MiniCleats

MiniCleats, because we need even more mounting systems.

While installing a French cleat system in my shop, I had a thought; what about adapting this into (yet another) 3D organization system? I’ve been using the Honeycomb Wall concept, but there are times I’ve found myself needing something with a stronger hold or more adjustment options. 

Introducing MiniCleats. A remix of a variation of the French cleat system used in many woodworking shops, MiniCleats incorporates alignment teeth to help secure your mounts in place. Simply align the cleat plate, slide it down, and the model will stay secure until you slide it up and out. 

Printing the model with the cleat attached made for some challenging print orientations, so I went with an insert and slot system. All the models here can be printed with no supports.  Simply slide a cleat into the slot on a model and it’s ready to mount; they are tight enough to stay in place. If you want to have a stronger attachment, there’s a recessed hole for a M3x10 bolt to anchor the cleat to the slot, or you can use a couple of drops of superglue. Check your fitment first. 

I’ve made a couple of demo mounts for hex drivers and some Knipex cutters, but since Gridfinity and Honeycomb Wall communities have created pretty much anything you can think of already, I’ve adapted this system to use models from both ecosystems. I’ve made shelves that use my Clickfinity Refined baseplates to allow use of many Gridfinity creations. I’ve also made a couple of mounting adapters that accept the Honeycomb Wall creations. There’s a whole universe of designs that can be used with this.

Notes about the different models and general information:

• Click Plates are shelves that accept the Clickfinity Refined baseplates. Print the matching size baseplate and they snap down tightly on the shelf.
• CFR Plates: these are Clickfinity Refined plates to use with the Click Plates.
• Cleat: this is the part that actually attaches to the wallplate. When sliding it into the wallplate, you might need to wiggle it sideways to align the teeth. This model is included if you would like to incorporate it directly into your model.
• Cleat Inserts: to facilitate supportless printing, you will slide one of these into each Cleat Holder. If these are too tight, trim the sides with a burr tool. There is a recess for a M3x10 bolt, or even better a 6 x 1/2" screw if you wish to secure it to the Cleat Holder.  
• Cleat Holder: this is the slot mount that the Insert slides into. I’ve included the model to allow you to attach it to whatever model you want to adapt to the system. When printing it, orient it vertically with the opening down; no need for supports. Note: When using multiple Holders, space them apart in 5mm increments (the spacing of the alignment teeth).
• Mounts (wallplates): there are 3 sizes of mounts, with the XL being the largest you can print on a Bambu plate. They can be lined up side by side or stacked vertically and cleats will still align. A Wide Cleat will join two plates horizontally, while a Triple Cleat can join plates vertically. 
• Mounts w screws can be attached directly to the wall with standard drywall screws. Plain Mounts can be attached with Mounting Tabs using drywall screws. They seem small but do a very good job of attaching the wallplates. I’m working on making them flush with the front of the wallplates so objects can be mounted over them.
• Note: mounts need to be attached flush against the wall, so the best option for finished sheetrock is a back board as pictured in the cover photo. Using wall anchors will leave a small but problematic gap in the back, allowing the mount to flex when you try to attach a cleat to it. 
• Note: mounts and cleats should be printed in PETG, ASA, ABS, or Nylon. PLA can creep under a constant load. Anything that attaches to a Cleat can be printed with your filament of choice. 

This is still a work in progress, but this should be enough to allow you to get started. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated, as always. 

8/14/23 - Added two versions of Undead_skelly My ass's Stackable Box; one with a built in cleat holder, and a clean box that will stack on the one with the cleat. 

8/19/23 - Added a stout bin.

8/24/23 - Added a snap in hook.