Types of Reusable Joinery

Various types of joinery allow for easy disassembly and reuse—here are a few examples.

Panel Clips (Z-Clips)

Panel clips allow for secure hanging of wall panels and display elements. They can be disengaged and reused without damage to the panels, making them ideal for both temporary and traveling exhibits.

Corner Brackets and Corner Bolts

For frame or box-like structures, using reusable corner brackets or bolts allows for easy assembly and disassembly. These connectors provide structural integrity but can be removed and replaced many times.

Biscuits or Domino Joinery

Efficient and quick to assemble, these provide a strong, reliable bond while offering greater flexibility for future disassembly and reuse.

French Cleats

A hanging system that uses two interlocking slats for secure, adjustable wall mounting.

Toggle Clamps

Often used in theatre for quick changes, toggle clamps can provide a secure hold for panels or frames but can be released easily when disassembly is needed.

Pegs, Dowels and Shims

Pegs and dowels are often used in furniture making and are an elemental joinery technique if skill and time allows. Pegs may also strengthen mortise and tenon assembly. Tapered pegs or shims can secure joints especially for joints that loosen after repeated assembly and disassembly.

Screws

Screws may require more time for disassembly but are preferable to nails or glue when working with plywood and solid wood. If you use MDF, glue or nails may be less damaging, but if you want to reserve the panels, disassembly is more challenging with glue.