Features and selection of clamps for MDF

Currently, when carrying out finishing work in the premises, MDF panels are often used. Most often, such sheets are taken for finishing ceiling coverings. They allow you to imitate expensive types of wood, but at the same time their cost is much lower, they can be easily and quickly installed. Today we will talk about special clamps for MDF.

Kleimers are a special high-strength fastening structure, it is used for mounting various wooden panels. They are installed under the material. Such frame parts are fixed with self-tapping screws and nails.

Externally, cleats are similar to ordinary metal staples or clamps. They are quite plastic, they are attached to the surface in such a way that their tongue protrudes slightly outward, after which they are slightly bent up.

Such elements are considered a more profitable and reliable option compared to nails and screws. After all, the latter often begin to rust and spoil the overall appearance of the entire structure. Claymers are usually made of high quality stainless steel so they won't rust and lose their appearance over time. Sometimes these elements are also made of aluminum.

Visually, such fasteners can also be divided into two separate categories: flat metal plate and "hook". The first variety is created with a few small holes. It is thanks to them that the attachment to the surface occurs. The second option is also called "tongue" in another way, it looks like a small holder, which is tightly inserted into the lower part of the lining groove.

All kleimers must be marked with numbers (from 1 to 8). These values ​​indicate the hook height of such structures in millimeters. In addition, they can reflect the strength of the product itself. The size of any kleimer is always commensurate with the thickness of the groove of the material for finishing.

In addition, this frame allows you to ensure the special reliability of the future coating. Wooden sheets will not deform during operation, they will allow the wood to "breathe".

Claymers are fairly easy to mount on surfaces. They significantly speed up the process of installing wood, while they have a relatively low cost, anyone can purchase them. One square meter of the room will need about 20 kleimers.

Often they are fixed in bath rooms, such elements are resistant to low temperature conditions and high humidity (they are covered with special compounds that protect them from rust and other influences).

These fasteners are best used only for lightweight wood trim sheets. They will not be able to withstand too much stress. Retainers are suitable for the following materials:

• lining;
• euro lining;
• MDF panels;
• chipboard panels;
• block house;
• skirting boards.

Such fasteners make it possible to make the frame invisible after installing MDF panels.

Parts can be mounted in such a way that they are not visible at all, but this is achieved only if their dimensions were correctly selected.

Kleimer has a number of important advantages, among which the following are worth highlighting:

• increasing the quality of work;
• increase in the speed of work;
• the shakiness of the structure after installation is excluded;
• low cost;
• can be used for rooms with high levels of humidity;
• simplicity, ease of use;
• high level of reliability and durability (during manufacture they are covered with anti-corrosion agents);
• the ability to select the dimensions of fasteners and material.

Among the disadvantages of kleimers, only their inability to withstand heavy surfaces can be distinguished. They are designed exclusively for lightweight materials. Otherwise, the kleimers simply won't hold the panels.

Such frame products can be of different dimensions. The height of one kleimer can be from 1-8 mm, there are also models with a height of 3.5 mm.

The thickness of the sheet can also vary, it reaches 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 mm.

Before buying clamps for MDF, it is worth paying special attention to some aspects. So, look at the dimensions of the sheets. All of them are divided into several groups depending on their size. There are 6 such categories in total (indications of the category are most often found on the packaging).

Each of them is intended only for certain materials.

• The model of the first type will be suitable for finishing coatings with vinyl clapboard or wall panels.
• The second group of products will also be the best option for finishing with vinyl clapboard and MDF panels.
• The third and fourth groups are suitable for the use of chipboard and euro lining.
• The fifth option is purchased for working with heavy wood species, including aspen and linden materials. It is the clamps of this group that are the most reliable, they can withstand heavy loads, unlike other models designed for light materials.
• The sixth category is purchased for block house decoration.

It is necessary to look at the markings to determine the height and strength of the cleats. Also consider the type of products. They can be privates or starters. The first option is used for easy joining of two separate wood panels. The second version comes with two small tabs, they are designed to firmly fix the planks on the sides, as well as at the top and bottom.

Before starting work, you need to decide how exactly the boards will be fixed: in a horizontal or vertical position.

In any case, you first need to measure and outline with a simple pencil the approximate location of the products. After that, they immediately saw the wood according to the outlined instructions and prepare the necessary tools for installation.

To make a reliable and durable frame structure out of the cleats, they must be properly fixed to the surface. You can attach the parts either to a flat, cleaned wall, or to a prepared crate.

If you plan to fix the clamps with nails, then you should use a building level and a hammer. If you attach them to screws, you will need to take a screwdriver and screwdriver.

The fixing of the fasteners and the wooden panels themselves is carried out alternately. In the process of work, it is necessary to observe accuracy when calculating the position of the fasteners. In this case, special attention should be paid to the very first detail, because it is she who determines the position of the further strips.

Remember that the nails for securing the cleats can only be used if the lathing has been installed in advance. It can be mounted using dowels or self-tapping screws.

To make the crate, small blocks of wood are used. They must provide a clearance of at least 5 centimeters. Only after this is the installation of the kleimers themselves.

Each retainer is attached in such a way that the board can lie as flat as possible on it. If you used self-tapping screws, then it is also recommended to make a crate of bars in advance. She will be able to greatly simplify the fixation.

After that small holes should be prepared (their diameter should be less than the diameter of the self-tapping screw), you can also gradually screw the self-tapping screws into the base at the designated points. When the first part is attached, it is worth starting the installation of the first board and at the same time you need to fix the remaining brackets.

The first sheet is always mounted in the hook of the retainer, while the subsequent elements will be installed with the groove in the tenon. After attachment, the coating must be carefully inspected. It should be flat, not deviate from the surface, and firmly press against the wall. Knotting will form when several planks are secured. They can be fixed with regular nails.

If necessary, decorative corners can be used during installation. They make it possible to hide all flaws after installation work and give a beautiful and neat appearance to the finished coating.

For information on how to use the Kleimer, see the video below.