Which FRENCH CLEAT Style is Right For You | A Glimpse Inside How to

[@YourAflacGal]

Chris. Chris. Chris. I'm 65 & brought up doing wood shop stuff most of my life. WHY have I never thought of using a French cleat system in my mess of a shop? Love you fella! Thx!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you so much. It really is a genius and I’m glad the shed light on it for all who want to check it out. Thanks for the kind words

[@martinkeith]

Oh my God - I am a 49-year-old engineer feeling monumentally stupid right now that I have never seen or thought of this method! I am going to implement the system immediately. Thank you, sincerely, for bringing this to my attention. I am subscribing because of this, the first video I have seen of yours. Looking forward to more.

[@GrantOakes]

You're too cool for words! Love the ending! One thing I might add is I've built a 4X 2'x4' modular workbench and on one of them I'm going to make a strong cleat shelf to put my cheap, 10" Harbor Freight table saw on so I have a run off table for sheet goods. At the bottom I'll have a key to prevent the table from being accidentally lifted off. Look at the 5:20 mark and see the small space between the bottom of the tool holder and the bottom of the cleat. You can make a slightly smaller strip of plywood to insert there and it'll prevent the holder from sliding up accidentally. A slight ridge cut in the key will give you something the grab and pull it out.

[@luisdelvalle3590]

I just bumped into this video, making it the first one I've watched from "A Glimpse Inside". I had to subscribe mid-view. I love your shop, your tips, your energy and your candor. I'm a weekend woodworker in Colombia (South America), getting ready to mount my first French cleat system in a very small shed in my backyard and all your tips will be fundamental in successfully completing my project. Thank you. By the way, awesome shot at the end!

[@aaronhunter1981]

Man...your comedic relief is great. Like what you said at 9:39. Awesome video and amazing shot at the end!

[@AGlimpseInside]

I’m still waiting for those pics to come in LOL

[@fredjeannieschultz1251]

Great video. I too set up a French cleat system in my shop, backed by two 4x8 sheets of plywood. I spaced my cleats 4" apart so that I wouldn't need the spacers. I also saved about a 4" section of cleat that I use to set up the table saw each time I need to cut more cleats. That saves me having to redo the math each time.

[@richardribando9014]

I’ve watched many videos on French cleats and yours is the best explanation of how and why to use this system! Thanks!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you for watching and letting me know. Means a whole lot

[@Reb56x3]

Just found your video and it’s the best explanation I’ve come across on KZbin. Really appreciate the example of cutting the boards with the 45.

[@stevegoodwin4471]

I'm a long-time Frech cleat user. Learned a couple of new things and totally enjoyed your video. Loved the "kiss for luck" from your daughter... works every time. Thanks

[@samspade4634]

What a great video. You have answered many questions that I had (as well as some I didn't yet, but probably would run into). I also wanted to let you know your great personality comes out in your videos. You are the kind of guy that makes others feel welcome and at ease. What a great gift you have Chris. Thanks for sharing.

[@rm.builds]

You, my friend, are the CEO of french cleats! 😂 Love the tip about finding the halfway point.. huge time saver!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you brother I appreciate that

[@FIRESTORM23]

I like your plywood walls and all your french cleat videos! I built a cleat wall for my garage 6yrs ago to get the yard tools, beach stuff (fellow Floridian) and bikes off the floor and out of the way. Since my wallls are drywall, I had to use wider strips and just ripped an 8' sheet of birch ply on a 45 and attached w 3 screws/stud, just as you said; I spaced about 12" apart. It's such a strong, flexible system, and so easy to build..

[@loydalexander154]

That is great I've been useing cleats for years to hang mirrors pictures ect in my house love them

[@budbirkenseer5277]

I enjoy the joy you have in your voice sharing the french cleat system. Nice video! Thanks...

[@SpecificLove7]

That last trick shot was just Awesome!

[@AGlimpseInside]

I challenge you to do it in a video as well bro. Let’s see what you got

[@SpecificLove7]

@@AGlimpseInside ok, I will have to think about that one. It would need to be a good one.

