In today’s earlier post about the new Veritas Drywall Nuts, Fred brought up French cleats (examples), which is a simple but very effective means of mounting a wide range of objects to a wall. French cleats can be used for picture frames, storage cabinets, and lots of things in between.
This brought to mind the Piranha Lox quick-release mounting system. It’s simple really – you get a mounting bracket that you can fix to a wall, cabinet, tool cart, or any fixed surface, and a universal insert block that is mounted to whatever you want to be removable.
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There are many other products in the Piranha Lox system, such as mounting plates that can be fixed to vertical bars up to 2″ thick, and there’s one pre-attached to a table mount. There are other types of insert blocks, such as one with a D-ring, and they also offer attachments, such as bins and caddies.
Piranaha Lox’s system isn’t closely related to French cleats, but there’s a resemblance. I consider the system to be better suited for when 1) you don’t need a wide stretch, such as if you want to mount something that’s rather narrow, and 2) you want positive lock, which French cleats typically don’t provide.
It’s possible to use these with wider objects, but keep in mind that for best results you’re going to want access to the quick release lever. If you need to mount a wider object that covers up the quick-release lever, be sure to consider Piranha Lox’s extended lever model.
One of the bigger benefits is that you can use multiple block inserts with the same mounting bracket. Let’s say you need to switch from something that’s mounted to the universal bracket to a D-ring. Swapping them back and forth is a quick and simple process, as long as you have access to that quick-release lever.
Features & Specs
- 3.65″ long, 2″ tall, 0.5″ deep
- “Load tested in excess of 2,000 lbs”
- Rust-resistant finish
- Interchangeable parts
- Mounting bracket has 1/4-20 threaded holes on outer part, 10-32 non-threaded holes on inside
- Universal insert block has 8-32 threaded holes on outer part, central 1/4-20 hole
Price: $23
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Dennis
I didn’t know these existed. But after looking at their website it seems that they are more suited to mounting tools or containers than pictures, which I traditionally have used French cleats for. My thoughts instantly go to mounting tools to workbenches. I’ve been thinking of a way to mount a bench grinder and make it removable. These may be it.
Thanks Stuart I love hearing about stuff I didn’t know existed, but could use.
Brian
this was my first thought as well…
maybe even swap tools onto a work station…
second thought is, why would I ever want to remove that tool? where would I put it, what would I do with the space after its gone? I moan when I have to change router bits, what would I do when I have to swap my spindle sander for the planer?
Stuart
These are really better suited for smaller things where French cleat mounting would be too awkward.
It’s one of those accessories that’s good to keep in mind. You might never need one, or this might be the only way to mount something in the way you want.
fred
Great follow-up on the earlier post!
This is a bit like a vertical version of a tripod quick release pad used for cameras.
Seb
I m currently looking at organizing a vehicule and those would come handy. However after looking at the manufacturer website those only come in Imperial measurements (as far as i could see) and finding imperial threaded bolts over here while not too difficult would be an annoyance .
SteveR
The Piranha Lox mounts are made in the U.S.; don’t they employ standard threads for bolts also made here? If not, I would imagine you could drill them out and rethread with SAE taps. Otherwise, Imperial-threaded screws and bolts might be available through Grainger, MSC or McMaster-Carr. If you live in a large city, an industrial bolt-and-nut supplier might also be able to order them for you. The internet is the place to start, obviously.
Stuart
Yes, Piranha Lox is made in the USA. No, Seb is not located in the USA. Most other countries in the world use metric fasteners, presumably exclusively or near-exclusively, making imperial fasteners harder and pricier to find.
Seb
As i said here in France we use ISO threads opposite to the US where you use Imperial (also called SAE i believe) threads. I could procure those without too much difficulty but at a premium, however the prices while annoying, is not the major issue. The issue is having to stock them for that single purpose and running the risk to one day mismatching some.
SteveR
Seb–Sorry, I missed the two words “over here” while reading your first post. It didn’t sound right as I read it, but now I understand your concern. I had assumed you were U.S.-based.
Incidentally, I’d not heard of SAE threads being referred to as “Imperial” threads; I’ve always associated Imperial weights and measures with the British.
CB
This could be good for an outside or inside universal work pedestal. You can use a vise, a grinder….etc with this mounting system and just swap them out when needed. Not sure how good it would be but it’s an interesting idea.
It’s very similar what is used in professional photography for mounting cameras onto a tripod.
Brian14
Interesting, simple design