Model originally uploaded to Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6140242.

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 a cleat and slot system. 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. Everything can be printed w/o supports.

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. There is a recess for a M3x10 bolt 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.

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.

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. 


MiniCleats

Cleat.stl

Recently found NoWarrenty's Clickfinity, and while I love the idea, I wanted something a little more solid for the drawers in my tool cabinet. I've been using grizzie17's Gridfinity Refined plates and love the way they can be attached together, so I decided to see if I could combine the two. And after a lot of trial, error, and head scratching, I think I made it work. 

I also reworked the wedge connectors to better fit these plates. 

Per the original model details; “Print with PETG, ABS, ASA, or Nylon. Do not use PLA or PLA+ as these materials creep under constant load, causing the grid to lose its grip over time.”

I give you Clickfinity Refined. Huge thanks to NoWarrenty, grizzie17, and of course Zack Freedman for the original Gridfinity. This is a result of all of their collective hard work.

This is still a work in progress, so comments, suggestions, and remixes are very much welcomed. 

EDIT 8/3/23:
Added a Kobalt Mini Toolbox plate insert.
Added Baseplate Trays for looks and portability. Also added trim sections to dress up the sides without having to print out an entire tray. 

smittyrn

Achievements

Explorer

Seedling

Debutant

MiniCleats

ClickFinity Refined - Integrating Gridfinity Refined with Clickfinity.