Self-Locking French Cleat Mount - How To

To better secure small and light french cleat mounts, I added a self-locking mechanism.
The purpose of the mechanism is to mimic the effects of the cleat being weighed down and so securing the french cleat.
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All of the videos on this channel are intended for entertainment purposes only.
Should you choose to make or do anything as depicted on this channel you would do so at your own risk.
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[@suzieb7967]

the author does like to from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. kzbin.infoUgkxD-QRFQz730FJEh4f9BYSf-nkIMIC9hL_ as another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us dont have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we wont be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@Rusty_ok]

Great idea. The spring idea is cool but takes a lot of time to build. I used a spacer between to top of the movable cleat and the bottom of the next wall cleat. Cut a piece of wood so it fits pretty tight between the top of the shelf cleat and the bottom of the next wall cleat. Split it at about 3 degrees and slide the two pieces together so it wedges against the bottom of the higher wall cleat. Takes about two minutes to make and is easy to remove and reuse.

[@barbarianatgate2000]

If I weren't already older than you, I'd want to be you when I grow up! Seriously, brilliant solutions, as always. Love your channel.

[@patrickweckermann9121]

As some others have mentioned you have totally hit this from an engineers perspective. Light load, needs to be quick and easy to reposition, but secure when it is in position. The best I can come up with is add an angle to both sides of the cleat. Other ideas include a wedge or pin to lock things in place, but are nowheres near as flexible as this. Great work!

[@nnamerz]

I don't quite follow what you mean. Would you mind giving me any further details? Thank you in advance.

[@bartgoins1782]

A double sided cleat is exactly the thought I had.

[@ImABoyMom4]

I will echo my comment on your last video... you should have been an engineer! You come up with such creative solutions to problems, I love watching your videos! Thanks for spending the time to film your ideas and sharing them!!

[@WiliamBennettwildarbennett]

Well I've read a majority of the detractors of your A'ha moment, saying do this or that...BUT I DONT SEE ANY WHERE THAT THEY SUBMITTED A VIDEO TRYING TO IMPROVE ON IT. So thanks for sharing your experiment with the rest of us who will actually put this concept into use.👍

[@NeoMorphUK]

Armchair quarterbacks... the bane of the internet. But if it “A. Works” and “B. You are satisfied with it” then it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. I kind of like what this guy has done... maybe not used the middle spring and possibly added some paste wax for lube on the bolts... but generally keep it the same. It is, after all, a prototype. I had an “expert” armchair QB CNC maker claim that all Openbuilds and Shapeoko CNC machines are overpriced junk and said making your own from scratch is better... yet when I asked him what I could do to improve on my Openbuilds Ox CNC... he went quiet... only to later start whining that something else I did was over complicated... and then suggested a really stupid method in place of what was actually is suggested by the manufacturer. Experts... yeah, right. I don’t argue... I just put them on ignore.

[@Iosifavich]

Most of the suggestions i have seen are quite reasonable. I wedge or cam lock would be easier to implement and probably do to the same or better job at holding the cleat in place. Something like in the link below on the bottom/back of the cleat with lock nut would allow him to quickly and easily lock-unlock. So instead of a complicated spring with guides system he only needs a bolt with a large nut that he can righting by hand. www.myerswoodshop.com/blog/clamps

[@robwagner2789]

For one or two specialized items that's a very nice solution. And, as usual, a great video. For more flexibility you may want to consider something that isn't "fixed" to a specific cleat mount. Some people use a stop block *above* the cleat mount, but your spacing has to be perfect for that to be universal, and there's likely to be some wiggle over time. Find a way to make a block that squeezes tightly into those spaces - and still be easy to remove - and you'll be able to lock down any of them. I'm thinking maybe opposing wedges drawn together with cam lever of come kind.

[@xdeadwrongxdeadwrong7181]

This is an awesome idea. Could be mass marketed....a simpler version of your idea would be 2 pivot locks , one per corner. Just attached with 1 screw. Turn to lock , turn to unlock. But your spring loaded cleat idea is definitely impressive. I'm sure there are other ways it could be done. I personally would use your idea, it seems to be of good quality, and possibly could stand up to daily use, but probably meant to not be removed on a regular basis which is another plus. Meaning it would last that much longer. What a great video, thanks for making these great videos and ideas, I for one appreciate the work you do.

