Frequently Asked Questions

The Fastmount panel mounting system is an innovative fastening solution using matching male and female clips to secure panels with precise alignment and no visible fixings. The product range spans Standard, Very Low Profile, Low Profile, Metal, Stratlock®, Textile, and Panel Control. These clips serve the architectural, marine, furniture, and recreational vehicle sectors among others.

Fastmount systems are used by designers and architects around the globe because they enable quick installation, non-sequential removal, and durable performance in demanding environments.

The Fastmount panel mounting system works through a two-part clip mechanism consisting of male and female components. The male clip attaches to the substrate (wall, ceiling, or framework) using self-tapping screws, traditional screws, or adhesive methods. The female clip is installed on the back of the panel, creating a concealed mounting point.

When installing panels, the female clip simply slides over the male clip until it clicks into place, creating an immediate, secure connection. The clips are designed for specific weight loads and applications to ensure perfect alignment and a flush finish every time.

Panels can be removed quickly without tools in most cases. The unique design allows panels to be removed and replaced repeatedly without damaging the substrate or panels, and without weakening the connection.

Fastmount’s award winning panel mounting systems offer significant advantages over traditional fastening methods, making them the preferred choice for professionals looking for efficiency and precision.

Key benefits include:

• Hidden fastening– Completely concealed clips eliminate visible hardware for clean, professional finishes
• Quick installation– Self-aligning clips snap into place quickly, reducing installation time
• Easy removal– Panels can be removed and reinstalled in any sequence without damaging panels or substrate
• Design flexibility– Multiple product ranges accommodate different panel weights and substrate types
• CAD compatibility– Enables off site panel preparation, streamlining installation
• Maintenance access– Simple panel removal makes servicing and repairs cost effective

Fastmount products and panel clips are available through an extensive global network of authorized distributors who provide both sales and technical support. Our distributor partners are located in over 80 countries worldwide and offer local expertise to help you select the right clips for your specific project requirements. If you’re unable to find a distributor near you, please email us for assistance.

Architectural customers in the United States can also purchase Fastmount products through our dedicated US e-commerce website, offering direct purchasing with fast shipping for commonly used clip types and accessories. This online platform provides detailed product specifications, installation guides, and compatibility information to ensure you select the best product for your project.

Yes, Fastmount offers Trial Kits specifically designed for first-time users, specifiers, and installers who want to experience the system’s performance before committing to larger orders. These trial kits contain sample clips from relevant product ranges along with installation instructions, technical guidance, and tools where necessary.

Trial kits are particularly valuable for architects, contractors, and designers who need to evaluate how Fastmount systems integrate with their specific panel materials and installation methods. To request a Trial Kit, contact your local Fastmount distributor or use the inquiry form on our website.

Choosing the right Fastmount clips for your project involves considering several key factors: panel weight, panel thickness, substrate type, space constraints, and specific application requirements. Fastmount’s comprehensive product range is suitable for a range of applications across various sectors including architectural, furniture, marine, and recreational vehicles.

You can use our Clip Selector tool to assist you in selecting the range that is best suited to your specific needs, or get in touch with a distributor for further assistance.

Installing Fastmount clips follows a simple three-step process designed for efficiency and precision.

Step 1: Install Male Clips Mark clip positions on your substrate according to recommended spacing. Drill pilot holes, then attach male clips as per instructions.

Step 2: Install Female Clips Position and attach female clips to the back of your panels, ensuring precise alignment with the male clip locations. Use layout guides for consistent spacing across multiple panels.

Step 3: Mount Panels Align female clips with installed male clips and apply gentle pressure until you hear an audible click. The self-aligning design ensures panels automatically settle into perfect position.

The process works consistently across all Fastmount product ranges, with slight variations depending on your specific clip type and substrate material. Technical guides and videos are available through our Technical Library.

Fastmount systems are suitable for a diverse range of applications across multiple industries, offering versatile solutions for any project requiring removable panel mounting.

The marine industry represents Fastmount’s original market, where the systems excel in yacht interiors, commercial vessels, and boat building applications where access to services and equipment behind panels is essential.