[@MLFranklin]

This is really useful. Now I know I need the widest ones.

[@David.M.]

I have converted a dirt floor basement in my cabin to a workshop. I put down a wooden floor and on the two walls installed plywood and french cleats. Your videos inspired me! I ordered the starbond CA glue and have found it so useful in my glue ups. It holds pieces in place while I add screws or clamps. Keep up the great work.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thanks David I appreciate you sharing. Also thanks for all the support as well it really does mean a lot

[@KodyKimani]

Chris I got a cut yesterday from the wood 45 degree angle - I never realised it could be so sharp...gill

[@craigrmay7935]

Chris, it is always a pleasure to watch cha videos. LOVED the ending !!! You're always excited and passionate about what your explaining, and speaking of explaining...you do a great job explaining. May FATHER GOD continue to bless, keep, and use you as HE sees fit in the precious name of JESUS, Amen.

[@Bradimus1]

I actually used french cleats to put up wall hanging cabinets. I laminated two 3/4 pieces of plywood and cut a set for each cabinet. This let me hang each one at a time and bolt them together after getting them on the wall. This also left me the 1 1/2" space between the cabinets and the wall to run cables. It's my entertainment center upstairs.

[@greglawrence742]

Chris, you've answered a headache I've been wrestling with for ever, how to set fence for 45 degree cuts. Huge shout out! Also, full French cleat wall is next project in my 1 bay garage that has 3 bays of material and tools in it. Can't wait to see it come to fruition. Love the vids, please keep them coming.

[@JP-mq7pg]

Agreed, thats a great take away from this video on setting up for ripping the 45deg cut. I just completed my own fench cleat tool wall and used the trial and error method to find the center of the board. I now have the knowledge for the next time I have to use this cut.🙄

[@AGlimpseInside]

Well I can help. Hope you get to those projects as soon as possible Greg. As always thank you

[@carnright]

I suspect the answer is a trigonometry one. Sine of angle times width and cosine of angle times thickness, something like that 😁

[@johnlee7085]

No need for trig functions. What is missed though, and sorta corrected for, is the kerf. It’s half the width of the board minus half the thickness of the wood minus half the width of the saw blade.

[@blughsr]

You make woodworking fun. Thanks for your humor..

[@logresmentotum7065]

Nice info for both basic and advanced makers. Makes me wanna visit your shop next time I come back to 904.....

[@woodlandbeauty]

Holy smokes! I've watched several of your videos in the past few days. SO to the point, yeah some welcome joking but no messin' around in getting the point across. I love your sequencing, quick instruction, and style. Your family is super lucky to have a great man with a huge brain and a big heart. Keep em coming!!!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Wow thank you so very much !!!

[@carlduggan4058]

Great video. Rehabbing my deceased dad’s shop - it became a sad place of misplaced tools; organization is the first thing I’m thinking about including sheathing the whole thing.

[@sher5828]

Yours is the first that actually shows different ways to do this. Thanks for that. Great info.

[@chrisgriffith1573]

I use a French cleat system for a "wall Edsel" to paint my artwork on, its great to hang larger paintings and move stuff around on, makes viewing and storing works in progress so easy!

[@KatanaKamisama]

Did you mean easel? Isn't an Edsel an old car that was a flop? I'm sure it was just a typo, but entertaining none the less.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Siri gets me all the time like this. Yes the Ford Edsel believe was named after Henry Ford’s son and it was so loaded up with chrome it was Tacky.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Quite possibly it was Henry Ford’s father. I don’t know either one

[@rickdeckard1075]

@@AGlimpseInside you mean it was so loaded up with chrome that you didnt need crumple zones...

[@SonnyCider]

I set this up in my small shop. its fantastic. whatever specialty tools you need for your project, they go right in front of you. Great looking shop, Chris.

[@RADCOMJ1]

Love your energy and enthusiasm. Appreciate the top tips too...I wasnt sure whether I should break off the sharp edge of the cleat and no other video advised it.

[@jachconi]

It is 11:48 at night and I just got dressed again. Headed out to get organized!! Thanks my man!!

