How to Attach a Tabletop / Z-Clip Tabletop Fasteners

Wondering how to attach a tabletop? Z-clips, or tabletop fasteners, are one of the quickest and easiest way to do it.

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[benr]

A quick additional tip; I know we woodworkers never make mistakes, but should one somehow forget to add the kerf in the apron before leg assembly glue-up, a biscuit cutter (or plate joiner, whichever term you prefer) does a remarkably good job of adding functional slots later in the process and is faster than a slitting bit in a router (which is also a great secondary method!)

[Creator_Nater]

👍fellow lefty.
Wow, that was an ABRUPT ending. Great info.

[kevinwinkle]

I think what everyone fails to mention about installing these is that you dont want to push the clip all the way into the slot. If you push them all the way into the slot then the wood has no room for expansion.

[StevenHearndon]

Very helpful. I've used the figure 8s before, and they work well too, but using a forstner bit and getting the depth just right is a pain. I like how easy it is to cut a groove with the table saw to install these. Again, very helpful.

[bruce-le-smith]

Thank you, this was very helpful. Always helps noobs like me to see that others are still human and make 'happy little accidents'

[Erik_The_Viking]

I use a slot cutting router bit which works like a champ. I tried other fasteners but z-clips were by far the easiest and with less headaches.

[barryirby]

I use these all the time, but have made one addition. I put one or two pocket hole screws in each end to hold the top securely and let the expansion occur along the front and back. Or you can fasten one side securely and force the expansion to happen at the other side as with a table along the wall or at the back of a sofa.

[antonoat]

I always enjoy your films, thanks for sharing them with us ! 👏👍😀

[glennryzebol]

These table top fasteners are great. Very inexpensive and easy to use. I use a groove cutting bit from a TnG router bit set to cut individual slots for each clip. Great video. Don`t see many recommending these and i was starting to wonder if i should try something else but, naaaah, not gonna.

[-doughnuthole-]

Great info! This will definitely help when I try to make my first dining room table later this year.

[MCsCreations]

Really excellent tips, dude! Thanks a bunch! 😃
I still need to find those clips here in Brazil!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[BobMuir]

Really good video, simple however it’s informative and saves one’s ‘top’ if one follows your advice/example.
I wish I had a table saw.
Bob
England

[Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

When using Z clips, what size kerf blade should we use?

[nbgambler]

I love these short form, specific videos! Each one feels like another tool in my imaginary 'ways to tackle an issue' tool bag (tackle kit?)!!!

[kathrynnewton]

So good! Thank you, how do I ‘repair a dining table with breadboard ends that has moved and is out of square/cracked due to this problem? Not made by me?

[davidyeo]

Awesome! I'll use this next time! First time interesting.... hahaha

[denisek]

Hi. Thank you for the helpful video. I purchased the z clips. What size table screws are needed for a 3/4" thick tabletop? Also, did you use flat or round top screws?

[Mkms]

What will happen if using L clip instead of those Z.

[sergeyshorokhov]

I may be wrong, but I think that making a full length cut is not entirely correct, because in this case we reduce the thickness of the entire apron by almost 2 times, which can potentially affect the overall strength and durability of the table / stool. In addition, this cut releases internal stresses in the wood, and aprons that were flat after jointing can revert to the gutter shape.
It seems to me that it is better to mill a short slot, the length of which matches the width of the Z-clip.
The second thing I thought about was that Z-clips installed along the fibers should not have any room for movement at all, because due to this the axis of symmetry of the tabletop will be rigidly fixed, and the overhangs will expand left and right by the same distance.

[brennanbarrett]

Great work again man! Clear, concise and chill

When can we look forward to a loose tenon jig video? We could all use some proof you aren't just reliant on a certain tool-that-shant-be-named /s