools. I am off to build my workbench and much much more. An enlightening experience to say the least. After watching hours of your videos so much more of the techniques make sense. This is the instruction course I never had. Thank you so much. I feel soooo much more confident. Life is a learning curve or at least it should be! God bless and Merry Christmas.

[@timothymallon]

Paul, I only hope that someday, I too can use my fingers and know what a half inch is! You sir are amazing!

[@danmaltby3271]

I have a wall shelf with the French Cleat mounting in back, love it, for its so easy to mount. Nice skills with that handsaw in cutting it freehand, I also like the look of the slot screws, makes the piece look old.

[@meltmyfaceoff]

After scouring KZbin to show my wife the method I want to use to hang some shelves, I have found this, the greatest video. Simply the best

[@StreetKingz4Life]

_The last time i used a manual drill like that was in secondary high school_ *It's good to see they are still around they brings me back memories*

[@bruzote]

I still have my grandfathers. It is handy, in my opinion, for jobs where a power tool can act too quickly.

[@kentchr76]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Thanks.

[@michaelwray4359]

Thank you very much sire you are a true master wood worker

[@wilsonaguirregomez3751]

You are a very skilled man! Thank you very much for sharing :)

[@BensWorkshop]

Thank you very much. Sometimes it is the simplest of ideas.

[@billonthehill9984]

Paul, your attention to detail never fails to amaze me. I honestly will admit however, I absolutely detest slotted screw heads, both brass & steel. LOL... Lovely nik nak shelf unit too. You have inspired me to build one, less the slotted screws! Thank you, Bill on the Hill... :-)

[@dyfhid]

That was a nice job. I'll be honest - I thought when I first saw this, what can possibly take 16 minutes when dealing with a french cleat? But you add your bit of class to it. I love the recesses you put on the shelf side member for the screws, that's a very classy touch. Once again I come before you thinking "I know all about this subject!" and find myself learning something new, every single time. Thank you.

[@chris42457]

Thank you for sharing your videos and experience. I plan on watching more of them.

[@Polish2317]

Could have done on table saw in under 30 seconds. When it's done like this, oddly, you learn more than using machines. I find Paul to be top 5 on KZbin, simplicity, and he speaks to the weekend warriors, like me, and the advanced Craftmen. He works like a surgeon.

[@Ahjile]

I mean the part that the table saw could have done, he did in just over a minute from 2:04 to 3:14, from the time he had the piece ready to cut. That's not a big difference in real time saved, and then he quickly planed it on the same bench, which might be necessary off a table saw anyway, if one wanted a perfect smooth surface. And he didn't need to have or use a table saw. So, seems nearly as quick, and way better overall.

[@D1G1TALSYNAPS3]

Holy moly! Did this guy just cut that by hand...eyeballing it?! Talk about flexing, damn!!!

[@boozoochavis7506]

I forgot to add, as Mr. Sellers mentioned several times throughout the video - why bother as this really won't be seen. I hear Paul say on a regular basis - "It's not WHAT we make, but HOW we make it!" This is clearly one of those situations, even though this won't be seen he is still doing a level best job making it. Well done ... that man.

[@ThiasRussell]

Thx for sharing. A very well informative video, I have to try it out one day. Love your videos they are really something that you can learn a lot from. Keep up the good work. Regards.

[@valterleao2798]

Parabéns, excelente conteúdo, eu uso muito esse sistema de fixação, além de prático, também é muito seguro, gostei do rebaixo que fez para o assentamento da cabeça do parafuso…., show como sempre 👍 Abraço aqui do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@stenmoeller]

It is fun to discuss screws. I am personally to 95 % a Torx fan (less fatigue, less risk of the tool slipping the screw and making marks or destroying the surrounding component) but I have great respect for the traditional look of slotted screws and in awe when they are aligned. But what is important is that you don't go buy cheap screw drivers and screws. Get high quality screws with smaller tolerances and pay the extra money for good quality high tolerance screwdrivers sized for the screws you want to use. Then the screwdriver will fit the slot much more precisely, also letting you use more of the slot for the torque, reducing the risk of deforming the screw head. I was so surprised when I learned about this and since then pay a lot more for screws & screwdrivers - but ruin nothing this way anymore. As for rust & paint etc. - think twice beforehand and avoid the problem in advance.