[@Kenfitzpat]

Love the explanation especially the way to be in the middle of a cut. Your enthusiasm is great I always enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@terrywarburton6119]

Great videos. Now I know how I am spending the next week! Cutting French cleats. Thanks so much.

[@malouin-ca]

So glad I found your channel and this video. First time someone explains the different types and possibilities of cleats. Since my workshop is located in my shed and that I have nothing over the studs... your solution #1 (2 1/4" cleats with 5" spacers) seems to be the good one for me. Anxious to wake up tomorrow and give it a try. Thanks a bunch! Kudos!

[@frankstulock6111]

Thank You sir! You have convinced me that I need to go with a French cleat system. The centering formula is simple. Your channel is rapidly becoming my "go-to" for the questions I have.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Glad to hear it. Happy to help. Thank you for the support brother

[@ManCrafting]

Dude. That last shot at the end. Money. I am a total sucker for organization videos. Mostly because I feel so disorganized. I actually have some French cleat material cut up and ready to use it, and believe it or not I feel like it’s such precious space I’m struggling to start. I know I know. Now that this is out there. I’ll need to do it.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thanks Chad I appreciate you my friend.

[@okcwilly]

I have built shelving and Curtin Rod Valances for several years using French Cleats for others. I however, I have 20 feet of 1/4" Pegboard above one of my work benches, as some habits are hard to break. I also have made about 50 pegboard specialty hooks, and I have about $500.00 worth of hangers, clips, hook locks, etc. and do not want to just throw them away. That said, I am building an 8' x 12' wall of French Cleats for tools and a few supplies to get started. Thank you for sharing the three types of Cleats that you use. You have given me plenty to work with. Loved you including your daughter as well.

[@slm3391]

Chris - the explanation on how to split the cleats exactly in 1/2 was excellent, very helpful.

[@bobsmith3790]

LOL!! That was perfect!! Thanks Chris….wonderful video. Fortunately I learned about French cleats ‘before’ I hung my first cabinet.

[@hootinouts]

I've used this system for hanging wall cabinets. You can't go wrong with it.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Truth, is this statement

[@jdwxly]

I'm about to move from a 10x12 shed to a 10x16 shed and wasn't looking forward to buying a bunch more pegboard. Now I'm going with French cleats. Thanks! And that 45 degree calculation trick was awesome.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thanks for watching bro yeah I don’t buy that pegboard that stuff is no good if you’re going to go with pegboard get something metal like Wallcontrol

[@JohnConnVT802]

@@AGlimpseInside I love the Wallcontrol products as well... lots of colors, I have a couple of panels in my kitchen. Much better than peg board. Once I finish my workshop French cleat system, I will start a quick & simple mod of a standard Wallcontrol accessory to create a wall of custom bins for spices & such.

[@1607rosie]

I like it those French cleats are cool. You have the ability to move them all around.

[@normandodson5079]

Dry cool trick at the end! Love it! These videos on French cleats are great. I’m definitely going to use this idea.

[@darrenhopper5343]

Great explanation of the different cleats.

[@brucevalentine5005]

love watching your videos very informative . I will be steal some of the ideas keep up the good work. I love the fact that your daughter also is in the video Keep her interest in woodworking

[@paullobwein1632]

Nailed it! That’s awesome man. Love the explanation I was not aware of the proper way to do them or why

[@johnlloyd2642]

Chris, I have never seen anyone SOOOO excited about French (or ANY) type of cleat!! But your video should carry a health warning......cos its infectious! I laughed aloud at the end, not just at your trick, but your reaction was priceless!! We all benefitted from your daughter bringing you good luck! You've made my day buddy, thanks for sharing your knowledge. 👍

[@dylanharmon2349]

Great video helpful to decide what type you want for your application

[@marcyeh8306]

Wonderful explanation and thorough. Thank you! I literally just put my first cleat up and was trying to figure out the spacing when I found your video. Not only did I find it eye-opening, but it clarified, embellished and explained some of the thoughts I was trying to figure out. You also didn't really mention it, but then showing that you could then add an ADDITIONAL cleat board on top of the original cleats... Holy crap! Mind. Blown. That was actually a game-changing realizing for me. Subscribed!

