Smart Clips with Screws

No matter how you look at it, back splashes can be trouble. If glued to the wall, normal settling of the house or cabinets will create an unsightly gap at the counter-top joint. If the back splash is attached to the counter-top before installation, and the walls aren’t perfect, final fitting can be difficult. And of course, creating an attractive, waterproof seal between the back splash and counter top using caulk can be a very messy process. The Smart Clip changes all that. This innovative (and patented) system uses a small, 2”long, 1/4” thick plastic clip and flat head screws to positively lock the back splash to the counter top. Even better, Smart Clips are easily adaptable to a wide variety of non-structural applications benefiting from hidden fastener installation. Best of all, the system is fast, easy, and darn near foolproof. First, a 9/32" deep pocket is routed into the back splash using the Smart Clip 1/2" shank router bit.

Next, pilot holes are drilled for the #8 x 1-1/2" connecting screws using a centering jig and the screws are installed using the Smart Clip driver bit, which automatically drives the screws to the correct depth. The Smart Clips are butted against the wall, following its contour, and fastened to the counter top at the same spacing used to drill the pilot holes in the back splash using #6 x 3/4 Clip screws. A no-mess, hidden waterproof seal is created by running a 1/4" bead of silicon caulk in front of the Smart Clip (no need to spread it with your fingers). The Smart Clip design also minimizes particle board contact with the counter-top, reducing the possibility of water wicking into the back splash, which can cause rotting. Attaching the back splash is easy – align it with the counter top using the Smart Clips as a guide, then drive it firmly into position. When seated, the screw head will snap into the clip, securely anchoring the back splash. Smart Clips are made in the USA.