[@jeffharmed1616]

Thanks for that video. It was fascinating comparing your hand tool methods with my power tool methods. I love your chisels with their mirror finish. I also noted that you drill the pilot hole first before the counter sink, the same as I do. The modern generation don't care about accuracy. I differ in making my French cleats in that I standardise on 45 degrees. So the thickness of the strip wood is marked in the centre to create this angle. That way all my creations can be swopped about on the wall mountings.

[@jimevans1809]

I've actually thought the opposite of the modern generation of woodworkers - that they valued accuracy over style and quality. There's an obsession with overly complicated jigs and attachments that make simple jobs like this into expensive ordeals, involving heavy equipment, just so they can say they made a straight line when they cut. In the end, most often a hand tooling method would have been faster! The truly sad thing is seeing they've filled their workshops with expensive tools and computerized equipment, but also with the cheapest lumber.

[@jimevans1809]

Very likely true. I've never been able to figure out why spending more money and time on something was a good thing, especially when the finished product looks like it came from Ikea. Having seen Paul's quick tutorials on cutting dovetails is ample reason NOT to buy a jig.

[@DanielVilarino]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing! Cheers! Daniel

[@priyamd4759]

A french Cleat system done from scratch in 16 minutes while explaining every step. I will take that much time to set up my Circular saw and make holding arrangement for the first 45 degree cut. A hobbyist like me need never go near a power tool. Let them be with the pros who have large volumes to turn (drilling 100s of holes etc.) Thanks for sharing, Regards, p.s. I do have and use the first cordless drill! That was funny :-)

[@Iamgarwood]

Stop when you get to the blue bit, that's the vise.

[@ashyclaret]

The subtle humour really makes me laugh!lol

[@МаксимЗубов-с4д]

What is a “blue bit”? Is it some blue mark?

[@tangle70]

@@МаксимЗубов-с4д It is the color of the vise.

[@МаксимЗубов-с4д]

Tom Angle thank you for the answer! I appreciate your kindness :)

[@tangle70]

@@МаксимЗубов-с4д Jesus said to be kind to everyone. It makes a much better world if we would all do it.

[@silveravnt]

as a sort of new viewer I thought "Oh no, Paul is using glue and screws! He's stepped into the 21st century" then I saw that they were slotted screws... crisis averted.

[@catey62]

Lol..I'm an amateur wooodworker myself but one thing I cant stand is phillips head screws and spend a lot of time scouring eBay for slotted head screws and buying as many as I can.

[@Tikorous]

@@catey62 you can't bring yourself to face a screw with two slots instead of one but you're perfectly fine using your computer

[@catey62]

@@Tikorous Lol..yep..I know...I'm weird but I still love a lot of old school stuff and antiques as well...but will embrace technology as well. best of both worlds I guess.

[@jasonweiss2773]

Forgive my newbie-ness, but I find it fascinating how much control you have over making cut marks without a straight edge.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

What an expert with the chisel! If I still lived in England I would be your apprentice! What angle did you cut this cleat Paul?

[@wolfy1beer]

That’s not a chisel......that’s a surgical scalpel 😳. Truly a master craftsman !

[@bummer1961]

Thank you Paul

[@BigmoRivera]

Nicely Done 👍🔨

[@EvdokimovEvgen]

Очень понравилось. Познавательно для начинающего. Спасибо.

[@MrThedatastream]

Thanks Paul

[@Jaime688]

Who in the right mind would thumbs down anything this man teaches....? Idiots

[@sambrown631]

I definitely agree

[@Benzknees]

Jaime Stamper All the shills who "review" power tools on KZbin, and " helpfully" include an Amazon link?

[@derf9465]

76 thumbs down.........is it power tool obsessed Americans or power tool manufacturers. Nothing wrong with this Master a great teacher. Wonderful calm narrative, bite size information without a story. Goes to show what you can do with hand tools.

[@williamfretwell6077]

Works well for very heavy mountings where a knock upwards will not knock it out of the cleat. My clamp rack weighs several hundred pounds when loaded. The 5 ft long 4 inch deep cleat spreads the weight over 4 studs with a clean look. Works well for a mantelpiece as it keeps the wood tight to the wall; use a deep narrow angle cleat.

[@fredflintstone8048]

I like your cordless drill.

[@monikerapodo]

Installing shelves with a flat head screw and a handheld screwdriver. No shortcuts for the master. Nice work.

