Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Z Clip?
2. What is the load rating or weight bearing capacity of the Monarch Z Clips? i.e., How much weight can a Monarch Z Clip hold?
3. What can I do to add strength to the Monarch Z Clip hanging system?
4. What else are Monarch Z Clips used to hang?
5. Do you have a minimum order?
6. What is the difference between the MF375 and MF625 Monarch Clips?
7. What configuration of panel clips and wall mounts do you recommend for a 4 x 8 panel?
8. Can I use an adhesive with the clip?
9. Can you drill the holes and cut to length to help me save time on the job site?
10. What about applications where I don’t want the panels to be able to be removed?
11. Are you LEED certified?
12. What size screws can I use with your Monarch Z Clips?
13. Can I use standoffs in drywall?
14. Will you ship directly to a job site?
15. Do you ship International orders?
16. Can you paint the Monarch Z Clip if it is going to be seen in the reveal?
17. How should I use a Monarch Z Clip to hang a picture frame?
18. Can I use your Monarch Z Clips to secure a headboard?
19. What is the shipping lead time for stock items?
20. Can I use your Monarch Clips to mount wall pads?
21. How can I select the right Z Clip?
22. Do you manufacture or sell panels for interior or exterior?
23. What size panels can be used in your EPS system?
24. Where are your products manufactured?
25. What are custom aluminum extrusions?
26. What are the benefits of using custom aluminum extrusions?
27. What is the process for developing a custom extrusion with Monarch Metal?
28. What should I consider before starting a custom extrusion project?

1. What is a Z Clip?

Similar to the way a French Cleats works, Z Clips allow you to install items without screwing into the face of the object being hung. Z Clips interlock with each other, securing the installation of panels, signs, cabinets or another object to a wall or surface, while keeping the Z Clip hidden. Available in aluminum or stainless-steel, Monarch Z Clips are extremely strong and durable, providing easy installation and removal.

2. What is the load rating or weight bearing capacity of the Monarch Z Clips? i.e., How much weight can a Monarch Z Clip hold?

We cannot provide structural recommendations. That said, Monarch Z Clips are extruded from 6063-T6 aluminum. By itself, Monarch Z Clips will withstand thousands of pounds of stress, both compressive and tensile. We suggest that your concern should not be with the structural integrity of the clip, but with integrity of the substrate you are screwing into and the hardware you are using.

We tested Z Clip strength ourselves at our own facility, mounting two MF625 1 ½" Z Clips to two pine 2x4 boards with four #8 x ¾” pan head screws, and connected them. We then put a load on the assembly trying to break the connection. It failed at 475lbs, with the screws pulling out of the wood and no visible damage to the Z Clips.

Not satisfied with our ad hoc test, we engaged Qualtim, Inc., a third party independent laboratory, to perform testing on the clips. In all three of Qualtim's tests, they concluded that Monarch Z Clips were not the failure point in the assembly.

Click here to review the methodology and results for those tests in detail.

3. What can I do to add strength to the Monarch Z Clip hanging system?

To increase the strength of the system for overweight items, you need to increase the number of fasteners (screws). On the panel side, this means decreasing the spacing between the Monarch Z Clips. On the wall side, it can mean using multiple screws at each stud or installing a piece of plywood blocking in front of the wall and securing the continuous length with fasteners every 8″ or 4″, instead of 16″ or 24″.

4. What else are Monarch Z Clips used to hang

Wall panels, acoustic panels, elevator panels, signage, artworks, etc. MONARCH Z CLIPS are so versatile that the possibilities are limitless. Our customers tell us they also use them for stone

5. Do you have a minimum order?

No. You can buy as little as a bag of 20 Monarch Z Clips or just 1 continuous length of 6′ or 12′.

6. What is the difference between the MF375 and MF625 Monarch Clips?

For most installations, there is very little tangible difference. The MF375 clip has a shorter lift-off of ⅜” vs. ⅝” for the MF625 clips. What this means is that if you want to have a ½” reveal between the top of the panel and the ceiling, you would need to select the MF375 clip, which would give you ⅛” to mount the panel. Some of our customers also tell us that the longer length of engagement in the MF625 clip helps to reduce the vibration, particularly in acoustic panel installations.

7. What configuration of panel clips and wall mounts do you recommend for a 4 x 8 panel?

We do not make structural recommendations. Our customers tell us that for a 4′ x 8′ ¾” MDF Veneered Panel they will run four continuous lengths along the walls and mount 4 rows of 4 Monarch clips on the panel side to align with the continuous lengths.

8. Can I use an adhesive with the clip?

Yes. The fluting in the clip is designed to increase the surface area for the adhesive to grab the clip. Because aluminum oxidizes, you should clean the aluminum with an abrasive cleaner before applying the adhesive to allow for the strongest hold. 3M has an industrial adhesives & tape division with a help desk that is very good at giving recommendations. You can reach them at 800-362-3550. You will need to know the material of the Monarch Z Clip (aluminum), the item to be hung and the environmental conditions.

