What is a French Cleat?

Just for kicks, this is a french cleat

here is another diagram

here is a “rabbeted” French hanging cleat:

Instead of an angle, it uses a rabbeted joint for hanging.

French cleats are typically cut on a table saw, and can be cut (carefully, with a guide) using a skilsaw.

French cleats are strong and do a good job of holding items in place on a wall.

You can also get metal cleats from hardware and big-box stores. They are more expensive than using scraps, but save a lot of time — and usually fit closer to the wall.

Metal hanging cleats (one shown is from Amazon.

Thanks for the A2A!

Look for other tips on my website, The Chenkin Workshop