French cleat

Common card · No. 266176

A French cleat is a way of securing a cabinet, mirror, tools, artwork or other objects to a wall. It is a molding with a 45 degree slope used to hang cabinets or other objects. The method has been described as simple and strong, but also elegant since it often can be mounted hidden behind a cabinet. French cleats can be used in pairs, or with a cleat mounted to the wall and a matching edge cut into the object to be hung. The wall side of a French cleat can be mounted securely without having to hold the full weight of the cabinet while it is secured. The cleat will not be seen while in use, so it does not matter where it is drilled; this means that it can be screwed into wall studs relatively independent of the lateral position of the cabinet. The cleat can be the full length of the cabinet, so it allows supporting the cabinet at least at every stud behind it. If the wall cleat is left slightly shorter than the cabinet, the cabinet can be shifted left and right slightly after it is hung...

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