[@maximthemagnificent]

You can also add pegboard sections to the cleats for small items, but you have to space it out a bit so the hooks don't hit the cleats.

[@mikeparker9627]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and skills. Much appreciated. Mike from Brisbane

[@lindamarsden8024]

Your videos are excellent, I love, love, love French cleats. Especial for hanging upper cabinets as well as organizing.

[@jimkeown2074]

Fantastic video on french cleats!

[@aaroncarey7209]

i never new i could get so excited about some cleats! its because you made a great video man! thanks from Kansas!

[@JkCanvas]

Love the explanation of what is french cleat and the various os. Love the trick shot and kiss for good luck.

[@cowboy930]

Man you so 😁 like you video you are a cool dude and not a boring wood worker keep them videos coming thanks much for sharing you knowledge and tips .

[@lionelborges8094]

Lionel here in California. A few years ago I came to me about the 45 degree cleat hanger. Didn't do anything with it. Little did I know it was a thing. Really liked the video. Your passion for this system and explanation of different types of French cleats along with the functionality of each one is great. Now I am jazzed. Keep doing the videos the same way, with the laughs and the enjoyment factor. Thanks.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you Lionel. I appreciate you letting me know and I hope you’re all doing well over there with those crazy fires right now stay safe

[@grantryder5463]

What a fun and informative video. I'm a green pea to woodworking. Thank you for your video and effort!

[@AGlimpseInside]

You got a grant. Happy building my friend

[@tracybrislin]

OK you had me with the french cleat ! Then the reasoning behind the width divided x 2 + 1/2 the thickness for accurate half and half (genius) ! Including your Daughter in the no look, behind the back cleat toss, priceless! Thank you!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you as well I appreciate the wonderful feedback. Hope you have a great day

[@koendebelie197]

Wonderful idea ! Being European, I hadn't heard of French cleats before, but they look mighty handy to me ! Your enthousiasm is infectious... Also, love the channel logo, very cool !

[@outbackeddie]

Super helpful. Thanks for the great ideas. You have given me hope that I can finally do something about my cluttered and disorganized garage.

[@jakarnowski]

I've been wracking my brain trying to make sure I organize my garage shop the best way I can...but knowing I would never be 100% satisfied. I forgot about French Cleats until my wife saw it and made the suggestion. I just stumbled onto your channel looking for some good info with some specifics. Excellent! I found what I'm looking for! Kudos from the Panhandle side of the state!

[@alexandrasukeforth3337]

Just discovered you. Down in central nowhere Florida and just getting up and going. Lived a long time up in Jax. Learning a lot. Thanks.

[@aaroncoonphotography]

Man, another great video! You've got cleat walls mounted on cleat walls! hahahaha Testament to the system! Also, Dad to Dad, that final clip was just great. :D

[@davidfeinberg5599]

A daughter's luck is the best there is !!! Great vid.... Awesome shot !!!

[@paulkim1011]

Literally my goto recommend video for friends thinking about french cleats. Great video!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thanks for the advertisement. Much appreciated

[@paulkim1011]

@@AGlimpseInside thanks for the content!

[@thistooiseds3215]

Great video. Glad I stuck around for the final trick shot.

[@emmgeevideo]

There are a lot of videos about French Cleats, many of which are really good. This one may be the best because it gives you the basic concepts and you can extrapolate from there. Thanks!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you so much I really appreciate that. So glad you got something out of it

[@zorroinhell5549]

Your presentation is cool and real. You are the "Mac Daddy'. keep up the great videos

[@markwatters6875]

Thanks for the heads up on the measuring to get exact halves. Top work and videos mate.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you so much I’m glad you found it useful

[@stevenplowery5508]

Awesome video, very informative. Love the last shot. It was amazing. 🤙🤙🤙

[@coleve8596]

Another great instructional video. Here in the UK it brings back memories when we see someone using the old imperial system of measurement. Adding and subtracting eights and quarter of an inch etc. When I visit my son in Texas I bring my metric measuring tape with me. I notice your table saw has metric on it. Try a build using millimetres only, you will not go back to inches. An example would be try adding four and three sixteenths plus two and three eights and subtract one and three quarters. Now try 10 millimetres plus 5 millimetres minus 3 millimetres. On the last visit I went to the Home Depot and they are now selling metric tapes. Keep up the very professional videos. Love them.