9. Can you drill the holes and cut to length to help me save time on the job site?

Yes. We will custom cut the Monarch Z Clips or other aluminum extrusion to any length you specify.

10. What about applications where I don’t want the panels to be able to be removed?

This is easily solved by putting a dab of silicone or PL400 in the clip engagement area. The silicone or PL400 provides a strong, flexible hold.

11. Are you LEED certified?

We have a standard recycled content letter we can provide showing that >75% of the aluminum content is Post Industrial or Post Consumer scrap. Our Monarch Z Clips are 100% recyclable aluminum.

12. What size screws can I use with your Monarch Z Clips?

A #8 pan head screw. We sell #8 Pan Phillips Black Oxide Screws in lengths of ½”, ⅝” and ¾”. There is ⅛” clearance for the head of the screw when the clips are engaged and the specified height of a #8 pan head screw is 0.096″. A few times per year customers will contact us not understanding why the #8 screws they bought on the Internet will not fit with the Monarch Z Clips and on all occasions this has been because the screws they purchased were cheap imports and outside of the specifications for a #8 screw. You can test this yourself by simply measuring the head of the screw with a Vernier Caliper.

13. Can I use standoffs in drywall?

We propose two solutions to installing standoffs in drywall (or gypsum). The first involves using a plate to ensure a perfect installation and strength in load bearing. The second utilizes common drywall anchors or toggle bolts. For a full explanation, please click here.

14. Will you ship directly to a job site?

Absolutely.

15. Do you ship International orders?

Yes, every day.

16. Can you paint the Monarch Z Clip if it is going to be seen in the reveal?

Generally, if you are installing a panel that is ¾” thick with a ⅛” reveal, it will be very difficult to see anything except dark space between the panels. In situations where it is critical that the wall mounted length not be seen, some customers tell us they will spray paint the exposed z-clip black at the point of the reveals.

17. How should I use a Monarch Z Clip to hang a picture frame?

Our customers use our Monarch Z Clips to mount picture frames all of the time. The important thing to keep in mind when mounting a picture frame that is 4 separate pieces glued together is to make sure the Z Clips are mounted on the side panels of the frames to prevent the corners of the frame from coming un-glued.

18. Can I use your Monarch Z Clips to secure a headboard?

Yes. Most customers choose our MF625 Monarch Z Clip because of its longer length of engagement and shorter projection from the wall. Most customers will run 2 continuous lengths along the wall 2 to 4″ inside the ends of the head board and mount the Monarch Z Clips every 12″ on the back of the headboard.

19. What is the shipping lead time for stock items?

Stock items ship same day for orders received before our shipping deadlines.

20. Can I use your Monarch Clips to mount wall pads?

Yes, customers do this all of the time. You can hang them like you would a wall panel, but be sure to apply a dab of silicone or PL400 to the engaged area to prevent the Monarch clips from becoming disengaged.

21. How can I select the right Z Clip?

You can use our Z Clip Selector Tool to ensure you get the right Z Clip for the job.

22. Do you manufacture or sell panels for interior or exterior?

We do not manufacture or sell panels for interior or exterior use. We are a manufacturer of the components needed to hang, capture, or display the panels you want to use. If you need assistance or referrals we would be happy to do so based on your location and/or the location of your specific project, please email us at zclip@monarchmetal.com.

23. What size panels can be used in your EPS system?

Our traditional Easy Panel System allows for installation of 3/8” panels and ¾” panels. We have recently introduced our new adapter clip, which allows you to hang 3/8” panels or ½” panels in our ¾” Easy Panel System.

24. Where are your products manufactured?

Our products are proudly made in the USA and most orders ship same day from one of our three locations across the country, Ronkonkoma, NY, Sparks, Nevada and Grand Prairie, Texas.

25. What are custom aluminum extrusions?

Custom aluminum extrusions are profiles created by forcing heated aluminum through a precision-machined die to achieve a specific cross-section. Unlike off-the-shelf shapes, custom profiles let you integrate functional features directly into the part, reduce component counts, and achieve a precise fit for your application.

26. What are the benefits of using custom aluminum extrusions?

Key advantages include reduced assembly complexity (fewer separate parts), time and labor savings via built-in features and cut-to-length processing, performance tailored to your needs (strength, durability, tolerance control), and a wide range of finishes such as mill, clear anodized, black anodized, and custom powder coat colors.

27. What is the process for developing a custom extrusion with Monarch Metal?

The process typically includes: reviewing your sketches or CAD, collaborative concept development, engineering documentation, and prototyping (including 3D-printed samples if needed). We provide cost estimates (including tooling) prior to production, then proceed with die manufacture, extrusion, finishing, and delivery. Value-added operations such as drilling, tapping, punching, and cut-to-length are available to streamline installation.

28. What should I consider before starting a custom extrusion project?

Plan for die/tooling costs and align expected volumes to amortize them effectively. Select the alloy and finish appropriate for the environment, define tolerances carefully, and use prototypes to validate fit and function before committing to production. Close collaboration on manufacturability and cost drivers helps ensure an optimal, cost-effective design.