[@lisakelley9451]

Pretty cool! You have succeeded in making a "better mousetrap", so to speak. good work!

[@Rizla46]

Hi from Greece, I am also a carpenter, We use that system on shelves without the spring a lot, and i think it is enough to hold any weight, But your way is perfect for some strange customers that they don't want it just hanging, a bit more secured in their mind, nice video.

[@TheGbow0704]

Just when I think, "what other clever solutions could he possibility come up with", he posts another vid. I love it, nice job Jean, as usual

[@58DamagedGoods]

Excellent. I will add this to my tool van. Already use French cleats to hold my tools and parts bins, but this would be an added security measure when I’m driving down a country road. The weight seems to hold things down, but one never knows...

[@oglaucio]

Brilliant! As an improvement, you could also add handles on each side to make it "front mounting" instead of pushing from the bottom.

[@norbertr823]

Hey Jean ! Always enjoy finding South African creators, really like what you're doing ! Howzit from Jozi !

[@shawnbond1975]

Your solution works and is very creative. I either slide a spacer in from the side to prevent lifting or I just drive a screw into the cleat to prevent all movement. If I want to move the holder, both methods only take a second to undo/redo.

[@liamshelley]

Have seen a few solutions to this problem, most of them are simpler to implement, but your method is way cooler and more professional. Definitely worth the effort in building. Imagine you could make these pretty quickly if you set up a production line. Thanks as for sharing!

[@TheRaibert20]

I think the self locking cleat is a great idea 💡!

[@vksubra1953]

I like the idea. I have one suggestion. Instead of letting the spring press on the bottom of the top cleat, why don't you get it to lock on top of the next cleat. All you have to do is turn the "moving spring block" around. This will lock into the 45° French cleat and will give you a firm grip, which will not be dependent on the strength of the spring.

[@kennyknackers6084]

Going down you can also just use guides and gravity!

[@leblancexplores]

You’re guaranteed the cleat your on is the only reason it’s so it to the cleat you’re on.

[@douglasadrian138]

I love this...in fact, incorporating your locking system would be the only way I'd do a cleat system in my workshop. I love the flexibility but dislike the chance for tools to fall off because they are not secured. Same concept with peg board. I'd rather have cabinets and drawers and label as needed. Thanks for the tips - it is a joy to see you work and expand your workshop.

[@onegreenev]

Brilliant. Easy to do and not too complex. Secure way to hold your gear and a great idea for the camera mount. I think two springs would be enough to hold securely and if you had a reverse french cleat you could lock it from both ends. Bottom cleat could be built smaller in your original design to utilize a locking mechanism just for this purpose. I will utilize this for my camera work directly over my bench.

[@jeromewelch7409]

I have a few suggestions in my experience your spring compression should be a little over 50% for your engagement area it's a great idea I would suggest a small slot through the back plate position close to where your thumbs would be which would aid in the removal and perhaps installation of the cleat. Awesome content

[@cuttysark7934]

Nice idea! There are situation where I see this may be good for: 1) when lateral access is limited like in a crowded space where removing / inserting wedge or wood block may be difficult, 2) items that do not need to be removed frequently, 3) and items that need secure and tight mount (ie portable hinged lights, expensive Bluetooth speaker, etc..). Thanks for sharing!

[@wayneblalock87]

Very good idea, prevents spillage

[@bowhunter1842]

Brilliant! This will be great for heavier tools. Love it.

[@TheWrinkledCheese]

I saw several other solutions. I don't think any of them were as expensive as this one. However, the convenience of permanent affixation of the locking mechanism is a bonus. The solution I favoured used one bottom block attached to the fixture, and a long progressive wedge is taped into/out of place.

[@igorkrstic8060]

One more thing I have to do for myself! Your ideas are a great refresher for YT. Thanks, I enjoy watching your every video clip

[@adrianocomo6838]

Questa è veramente un'ottima idea. La realizzerò nel prossimo weekend. Il miglior sistema per contrastare la fretta e far cadere tutto. Bravissimo e grazie!

[@docprune9922]

Strip of ply above the cleat?? Ingenious. Material and time intensive. Guess you like doing the things the longest way possible

[@clutions]

Awesome -- The main reason I've never been a fan of French Cleats! -- Might have to change my mind on French Cleats!

[@clydescott2535]

Great idea to make an already good storage system very sturdy. Awesome!