[@AGlimpseInside]

I don’t disagree. Metric is so much more intuitive. But someone like me who grew up with imperial it feels so natural even though it probably isn’t

[@johnbrougheriii1621]

The U.S. attempted to convert to the metric system decades ago. It was an utter failure. There is no hope for us here, where the "football field" is a legitimate unit of measurement...as in "That aircraft carrier is over 3 football fields long". But then again, we would never have to deal with measuring speed in "furlongs per fortnight" either.

[@Cj12sings]

The cleat throw at the end was indeed EPIC .!!!

[@l.rod2827]

Great explanation on ripping the 45 deg boards equally, I had the wrong formula and couldn't rip equal size cleats. Gonna try your formula. Thanks again

[@vtellez01]

Thanks for the math lesson. I am just starting to put my French cleat wall together. I now know how to setup my table saw. Great tip. I have been reviewing FCW videos for about 3 weeks and I haven’t seen how to calculate the cleat cut until now!

[@jim7smith]

Great video....... with great ideas... loved the good luck kiss at the end....You're the man!

[@tippo5341]

Can see the halves straight off the back of the saw...the theory was spot on :) I've got a cleat system on a brick wall, minimal holes (good as I'm in a rental property), and it's randomly spaced across the wall, have some close by where i do the bulk of my work, and the others are located where I store all the tools, fixings etc etc, so I can move whatever is project specific to the work area. Cheers from Aus!!!!

[@bonnieingram7463]

French Cleats are going to solve so many issues in my shop! Thank you!!!

[@LuisDyniaSanchez1]

Amazing video once again. Keep up the good work! I'm installing some french cleats in my shop this week and I watched tons of videos on it. This is by far my favorite!

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you so much

[@jamesrobertstclair]

This is exactly what I was looking for, plus fun to watch. Thanks for the vid!

[@craigcarlock5799]

Super helpful video! Full of good tips, tricks ideas and information. I saved it to watch later and use in my garage. I really enjoyed your presentation style and sense of humor. I'll be checking out more of your content. Thanks for sharing.

[@LouiseRichard-f5w]

Thanks for this very informative video on set-ups! If I understand, I could set up French Cleats straight on studs, using the 1X6" ? And I guess if I have anything heavy to put up, I could always screw in a 1X1 for back up straight on the studs, the necesssary length for a specific item. High winds blew away some flimsy sheds, so I build an 8' pentagonal shed, in which I need to store and and have easy access to all my gardening and construction tools, and more. I imagine the cleats will also reinforce the structure.

[@azza1946]

haha this is gold! new channel needed for Workshop Trickshots now i reckon. Lovin your videos while stuck in lock down man, keep it goin!

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Nice trick shot! That's a keeper!

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

I’m about to French cleat my entire garage. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas!

[@GyWO10]

That good luck moment was awesome!!!!! 🤯👏🏽💯😎

[@chrystald.]

I need to do this. I moved around my shop/garage this week. I have a clean back wall itching for this. ❤️ kids are always good luck.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Yes they are. That clean wall won’t last long I just know it

[@davetaylor2088]

Just put cleats up for my garden tools - I used the big ones with the holders made out of 90x45mm pine and rake handles for the tool rests. The 2.5kg sledge is still on the cleat after 3 days so I must have done something right! Love the trick shot - I'd be getting your daughter to pick your lottery numbers if I were you!