[@Snakeplisskin440]

I used this method to hold a large wood art piece on our wall. I made sure to attach the wall portion to atleast two studs. I think it should hold fine. The piece is easily 50lbs.

[@aleblanc3547]

I think you are so gifted (or maybe well trained) it's impossible for you do anything sloppily (is that a word?)! :>) Thanks for making it so simple to follow.

[@TheRadioactiveFX]

+A LeBlanc well, he did screw the last screw into the "wall" in a sloppy manner. that's because of the awkward position, though.

[@aleblanc3547]

+Człowiek Wiking LOL

[@MegaWeagle]

I was wondering if you had any videos on how to make that cabinet? Would love to make something like that for my wife.

[@tooljunkie555]

nice shelf. i love your collection of planes.how many do you have?& how long have you been collecting them?

[@SharpEdgeWoodworking-UK]

I love a french cleat.....but I hate slotted screws (only use them when absolutely necessary).

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

+Sharp Edge Woodworking Curious, how different people have differing views on the same subject. I LOATHE star-headed screws. In *my* workshop, we call them 'moron screws,' and any that come in are immediately *binned*. The reason? For one thing, I work with wooden mechanisms which are usually around 100 years old, and the modern screws would look out of place. On a more practical level, have you ever tried getting one of those moron screws out? When it's locked in with rust? Try cleaning the head of one of *those* things, when your pointy screwdriver has ruined its shape! Sadly, in my view, the moron screw has taken over, as the morons with the electric drivers expect to fire them into the wood, preferably without pilot hole, clearance hole or countersink, (I recently had a 16-yr-old in my workshop who intends to be a joiner, and had taken classes at school to that end. Without exaggeration, he had never heard of "pilot hole, clearance hole or countersink," and it took him a little while to grasp the concept. And, as for putting a token countersink on the back of each hole, to accommodate any fibres which might be lifted out as the screw is driven in ... forget it!)

[@apinakapinastorba]

+Offshoreorganbuilder It is sad that when I walk to a hardware store, I just cannot find nothing but star/torx screws anymore. They are pain in the butt when trying to remove if they have paint or sand or anything in the hole. With slotted or phillips screws you can brute force them out by leaning on the screwdriver but with torx it just will not happen, because the driver just will not go in. I had to take a patio apart and that caused some cursing I can say.

[@apinakapinastorba]

MichaelKingsfordGray You are barking at the wrong tree, "mate". But at least here, every contractor uses those screws. Just because nothing else is available at decent price.

[@apinakapinastorba]

MichaelKingsfordGray You may.

[@SharpEdgeWoodworking-UK]

Hey, I totally get the purpose and aesthetics of slotted screws.....and like I say, I use them where I have to. I just dont enjoy the process of driving them in after the first half a dozen.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Thanks for the upload - interesting and instructive as ever. I wonder if you, or anyone else, has a good source for steel slot-headed screws, now that they are becoming a rarity?

[@wlial]

I liked the cordless screwdriver. I'm looking for one on the internet, but it seems difficult to find one of good quality today.

[@crackerjack3359]

Wow, real woodwork. Why did I buy all those power tools? (Crafted in Montana).

[@qigong1001]

Paul, you should be a hand model @15:44. Very elegant hands.

[@yitcon2704]

+Paul Sellers also if you could do a video on basic woodworking tools for beginners who want to get into the craft?

[@JimE6243]

Paul, Thanks for a slightly different twist than I am use to. QUESTION: Is there some reason you don't just split the cleat on a 45 degree angle down the middle?? JimE

[@Paul.Sellers]

+Jim E Knowing wood it wouldn't oblige me. Oops, you mean split as in saw to 45-degrees, sorry. Yes, it's not necessary and my way is quicker and leaves out the unnecessary step of setting the square to do what eyeballs perfectly.

[@boblebel2728]

Jim E

[@boblebel2728]

Jim E

[@GONZOFAM7]

6:11 wisdom in woodworking.

[@dondicey6528]

Your "square" awl. Is it truly square or slightly parallelagramish?? My leather awl is "diamond" but doesn't look as stout as your metal shaft dimension so I would be afraid to use it even for pine. Wonder what alloy it is also. Do you "stone" sharpen or just strop it? Thank you Paul. I watch all of your current stuff too. And have the Artisan in hard cover. Thank for what you do!

[@ikust007]

Love it ! Thank you !