Architectural applications include commercial fit outs, high end residential projects, and retail environments. Fastmount systems are particularly valuable in spaces requiring regular maintenance access, such as hospitals, laboratories, and commercial buildings with concealed services. The clean aesthetic and precision installation make them ideal for luxury residential applications and modern commercial designs.

Furniture manufacturing represents another significant area of use, with custom furniture makers and commercial furniture manufacturers using Fastmount systems for removable panels in cabinetry, entertainment centers, and modular furniture systems. The hidden fastenings enable clean, hardware-free designs while maintaining functionality.

Recreational vehicle (RV) and aviation industries utilize Fastmount systems for interior panel mounting where weight considerations, vibration resistance, and service access are critical factors. The system’s reliability in demanding environments makes it suitable for both commercial and private aircraft interiors

Architects, interior designers, and specifiers have utilized Fastmount products with stunning effect in projects across the globe.

Fastmount systems can be suitable for certain exterior panel and furniture installations, though specific product selection and proper application techniques are necessary for best performance in outdoor environments. While Fastmount was primarily designed for interior applications, several product ranges offer characteristics that allow for successful exterior use when properly specified. The key considerations for exterior applications include material compatibility, weather resistance, and thermal expansion management.

Marine applications provide valuable insight into exterior performance, as Fastmount systems are extensively used for exterior panels and cushion mounting on luxury yachts where they’re exposed to salt water, UV radiation, and extreme weather conditions. These applications demonstrate the system’s capability in demanding outdoor environments when properly specified and installed.

For specific exterior uses, consult with your local Fastmount distributor to ensure appropriate product selection and installation techniques for your environmental conditions and performance requirements.

Ensuring accurate clip alignment with Fastmount systems starts with precise marking and positioning of male clips on the substrate. Use measuring tools and templates to ensure consistent spacing according to the specifications for your chosen clip type.

Most Fastmount clips feature self-aligning properties that automatically guide panels into correct position during installation, reducing the potential for alignment errors. The clips are designed to accommodate minor installation variations while still achieving excellent panel positioning. Fastmount’s modular design ensures that clips within each range are manufactured to exact tolerances, meaning that proper spacing during installation will result in perfect panel alignment. Specialized installation tools are also available to help ensure consistent clip installation across multiple mounting points.

Technical guides and videos are available via our Technical Library, and various blogs can assist with specific applications.

Removing and reinstalling panels with Fastmount systems is designed to be simple, quick, and damage-free, representing one of the key advantages of the Fastmount approach over traditional fastening methods. Most Fastmount clips allow tool-free panel removal through a straightforward disengagement process. Some clip ranges require specific removal tools designed to safely remove panels without damaging the surface or clip. These tools, like the CT-05 and CT-05H, are also designed for quick and easy removal.  

Panel reinstallation follows the original installation process. Simply align the female clips with the male clips and apply gentle pressure until they click into place. The self-aligning properties of Fastmount clips help ensure panels settle back into their original position automatically.

Technical guides and videos are available for further assistance.

Fastmount clips are designed for repeated removal and reinstallation while maintaining connection strength and integrity throughout their life span. The exact number of cycles varies depending on the specific clip range, installation conditions, and removal techniques, but all Fastmount products are designed for extensive repeated use.

Under normal installation and removal conditions using proper techniques, Fastmount clips can typically handle 500+ removal cycles without damaging the panel or substrate, and without a significant downturn in clip integrity. The durability of Fastmount clips in repeated use applications has been proven in marine environments where panels are frequently removed for maintenance and service access.

Yes, the Fastmount system is fully compatible with CNC machining operations. The exact positioning requirements for Fastmount clips can be achieved through CNC programming, ensuring consistent spacing, perfect depth control, and perfect clip orientation across multiple panels. 

This capability allows manufacturers to integrate clip installation directly into their automated workflows, improving efficiency and precision while reducing labor requirements. It supports both custom one-off projects and high volume production environments.

Fastmount offers specialized solutions for fire-rated panel applications, recognizing the critical importance of maintaining fire safety compliance in commercial and marine installations. While specific fire ratings depend on the complete assembly including panels, substrates, and installation methods, Fastmount clips are designed to integrate seamlessly with fire-rated panel systems.