[@n4xyy]

French cleat... who knew!? I was about to drop some serious bucks on heavy iron brackets to mount my somethat heavy surround speakers on the wall of my new media room creation. Wow, the French cleat will solve my problem. I'll mount about a 1 1/2" cleat along the top back of my speaker, then attach the mating cleat to cover the entire back of the speaker. I can stain them black and poly-urthane them before mounting and they will be invisible but do the job in spades! I'll send you some pics when I have the job done. Thanks again!

[@tedhall2277]

Another great video! However, when I was making my cleat system for my shop, I tried using 1x2 material and it was a disaster! when I would cut the 45 deg. angle on the edge of each board they would banana big time. So to your viewers who are thinking of using french cleats please use plywood, it is much more stable!

[@MarkPrimavera]

Thanks Ted for that information, i was just thinking of using 1X6 softwood to save money but know I'm going to go back to using birch plywood, even though it costs a fortune here in Ontario, Canada.

[@kevinnickel7529]

Did you let the wood sit for a few weeks to get seasoned to the humidity of your shop?

[@johnshipps441]

That last shot was worth the wait! 👏🏼

[@ikust007]

You explain very well. Bravo mate

[@thisguy349]

@13:23 "Like a boss" look before you even stick the cleat landing. NICE!! A little foreshadowing there Chris? Cleats need to go up in my shedshop. but i am getting hung up on a workbench style.

[@AGlimpseInside]

I feel your pain on that one I’m in the process of thinking what to do for my new updated workbench. Once I get the idea you know there will be a video

[@thisguy349]

You bet Chris! I will be watching for it. ;) My current idea for a workbench is a combination of a built-in cabinet and a flip top in a couple spots. I need some kind of space saver for my miter saw. Right at the work surface I want to add a floor sweep but for the workbench surface in the corner where. That way I have somewhat easy dust cleanup. I am designing this in SketchUp first to see if this will actually work. Digital sawdust is easier to deal with before making man glitter (real sawdust).

[@MrNugs67]

Hey brother. Just subscribed to your channel. I really liked this video. Everything on here that I'm normally looking for from a video. Thanks for making this one.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Thank you so much I appreciate you being here and not only that thanks for letting me know I really like hearing from people who check out what we do here. Thanks again man

[@custommadecrafts1271]

Great video enjoyed it! Looks like I'm going for the 3rd option as my wall isn't plywood thanks!

[@McFlysGarage]

Thanks for explaining how to properly halve it

[@charliepetricone8974]

Great System, thank you! Also, the end of the video is great too. Could become an awesome drinking game!!! 🤣 We just have to make sure there aren't any tools on them before we throw them!! 😁 No guarantees there! 😝

[@Mr.GucciClass1A]

The look on your face when you nailed that last shot is priceless!!!! 👍🏽

[@AGlimpseInside]

I honestly couldn’t believe it

[@billinfarmington5189]

I never have enough wall space in my garage. And, I keep moving. Generally, built-in items become part of the property when you sell your house. So, about 15 years ago, I made 4 double door cabinets to go above my workbench and used french cleats to hang them. I always recess the french cleats on cabinets so that the sides are always flush with the sheetrock. I hang the wall mounted portion with two lag bolts and put the cabinets up. Because each move results in a different position for the studs in relation to the cleats, the wall portion ends up with multiple holes after several moves. But, I only have to lift the cabinet off the cleat and remove the two lag bolts to move. And, trust me, they hold a LOT of weight. If I ever get called on removing the cabinets, I can honestly say the cabinets were never attached to the wall and at worst leave the wall mounted cleat in place and just rip 2 more pieces to mount the four cabinets in the new garage.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

I would just make it clear to prospective buyers that the shop will be completely empty once I sell.

[@billinfarmington5189]

Absolutely! Moved 3 times since then and pulled and moved the cabinets. And, I also used french cleats in some cabinets in the house and let the owner know how they were attached so they could move/remove them if they wanted.@@SnootchieBootchies27

[@JDiaz-rs6yl]

The good luck kiss is what did it!! Great video man, thanks👍

[@paulk8596]

Love the trick shot, simply epic Lol. I love the video’s, about awesome projects. Keep them coming.

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent...keep up the great video and the informative video...😊