Figure 8 Fasteners

[Cain]

I'm working on a plan that suggests using figure 8 fasteners to attached a bench top to the bench legs. Are these available locally at hardware stores or do they have to be ordered from a specialized store such as Rockler?

Thanks,

Cain

[crokett]

You can check the specialty HW aisles for the big box stores but as I recall when looking for some the choices are limited to none. I have an old-school family HW store in town that has them - I haven't found anything they don't have. Ace HW might also have something.

[WayneJ]

I looked for them in HD but no luck . I did find some flat metal straps that worked with two holes in them. Put the countersunk hole on the apron side and used sheet metal screws into the top. Worked out well
Wayne

[rickd]

hi,

i haven't had any luck finding them locally. i think i got mine at lee valley - here's a link: http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/pa...=3,41306,41312

i bought a bunch of them so i would always have a good supply on hand.

[jarhead]

I ordered mine from Woodcraft.

[os1kne]

I had to buy some last month. You won't find them at HD or Lowe's. Normal hardware stores may have them. If your area has a Woodcraft, Rockler or other woodworking store - that will be your best bet. If not, may need to order.

[Imadunatic]

i prefer the ones rockler carries, they are cast instead of stamped, (i highly doubt there is any strength difference they just seem nicer, if there is such a thing, lol)

kevin

[JimD]

I don't use these. I have not been able to figure out how they allow for wood movement.

Jim

[jabe]

I used hardwood screw blocks that I make with scrap hard wood you probably have around your shop. 3/4" thick X 3/4" wide X what ever length. Assuming you're using all 3/4" thick stock for your project, screw the block to the rail with 1 1/4" washer hd.screws and use 1 1/4" washer hd. screw to attach the top. Make the holes through the block a little bigger or slotted to allow for expansion & contraction. Works great cost $0.

[kwgeorge]

They allow for movement as the screw holes in the 8's are larger than the wood screws you use and you also snug them into place not torque them down. Rockler carries them.

Ken

[drumpriest]

I like these fasteners, easy to install, invisible, and when properly installed allow for proper wood movement as Ken says. I get mine at either rockler or woodcraft, depending upon my proximity to a store at the time.