Reddit reviews 20-Pack - Heavy Duty Figure 8 Table Top Connector or Desk Top Fastener Clip - 12 Gauge Steel
We found 2 Reddit comments about 20-Pack - Heavy Duty Figure 8 Table Top Connector or Desk Top Fastener Clip - 12 Gauge Steel. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
12-gauge carbon steel (almost 1/8" thick) - zinc coated to prevent rusting and corrosionEach fastener measures 1-3/16" x 5/8" x 12 gauge (~1/8") thickReduce Wood Splitting - Securely fastens wooden table surface to it's rails, while providing a pivot point to accommodate seasonal wood movementCountersunk holes on opposite sides to keep screw heads flush, designed for #6 flat head screwsEndless Uses - Table tops, desk tops, cabinet fronts, drawer fronts or arts and crafts
I was thinking of something like that for locking it in place. The inspiration was even the same - the cam locking fence on my tablesaw, but I wouldn't find anything that was small enough, and the fact that anything I found would have to be drilled into the edge of plywood made me nervous about the idea.
I did also think about having something that was flush with the bottom of the french cleat, and rotated out like a sliding latch, but again I just found size to be an issue, along with attaching to the bottom edge of plywood. Some of the things I thought about using:
https://smile.amazon.com/Alise-Rotate-Latches-MS220U-Brushed/dp/B01N1PNTEW/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=sliding+lock&qid=1554823301&s=gateway&sr=8-9
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XZ6LV2Z/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A1COAUT1Y8EGRY&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DRBB8P4/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A4IGQ3LQP26MX&psc=1
Both of the "latches", I wouldn't use the part that goes on the other side. I think the little figure 8 fastener with maybe an insert nut and a thumbscrew might be the simplest solution.
You can buy metal versions at many places. Figure 8 clips (also available at many places) do the same thing, it's just a matter of preference as to what you use.