[@jartest9205]

think you got a winner, yes there are other ways to lock it BUT wood being wood gets misinformed "compressed" over time especially if you have a locking system with no give to it. But other then that i think you got a win here. Cool idea. Tip on the dust, just use your air compressor to get rid of it, i find it works really well. But get some real eye protection and dust mask because you will be drowning in dust.

[@jessjulian9458]

Cool addition to the cleat wall. Great idea.

[@thesimplegamesman7951]

Awesome design! Best locking mechanism I have seen for a fremch cleat!

[@topsaw]

Great ideas, love the video. Spent time in Pretoria growing up so love the accent.

[@UnarmedZombie]

Very cool and a smart solution. To simplify it, get rid of the guide bolts. The bolts the springs are on are good enough. If you do keep the guide bolts, you don't have to cut the heads off because only one end has to move freely anyway.

[@maxximumb]

Great idea. I'd add a handle to the spring loaded section so it could be disengaged without having to move the entire mount. Once the mount has the weight of the boom arm and camera, it may be too unwieldy to easily unmount. Thanks for sharing, It's given me a few ideas to think about for my own workshop.

[@johnandress1233]

That is one clever idea, no doubt we will be seeing knock-off versions here on KZbin soon.

[@BronkBuilt]

Very, very clever. Nice job!

[@fixitwithzim]

I’m liking it man, nice work. Found your channel today from a group on Facebook.

[@markforrestsm]

Great solution to meet with a specific need. I would trim the bottom of the board so that it impacts as few of the cleats below.. You have a great imagination for solutions..

[@jean-mariedecourcelles6665]

Bonjour, Superbe idée afin de pouvoir bloquer les supports sur les ''french clean''. Merci pour le partage.👍

[@farmermike9262]

Nice work. Another channel suggests using a dowel to act as a locking pin protruding out from the face going thru to the wall just under the cleat. Quick and dirty and far less superior but some of us are short on time lol

[@donmoroz5502]

All you need to do is make a taller backing plate so that it straddles the wall cleats above and below the location chosen. You then mount your plate to a free cleat section. Since the top and bottom of mounting plate are in contact with the cleats above and below, and won' t be bumped out of the wall cleat it is hung on. Very simple; no springs or gizmos. Your solution is very good, but so much work and stuff to source 8n order to implement.

[@yankeeredneck6947]

That is one cool idea, probably the best one I've seen in a while. I might have to build one or 6 myself. Thank you

[@sunriseshell]

Brilliant! I am definitely going to use this idea. I have French Cleats in my garage/shop and my office. Well done, thanks!

[@BenNawrath]

I’m sure there are simpler solutions out there, but for an expensive camera I can see putting in the effort! If you back-bevel the bottom edge of the cleat itself, and bevel the leading edge of the moving block in your design, it’ll really lock in.

[@TheWoodhacker]

Very nice, I've done something similar but not as robust, did glue a piece of sandpaper on the pusher block to give it a bit of extra grip.

[@mikehill3426]

I do like the idea. It's fun. If it was going to be a hook I didn't move often, I'd want a simpler solution. If it was going to be a hook I did move often, I'd want it to be easier to use.

[@silverfox-59]

Great idea, love the way your workshop is set up. Thank you.

[@Helveteshit]

@Woodshop Junkies, tad late. But I think you need a lever for that spring. So you can pull it down when engaging and disengaging the cleat mount. Looked a bit difficult now, to do it. So, maybe a engage/disengage arm of some sort.

[@andrewbray2117]

I think this build is great because I live in California and we just had another earthquake so having something that's latches to that wall is a great build for shops like mine

[@kevinrico1194]

Looks great ! Helpful and for sure useful

[@theodorjoensen]

If you lowered the cleat on the hanging part, so the top of the backboard ends in upper half of the space between the wallcleats, you can easily lock the item hanging by sliding a wedge in covering the gap from your hanger cleat to the above wallcleat. That is one of the basic ideas with cleats, to evenly space and use same dimentions always, and you can make wedges that fit everywhere too for items you want to lock

[@uneektalent]

Wouldn't it be simpler to just slide a snug fitting square stick into the gap at the top of the fixture (where your fingers are at 3:04) after it is hung?

[@jacqdanieles]

Something along those lines using dowels: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmesZnWuabJorcU

[@veepsgarage]

Great solution. Keeps from having to screw the brackets in every time you want to move something.

