How to Install Z-Clips: Your Guide to Z-Clip Fasteners

Z-Clips (AKA French cleats) are a functional hardware option for hanging objects from your walls securely and seamlessly. They’re great for various renovation projects thanks to their versatility – from hanging heavy cabinets or large mirrors to interior design.

Whether you’re remodeling your home or working on a construction site, knowing how to install Z-Clips properly is an important skill. In this blog, we’ll teach you how to install Z-Clip fasteners in a series of simple, easy-to-follow steps.

You Will Need the Following Materials

To install Z-Clip fasteners, you’ll need the following:

• Stud finder
• Level
• Power drill
• Z-clip fasteners rated for the weight of your item
• Appropriately sized screws for your chosen Z-clip
• Optional: Z-bar

How to Install Z-Clips

Ready to install your Z-Clips? Follow this quick and easy guide to get the job done hassle-free.

Step 1: Choose your mounting location

First, you’ll need to choose a mounting location.

The ideal spot to install Z-Clips is on a wall stud, as it will ensure the most secure installation. This is where your stud finder will come in handy.

There are three different types of stud finders:

• Magnetic stud finders. These are cost-effective and easy to use – all you have to do is place it against the wall and slide it until you feel resistance.
• Electronic stud finders. These are more complicated to use than traditional magnetic stud finders, but they’re more accurate and can help you determine the location of a stud with a little more nuance.
• Whole stud detectors. Construction workers and home project professionals prefer these stud finders, as they provide insight into the exact thickness of the drywall and help you locate the entire stud (magnetic and electronic stud finders find the edges of studs).

If you’re hanging something in a place with no stud, it’s still possible to install Z-Clips with the proper mounting hardware.

Step 2: Attach the Z-Clip to Your Item

To install a Z-Clip on your desired item, loosely fasten one screw to the back of the item you’re hanging. Next, loosely attach the second screw (remember that the distance between the screws depends on your Z-Clip length). Before attaching the second screw, use a level to ensure that the placement of your Z-Clip is even. Remember that the notch on the Z-Clip should be facing down on the item you’re hanging.

Once you’ve attached both screws, double-check the placement of the Z-Clip with a level. If the placement is to your liking, fully install both screws.

Note: The best location to install a Z-Clip is on the upper half of the item you’re hanging. This will ensure that the item is securely attached to the wall and will not topple over.

Step 3: Attach the Other Z-Clip or Z-Bar to the Wall

To attach the Z-Clip to the wall, slide a screw through the hole on the Z-Clip and loosely attach it to your desired location on the wall. Use a level to center the other screw, and loosely screw the second screw into the wall. Before fully tightening both screws, double-check that the Z-Clip is even using a level.

When mounting to a stud, use a drill to install the screws into your wall securely. Drills are an essential tool when drilling directly into solid wood, as it can be challenging to achieve a firm hold using hand tools.

Z-Bars are similar to Z-Clips, but they’re much longer and can withstand and distribute more weight. If the item you’re hanging is heavy, a Z-Bar will provide an extra-strong hold. To install a Z-Bar, follow the instructions above and adjust the distance between screws accordingly.

Step 4: Mount Your Item

Once you’ve installed one Z-Clip on your item and the other on the wall, line up the two Z-Clips and slide them together to create a secure hold.

Complete Your Next Project With Orange Aluminum

Installing Z-Clips is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your item hangs securely and seamlessly from any wall. The installation process is straightforward, but it’s crucial to choose a Z-Clip that you can trust.

Orange Aluminum’s light, durable, non-toxic Z-Clips are reliable and cost-effective solutions for your construction needs. There are numerous advantages to using aluminum for construction projects, so you can trust that our products will help you get the job done well.

Check out all things construction on our blog and learn more about how you can put aluminum to use in your next project!