How to Install Figure 8 Tabletop Fasteners // Quick & Easy Woodworking Tutorial

In this video, I show you how to install figure 8 tabletop fasteners, sometimes called figure 8 table top clips or connectors. Figure 8 tabletop fasteners are a great solution for how to attach a tabletop to a base because they accommodate seasonal wood movement, preventing damage to the table that screws or other methods might cause.

I also cover in this video where to install figure 8 tabletop fasteners on the base, which is a topic that many other videos on figure 8 tabletop fasteners avoid. There is actually a right and a wrong location to install them, and I cover quickly where to install the figure 8 clips and why there versus other locations.

I hope you like this quick figure 8 fasteners tips video, and if you do, please consider hitting the thumbs up button or leaving a comment to let me know you do.

🛠 Tools and Materials I used for installing figure 8 tabletop fasteners:

🚲 Support Bike City Woodworks

🎶 Music

[BikeCityWoodworks]

Let me know if you have any other Figure 8 Fastener tips and tricks! I'm sure I don't know everything about these super useful little fasteners.

[gregl]

Fantastic—-much better than the clips the amateurs use ——I knew a pro wouldn’t use those because they allow the apron to kick out —-thanks sir!!!!

[sam_gg]

Well done. Used the figure eight fasteners for the first time and referred to this video for an explanation and instruction. Very helpful, very clear, and simple. Thank you for doing this video!

[kenicg]

A perfect video. Short, concise and rich with useful information. THANKS! One suggestion: I agree most of the time the short side would have the grain running through it; some times the grain might be running the other way.

[joolieh]

I'm using these to attach the seat to bar chairs I made. Concise, informative video, thanks!

[BradGump]

Thank you, will be installing my table top here in a couple weeks.

[svenoxtoby]

Thank you for explaining about positioning for the primary axis of movement. Great video.

[SamWestby]

Great video!! It was very helpful and to the point. Thank you!

[SwingCritic]

Couldn’t ask for a much better video or this. Thank you so much mate!!

[BronkBuilt]

Great information and explained very well.

[bmr]

Thanks a ton for the video. Great information.

[clone_enolc]

Nice vid, great info, great production!

[mychalevenson]

You can install figure 8s at an angle along the long stretcher. That will it allow it to move with the wood and add support to your table.

[robw]

Great video, liked and subscribed! At 2:40 when you install the figure 8 into the apron it looks like you don't snug it down super tight. I assume that is to allow for movement, which is the whole purpose of this type of fastener. Do you also not snug it super tight when attaching the top? Thanks much.

[justinmiller]

I'm having trouble figuring out how to attach a 3/4 solid wood top to a 1/2 in made ply cabinet. Can I just glue solid wood to the inside of the plywood and use these fasteners?

[emilyphillips]

Awesome video, Brian! Would figure 8 fasteners work on say a bottom shelf of a kitchen island? :P Shelf is pine and legs are maple.

[striperseeker]

Is the season movement true for a plywood top or just solid wood tops?

[טלשדמה]

Can I use a router instead of the drilling?

[scotth]

Those fasteners seem to be some of the more expensive ones on amazon. I see plenty that are under 50c each, and some that are only 25c each. Doesn't seem like there's a major risk to going cheap here.