[@wdkittle]

Love the idea. What about putting a 45 on the bottom of the cleat (like the top) and the same for the block connected to the spring. That would require less spring tension and completely lock the attachment to the wall system.

[@nonenoone7567]

good idea love the out of the box thinking

[@ybaggi]

I had a similar idea but couldn't make it as slick as yours and it was too bulky. On mine, I used a spring between the cleat and the rail above, which I slightly french cleated on the bottom as well. Now seeing your version I think it would be best to have the cleat on a spring and a fixed bototm stop so that you can still use hook and unhook it with one hand. One-handed operation is a big thing for me, although I have two perfectly functioning arms.

[@darrelspurlock137]

Extending the moving arm past the edge of the base will give you a better handhold to release the lock and make removal easier.

[@vigilante004]

Nice. Everything you make is awesome.

[@BigTrainBuff]

Very well presented and a good idea if you frequently move cleats around. But it seems like a lot of work. My cleats tend to stay in the same place for long periods as I rarely rearrange them. To anchor them I simply insert a small and easily removed screw that prevents horizontal and vertical movement.

[@brookswade5774]

That is a really nice concept and very creative idea. I think I might have to agree with your statement of it possibly being a little too complicated, but only if you needed several of them. Once I have my cleat wall installed, thanks to your ideas and videos, I think I would drill a small hole, and use one of the many things you can insert that are spring loaded on the end, like clevis pins with the ball on each side that has a spring behind each one. Don’t get me wrong, what you made is awesome but you’re so smart and creative that you surpass the necessary. Your ideas just blow my mind. But if you plan to keep that design, I would suggest cutting two grooves in the front and glue in dowels to move the spring loaded ram from the front. Or maybe I’m overthinking it now? Anyway, keep inspiring us.

[@petec6690]

Pretty neat cleat. Could accomplish locking with a single pin in the middle of the shelf (assumed) into the middle of the wall mounted cleat. Pull the pin, lift - move - remove. The difference would be that the wall cleats will need a series of holes drilled at regular intervals. Off hand I'd think 1" spacing would allow some pretty good adjustability. Still, I think yours is pretty darn smart. Good job. Nicely presented too.

[@rudyschwab7709]

It might be overly complicated for ordinary and average mounts, but it seems to be a good idea for those oddball mounts that require added security such as for what you intended it. Another instance in which this system would probably come in useful is where French cleats have been incorporated into a mobile storage or shop cart. I thought about doing this for a clamp cart to keep it modular. I want to be able to reconfigure the clamp racks as the clamp collection expands over time. I realized I might be pushing my luck using French cleats, but this looks like it might address the issue.

[@AtTheZebo]

A super simple elegant solution..... Just wedge it down from the top so it can't lift out. If you want you could put a little block on a pivot so it could swing out of the way for easy insert, then fold it into lock position once the cleat is positioned. Or, just have a bunch of "locking blocks" in a bin, which is (of course) hanging on a cleat which is locked down as well.

[@JKyfdo]

Nice Video, very clever idea, I can see myself using the self locking mechanism for small french cleat mounts in my work shed 👍👍

[@sui24fu]

This is the first of your videos that I've run across. Your French cleat mount looks ingenious. I'm going to check out your other videos and subscribe based on this video. Keep up he great work.

[@b3arwithm3]

Did you look into French cleat keys? They are super easy to make and very secure. I like the one with dowel coz they are easy to remove

[@FatherOfTheParty]

I ran into a similar problem and solved it by cutting two wedges which can be inserted from opposing sides. It effectively performs the same function as the springs.

[@BossSpringsteen69]

Thanks, I will build this. Very useful fo the shop.

[@debraprice7451]

I think you are absolutely brilliant!! Great idea to make a good system even better. Thanks for your ingenuity. I will be using your idea in my new shop. 🙏🏻

[@atomicsmith]

Try a couple of pins or tabs that move perpendicular to the wall. They would be set so that once the cleat slid into place they would pop out and lock the cleat down. Two advantages: 1. You could push the pins or tabs back just by pushing your mount onto the wall without having to angle it awkwardly like in your video. 2. You could use 2 cleats top and bottom to really lock it in tight and provide extra protection against lifting up a large cantilevered camera platform. Comment back if this is not clear...