The Stratlock® Range, in particular, is designed for heavy-duty applications and includes features that make it suitable for fire-rated installations where strong panel attachment and reliable performance under extreme conditions are essential. For specific fire rating requirements, it’s essential to work with qualified fire safety engineers and consult relevant building codes and standards. Fastmount technical support can provide detailed information about clip materials, installation specifications, and compatibility with fire-rated panel systems to support your compliance requirements.

Yes, the Fastmount system is fully compatible with pre-finished panels and painted panels, making it an ideal choice for high end installations where surface integrity and finish quality are important. The hidden fastening design eliminates the need for visible hardware that could damage or compromise painted or pre-finished surfaces.

Installation requires careful drilling techniques to prevent damage to the finished surface. For extremely delicate finishes, consider using Fastmount’s adhesive-fix options where appropriate, which eliminate mechanical fasteners altogether. The system’s removability allows panels to be taken down for maintenance without damage which is an added advantage.

Our team is always available to provide advice if you require more information.

Self-tapping Fastmount clips can be used with hardwood panels, though success varies depending on the hardwood type selected and even the particular batch of hardwood. Some customers successfully use a friction fix into an 11mm hole rather than the standard 10mm hole, with the addition of some adhesive in the hole for extra security.

For best results with hardwood, Fastmount recommends using the CT-15 or CT-22 tools (depending on the female clip used) to cut a thread in the hole. This approach provides more reliable attachment in dense hardwood materials while maintaining the integrity of the wood substrate.

Consult the Fastmount clip specifications of your chosen product range to ensure your panel falls within the recommended range for your chosen clip type. For valuable or irreplaceable hardwood panels, consider testing the installation technique on sample material first to test compatibility.

Fastmount clips can be successfully used with fiberglass and many other non-traditional materials. The system’s versatility has been proven in marine and RV industries where fiberglass applications are common. 

For fiberglass installations with the PC-F1A clip, it is recommended you use the CT-15 Thread Tap to create a thread in the hole, and the CT-12 to create a countersink to the entrance edge, which helps the clip screw in neatly. 

Each material requires evaluation of its specific properties and appropriate installation techniques. For materials where mechanical fasteners are not suitable, Fastmount’s adhesive-fix clips provide an alternative attachment method. 

More information can be found in Fastmount’s Technical Library.

Yes, Fastmount self-tapping clips can be successfully used with hardwoods, high pressure laminates, MDF, and fiberglass, but each material requires specific installation techniques. The following options are recommendations only, as panel and substrate density can vary considerably. A test panel should be mounted prior to large scale use.

For MDF and medium-density plywood: Once the hole has been drilled out, countersink the entrance to the hole to a depth of 1.5mm maximum using the CT-12. Then, using a battery drill and the appropriate install tool, screw the clip into the hole while exerting pressure onto the drill.

For very dense hardwoods: For the male clip LP-M8A, substitute the 10mm hole size with a 10.5-11mm hole. Apply some epoxy glue to the threads of the clip and using a battery drill with the appropriate install tool (CT-10) screw the clip into the hole, while exerting pressure onto the battery drill. The drill size will vary depending on density of panel, so you will need to test a sample piece to find the correct drill size for your project.

Alternative options for extremely dense materials: Use a surface mount male clip matched with the female clip mounted in the frame or substrate. Alternatively, use the Metal Range – the metal construction means it will screw into most very hard materials including solid fiberglass.

More information can be found in the specifications of our Product Range and in our Technical Library.

The minimum spacing required between Fastmount clips varies depending on the specific clip range, panel weight, panel size, and material properties. Proper spacing is essential for optimal load distribution, panel support, and system performance.  

Lighter, rigid panels can accommodate wider spacing, while heavier panels or flexible materials require closer spacing to prevent sagging. You should maintain adequate distance from panel edges and consider vibration and loading conditions in your environment.

Please refer to the Clip Layout Guide specific to the product range and panel type you’re using for the recommended clip spacing. These are available via Fastmount’s Technical Library.

