Hafele Keku joiner clips. I understand how it is used, but not where it is used

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Packard

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I just came across the Hafele Keku system.  The video in this website very clearly shows how to install the clips.  But not where or why you would choose to use them.

I have used Hafele products in the past and find that they are well engineered and well made.  I don’t know why they are less popular than Blum, but clearly they are.

This website has the video that shows best how to use the clips:
https://www.shopmancini.com/en/acce...se-joint-interlocking-hook-8015032262403.html

And here is my initial search [videos]:
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-m&q=hafele+keku+clips&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj48IKispr-AhWVkIkEHSR2BXoQ0pQJegQIDRAB&biw=1144&bih=728&dpr=2
 
I found Hafele’s catalog pages.  Unfortunately it does not help me in the “where” and the “why” department.

Interior wall system for commercial buildings?  Maybe.
 
Hafele are less popular due to their sales network. Even at my shops volume they are a pain to deal with. I'll see if this changes now that we have a local rep, only took them 4 years.

Tom
 
066186
Click to expand...

We use them for all sorts of things:

Headers above built in fridges / freezers and wine coolers

Island panels/backs

False fronts on sink bases & cooktops

Filler panels between ovens - other appliances

 
OK. Those make sense.  It would eliminate the need for a brad nailer (and the nail holes).

 
We have a Rep, so that hasn't been an issue, but that ransom hack a few weeks ago sure caused chaos.
 
They're really good where you need access behind a panel, for fixing purposes etc. Screw cabinet, frame, whatever, to wall/floor then snap the panel on. No visible nails or screws, more reliable than trying to glue the panel in place.
In theory, you can use them for removeable panels, but in real life I've found them to be a bit too tight a fit for that. They work within the 32mm System, which is handy.
 
I’m sitting in Starbucks right now typing this post.  Directly opposite my table is the service counter.  In the image I attached below, you can see right in the middle that there is an approximately 3/4” jog in the panel to the right compared to the panel to the left.

That is because the panel to the right is removable for service access to plumbing.  I’ve seen a service tech remove the right hand panel.  It has a metal version of a French cleat.  The gap is required so that the panel can be raised to clear the cleat for removal.

You can only see that gap when you are seated.  The counter overhang obscures it from customers paying their bill. 

Would this be a suitable application for the Keku?  I see in the videos that the panels attach with a firm snap of the clip.  But how is the panel removed when access is required?

keFt09R.jpg

 
The lock is a double bevel wedge.  This video gives a nicer 360 view of it.  Just yank, either suction cup or in this Starbucks case probably a pry hook up top and grab the bottom.


Note that there are also other hidden panel connectors like Button-Fix and  Peanuts in case you want more readily available ones.
 
Thanks,

I will revisit this when I have another application that appears to call for a French cleat.  I will check to see if a French cleat is really the best option.
 
That is the one disadvantage of French cleats. The clearance required above them to allow the panel to drop in can cause gap issues.
We have used a couple of different methods to attach access panels, depending on the level of "security" involved. Security, not like a safe, but as in how hard it is to remove it. Often magnets will do a good job too.
 
When I had my picture framing business, we carried “security” hanging hardware.  It allowed frames to be solidly mounted with no visible hardware.  We framed some art for a bar and used security hardware and acrylic instead of glass.

A tip, for what it is worth:  Anytime you hang art where children play unsupervised, should have acrylic glazing.  A tossed toy could knock a frame to the ground.  Shards of glass and children do not play well together. 

(My apologies for drifting.)
 
Hafele is great!
But for zero clearance removable panels, look at Starhanger's offerings.  I primarily use them for sink aprons and range hood surrounds, but they come in handy in lots of other applications too.
 
Joseph C said:
Hafele is great!
But for zero clearance removable panels, look at Starhanger's offerings.  I primarily use them for sink aprons and range hood surrounds, but they come in handy in lots of other applications too.
Click to expand...

I watched one of their videos.  The device seems clever, but retains that same issue that the French cleat shares:  It requires clearance above the panel for installation or removal. So that gap I showed in the photo of the Starbucks panels (see my earlier post, reply #7) would remain.

I did not look at all thr videos.  If there is a specific video I should watch, please advise.
 
squall_line said:
This is at least one of them:
https://www.starhanger.com/collecti...ers-5-16-mounts/products/320-zero-25-lbs-blue

Specifically states "zero reveal", and appears to be a direct clip-in.
Click to expand...

That looks better, but I am wondering how many cycles it is good for.  For an access panel to a shower mixer, which you might only need to use if the mixer fails or maybe never, this seems fine.

For an access panel that requires regular maintenence, I worry about the number of cycles it is good for. 
 
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