[@vikhattangady]

The thumbnail was quite self-explanatory, but still watched the entire video because your videos are just that good. Was just wondering if you even need separate guide bolts. If you just add a nut and washer on the inside of the spring bolts (same way that they are on the guide bolts), then I believe the 3 bolts alone will work as guide bolts for the block as well as holding the spring.

[@rogerlareau7621]

Great solution for locking it in place 👍 you come up with the best ideas thanks for that.

[@vinceearl4240]

This is great for stuff you need to be able to move around easily. For lighter items that won't necessarily move, I'd just put a screw through the thing and call it good. Quick enough to move if you ever need to, but not going anywhere when you don't want it to.

[@Maniwasaki]

Genius! Now french cleats in my VAN are possible

[@misterm7086]

I like it, I really do, but maybe for specific cleats. It would be too much work for common cleats. A simple wedge or a block of wood would work just as well. With that said, I will give your idea a go! Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelfessenden1146]

love your design and build. a simple solution is to just cut a block to fit between the top of the french cleat that's attached to whatever you are going to hang on the wall and the bottom of the cleat above it. not nearly as creative and impressive as your idea, but i use the block system and it works well. you can even bevel the bottom of the cleat and the matching part of the block so it acts as kind of a reverse french cleat to hold the lower french cleat and the block together.

[@FelMaple]

Cool and easy solution! Maybe add a hand well on the top of the cleat so it’s easier to grip and remove from the wall

[@KT-df1fe]

Nice solution

[@shawnr771]

Very good idea. You wont have to do it to everything just stuff you need to move occasionally. For the camera mount. I used to have a stage lighting spot light. It had an extendable accordian style arm with a spherical base attachment. The spherical base was tight enough to hold in place without a lock bolt and the accordian arm was stiff also. Move it to a position and it stayed there.

[@BushFireBrand]

Forgot to switch the vacuum on when you were using your compound mitre saw 😜 Love your vids. Great content

[@joegarrison8611]

Fantastic idea.

[@jescowan26]

Clean simple design, friction on the lock is probably going to be an issue over time, but a decent sanding and a thin coat of poly might help? Be really good for a cleat mounted bench grinder

[@DieZockerZone1]

you could add handls left end right. so you can hang it in on top and pull it down and push in easily

[@MegaSteamfreak]

Use also a chamfer on the bottom clamp to ensure that a forward pull can't disengage the spring clamp.

[@aussiegolddogcnc3d412]

Great idea. May help me in my new workshop rebuild.

[@woutervermaak9007]

The Beard is Back! Great idea! Perfect solution for a problem that is a pain in the ass! Great job! Loop soos stroop!

[@joeculpjr3028]

Easy big fella! That " The beard is back!" comment makes you sound like a stalker. Next thing ya know he'll be putting a restraining order on you!

[@anhb4203]

Brilliant idea dude!

[@UKRussellSmith]

Just a pair of opposing wedges. Job done 👍

[@philipjones9297]

Absolutely brilliant, as ever. 👍👍👍

[@MarshalLtd]

looks great. Probably could achieve same result with lever locking mechanism or reversed clamp mechanism

[@8thsinner]

I love your flip down pull up saw and bench design. I hope you did a video on that I can find. As for the tension, it's looks overly strong to be used just to avoid bumps and too heavy duty to be suitable for heavy cleat mounts like a full rack of drills or something. Good solid solution though.

[@Welshrugbyfan101]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing. I can see applications in some situations.

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Nice design.

[@untiground]

Love you videos. I think you may save yourself a little of space by 45digrees piece look down and piece with springs pushes up. So you may fit whole setup in 1/2 of space you using right now.

[@markhedquist9597]

I like it! Maybe a cam lever system to operate the spring lock bar. Lever handle on the front for easy, one handed operation. Not trying to design your stuff. But it did look a little difficult to install/uninstall. 🤔

[@azucar151]

Outstanting Brother ! .... not overcomplicated at all when you consider how to effectively overcome the physics involved in a camera mount solution... cheers :)

[@legatolutherie]

Clever idea, it might be useful to extend the clamping bracket so that you can compress the spring more easily when placing or removing the bracket. I can think of several options, either to the sides or below. The same idea could be achieved more simply with a pair of cams which could be rotated from the front. I may have to play around with the idea on my cleat wall.

[@eversleyowl]

Very neat idea.