Frequently Asked Questions
Fastmount is a hidden panel mounting system designed for the rapid fixing and removal of wall and ceiling panels, headboards, furniture, furniture parts in the marine, architectural, RV, aviation and industrial sectors.
The system is based on the pairing of a male and female clip set. Clips can be chosen according to the panel and substrate type, installation preference and panel load. There is a range of dedicated installation tools, clip alignment parts and adhesives to install clips correctly.
Fastmount allows the application of interior panels without visible fixings (e.g. screws), while maintaining easy, non-sequential removability (as opposed to adhesives or french cleat), saving time on-site during new builds and refit/renovation. The wide range of clips means that there is a solution for almost every interior panel application, supported by trained, expert technical advice.
Go to the Contact section of our website to find your nearest authorised distributor. They will be able to supply from either their own warehouse or direct you to one of their own onsellers, and assist with any technical enquiries you may have. Fastmount distributors are trained to help you select the correct product for your project, and provide ongoing product support. Can’t find a distributor near you? Email FMHQ at [email protected]
You can contact your nearest distributor to arrange the correct Trial Kit for your needs, which will include clips and installation tools where necessary.
There are seven Fastmount ranges designed for different applications, offering various installation types, pull out loads and shear strengths. Use our Clip Selector to understand which clips could be suitable for your project, and speak to a distributor to confirm and organise samples and purchase.
Our clips have various install types – self-tapping, screw-fix, adhesive-fix, sew-fix or push fit. Our Installation Guides and Installation Videos offer step-by-step guides to help you install the clips correctly using the right tools.
Fastmount can be used with interior ceiling and wall panels, bedheads, access panels, indoor and outdoor upholstery; on trains, campervans, planes; hotel and commercial interiors, chairs and sofas; prefabricated buildings, renovation and refit…the options are only limited by your imagination and common sense.
Fastmount is not recommended for any soffit or external architectural application. Marine applications can use our heavy-duty clips on exterior deckhead panels, when installed in conjunction with our PanelSafe Range. Our Textile Range can be used on exterior furniture.
The Fastmount CentrePoint is used to align the panels before installing the male clip. Simply insert the CentrePoint into the female clips installed into the substrate/framework, press the back of the panel against the point of the CentrePoint, and drill out the mark made by it. This will be where the male clip is installed. The CentrePoint is easily identifiable by its vibrant red colour.
Panels can be removed using the CT-05 or CT-05H panel removal tools, and smooth-surfaced large panels can be removed using suction lifters.
Testing shows clips can be disengaged 500+ times before losing integrity.
Yes. Clip positions can be programmed into the CNC machine so holes in the panels and frames are ready for precise clip installation.
Our Very Low Profile, Metal and Stratlock Ranges are available in fire-rated options.
Fastmount is the perfect choice for pre-finished or painted panels. Pre-install clips offsite using the correct installation tools and finish installation using the centrepoint onsite to save time.
It is variable depending on the hardwood selected, and even on the particular batch of hardwood. Some customers successfully friction fix into an 11mm hole rather than a 10mm hole with the addition of some adhesive in the hole. We advise using our CT-15 or CT-22 (depending on female used) to cut a thread in the hole.
Yes. With the PC-F1A, 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 will help the clip screw in neatly.
The following three options are recommendations only, as panel and substrate density can vary considerably. NB: A test panel should be mounted prior to large scale use.
Option 1: For MDF type panels or substrates, and medium to high density plywood
Once the hole has been drilled out, countersink the entrance to the hole to a depth of 1.5mm max 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.
Option 2: For very dense hardwood panels and substrates
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.
Option 3: For very dense hardwoods
Use a surface mount male clip. Match this clip 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 right up to solid fibreglass.
Please refer to the Clip Layout Guide specific to the product range and panel type for recommended clip spacing. For applications not listed, please email [email protected] for advice.
No. Our 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 (See our Clip Layout Guides) and ultimate panel safety. In calculating the Clip Layout Guides, we do our best to include factors like possible seismic G-forces, impact, flexing and thermal expansion. Placing your clips excessively wide, such as 600mm apart, or using too few clips may contribute to the panel sagging slightly between the clips, depending on the panel stiffness.
No, not if the clips are installed according to our Clip Layout Guides. Placing your clips excessively wide, around the perimeter of a 6-12mm thick ceiling panel, or using too few clips may contribute to the panel sagging slightly between the clips, depending on your panel stiffness. See our Clip Layout Guides to find the correct clip spacing for different clips and various panel types.
Check the clip alignment. 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 check that the 10mm drill hole is square to face.
As male clips can be broken due to mishandling, please ensure male clips are not installed until the final fit. If installation is required off-site, we recommend the use of the PC-VM1, PC-VMX, LP-SMX or Very Low Profile Range. We recommend that you regularly monitor the diameter of the female hole drilled out by the CT-07. If it is less than 16.8mm, undue tension will be applied to the female part of the clip when screwed into place. This puts pressure on the male part of the clip which may cause occasional breakages. NB: do not use standard 16mm drill bits as these will cause breakages. When installing the panel, it is essential that the clip sets are aligned before firmly clicking into place.
Our clips have pull-out loads (strength) ranging from 5kg – 32kg. The clip’s pull-out load is noted on its Product Sheet. Each clip has been third-party tested by SGS, to demonstrate its pull out and shear loading. SGS Reports can be downloaded here.
Fastmount adhesive-fix clips are designed with a SuperGroove® backing, which mechanically engages into a suitable 2 part epoxy adhesive. Tests should be done with the adhesive chosen and the panel / substrate type to ensure they are compatible.
Yes, the Fastmount panel mounting system has a comprehensive 2 year warranty. View the Fastmount warranty.
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, exerting 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. Fastmount can provide advice but is not responsible for the unclipping of clips due to distorted panels.