No. Fastmount’s clip layout recommendations are designed to allow for even distribution of the clips, so that the panel is held securely and evenly to ensure a flawless appearance and ultimate panel safety.

Using too few clips or spacing them excessively wide may cause panels to sag slightly between clips, depending on panel stiffness. This compromises both visual appearance and safety performance.

Always follow the recommended clip layouts in Fastmount’s Clip Layout Guides for the best results.

No, panels will not sag or shift over time if the clips are installed according to Fastmount’s Clip Layout Guides. The precision engineering and proven track record in demanding marine and architectural environments demonstrates the system’s long term stability when properly installed.

However, placing clips excessively wide, around the perimeter of a 6-12mm thick ceiling panel, or using too few clips may contribute to panels sagging slightly between clips, depending on panel stiffness. Material quality and manufacturing precision of Fastmount clips ensure they maintain their spring tension and engagement properties through many use cycles.

Always follow the Clip Layout Guides (available via Technical Library) to find the correct clip spacing for different clips and various panel types to ensure long term performance.

Panel fitting issues with Fastmount clips typically result from installation errors or incorrect measurements during the clip positioning phase. The most common cause is inaccurate clip positioning during installation – if male and female clips are not properly aligned, panels will not fit together correctly.

Check the clip alignment first. If the panels are fabric covered, check that allowance has been made for the correct thickness of the fabric on the edge of the panels, and verify that the 10mm drill hole is square to the face. Substrate irregularities like curved surfaces, uneven walls, or inconsistent framing can also cause clip misalignment that prevents proper panel positioning.

Always verify clip positions before final attachment and use measuring tools or layout guides to ensure consistent spacing and proper installation. Clip Layout Guides are available via the Technical Library, and the Fastmount team is always ready to assist if you need further guidance.

Male clips can break due to mishandling, so ensure male clips are not installed until the final fit. If installation is required off-site, Fastmount recommends using the PC-VM1, PC-VMX, LP-SMX or Very Low Profile Range.

Over-tightening during installation represents the most common cause of clip damage. Always use appropriate installation tools and follow the specified installation procedures for your clip type. Regular monitoring of the female hole diameter is essential – if the hole drilled by the CT-07 is less than 16.8mm, undue tension will be applied to the female clip when screwed into place, putting pressure on the male clip which may cause breakages. Do not use standard 16mm drill bits as these will cause breakages.

When installing panels, ensure clip sets are properly aligned before firmly clicking into place. Proper installation technique and using the correct tools prevents most clip damage issues.

Fastmount clips have pull out loads (strength) ranging from 5kg to 32kg (11-70lb), depending on the specific clip type. The clip’s pull out load is noted on its Product Sheet, providing clear guidance for selecting the appropriate clip for your panel weight and application requirements.

Each clip has been third-party tested by SGS to demonstrate its pull out and shear loading capabilities, ensuring reliable performance data you can trust. For copies of test reports or specific technical data, email info@fastmount.com.

Fastmount adhesive-fix clips are designed with a SuperGroove® backing, which mechanically engages into a suitable 2-part epoxy adhesive. This design creates a strong, permanent bond between the clip and substrate without requiring mechanical fasteners.

Tests should be done with the adhesive chosen and the panel/substrate type to ensure they are compatible before proceeding with full installation. This approach is ideal for applications where drilling is not suitable or where preserving substrate integrity is essential.

Yes, the Fastmount panel mounting system has a comprehensive 2-year warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and ensures reliable performance when products are used according to specifications.

For complete warranty terms and conditions, view the Fastmount warranty documentation.

Yes, panels must be balanced. If a panel is not painted, sealed or veneered equally on both faces, the panel is considered unbalanced and is likely to distort, cup or twist, putting tremendous pressure on the mounting system.

This can lead to the centre of large panels ‘popping’ off as the clips struggle to withstand this cupping or warping pressure. Sealing or veneering both sides so that the panel is structurally stable is good practice and prevents these issues.

Fastmount can provide advice but is not responsible for the unclipping of clips due to distorted panels.