Aluminum Z Cleat

Technical drawing depicting of an aluminum Z cleat and Heavy Duty Cleat cross section. On the left drawing is the Z Cleat. The cleat has a stepped, Z-shape with a vertical mounting flange, a horizontal offset, and a vertical upper lip that forms the interlocking hook. The lower mounting section has a height of 1" inch, upper lip has height of 3/4" inch and depth of 1/8" inch. Overall depth of Z-cleat is 3/16 inch. The heavy-duty cleat is on the right with dimensions: overall height 1-15/16 inches and width 15/16 inches. A middle area is recessed 1/8 inch and is 9/16 inch high. The top has a lip to create the interlocking hook for the cleat.
Technical drawing depicting of an aluminum Z cleat and Heavy Duty Cleat cross section. On the left drawing is the Z Cleat. The cleat has a stepped, Z-shape with a vertical mounting flange, a horizontal offset, and a vertical upper lip that forms the interlocking hook. The lower mounting section has a height of 1" inch, upper lip has height of 3/4" inch and depth of 1/8" inch. Overall depth of Z-cleat is 3/16 inch. The heavy-duty cleat is on the right with dimensions: overall height 1-15/16 inches and width 15/16 inches. A middle area is recessed 1/8 inch and is 9/16 inch high. The top has a lip to create the interlocking hook for the cleat.
Z-and-Heavy-Duty-Cleat_background
Installation diagram of an aluminum Z Cleat mounting system. The left side shows a wall with a wall-mounted cleat fastened to it with a screw, there is a note reading "Customer provides screw for wall." On the right, a support panel has a matching Z cleat secured into the poplar perimeter with screws. A callout between the wall cleat and panel cleat reads "Pull down to capture," indicating the panel is lowered onto the wall cleat to lock the two interlocking Z-shaped cleats together.
SmallCorp-Z-Cleat-Installation_background

Aluminum Z Cleat

Art installation systems 

Aluminum Z cleats, also commonly known as Z Clips or French Cleats, are a no-show and secure installation method for artwork, panels, and more. Z Cleats interlock with each other, making them easy to change, and don’t require visible screws or hardware, just attach one piece to the back of your artwork or panel and attach the other piece to the wall. Aluminum cleats are archival and non-corrosive, making them stable in any environment. We offer two types of aluminum Z cleats.  

The maximum length for a single piece is 120“, but making the cleat in multiple parts can be beneficial for shipping.

Cleats are cut to length and sold per piece (not in pairs). The standard finish is raw aluminum without powdercoat. We can add pre-drilled and countersunk holes as needed. Typical hole placement is 1” from each end and 10-12” apart (unless otherwise specified).  

Standard Z Cleats are 3/16” deep when mated. 

Technical profile drawing of an aluminum Z cleat shown in side view. The cleat has a stepped, Z-shape with a vertical mounting flange, a horizontal offset, and a vertical upper lip that forms the interlocking hook. The lower mounting section has a height of 1" inch, upper lip has height of 3/4" inch and depth of 1/8" inch. Overall depth of Z-cleat is 3/16 inch.
SmallCorp-Z-Cleat_background
Installation diagram of an aluminum Z Cleat mounting system. The left side shows a wall with a wall-mounted cleat fastened to it with a screw, there is a note reading "Customer provides screw for wall." On the right, a support panel has a matching Z cleat secured into the poplar perimeter with screws. A callout between the wall cleat and panel cleat reads "Pull down to capture," indicating the panel is lowered onto the wall cleat to lock the two interlocking Z-shaped cleats together.
SmallCorp-Z-Cleat-Installation_background

Cleats are cut to length and sold per piece (not in pairs). The standard finish is raw aluminum without powdercoat. We can add pre-drilled and countersunk holes as needed. Typical hole placement is 1” from each end and 10-12” apart (unless otherwise specified).  

Heavy Duty Z Cleats are 5/16” deep when mated. 

Technical drawing of a heavy-duty cleat cross-section with dimensions: overall height 1-15/16 inches and width 15/16 inches. A middle area is recessed 1/8 inch and is 9/16 inch high. The top has a lip to create the interlocking hook for the cleat.
SmallCorp_Heavy-Duty-Cleat_background
Installation diagram of an aluminum Z Cleat mounting system. The left side shows a wall with a wall-mounted cleat fastened to it with a screw, there is a note reading "Customer provides screw for wall." On the right, a support panel has a matching Z cleat secured into the poplar perimeter with screws. A callout between the wall cleat and panel cleat reads "Pull down to capture," indicating the panel is lowered onto the wall cleat to lock the two interlocking Z-shaped cleats together.
SmallCorp-Z-Cleat-Installation_background
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