Rastex Connectors: Definition, Dimensions & Compatible Cam Locks (Alternative to Hettich)

June 16, 2026

A Rastex connector is a brand-specific cam lock connector manufactured by Hettich, used in furniture making for right-angled, demountable carcase joints. It consists of a cylindrical cam housing and a matching connecting bolt, which pull the components firmly together through a rotational movement of typically 180°.

What is a Rastex connector exactly?

The term Rastex refers to a specific furniture-making system. Technically speaking, it is a classic cam lock connector. This furniture connector always consists of two main components: the circular cam housing is inserted flush into a drilled hole in the first panel. The screw-in bolt (also known as a connecting bolt or dowel pin) sits in the face or edge of the second panel.

The mechanism functions like a mechanical muscle that grips the head of the bolt when tightened and draws the panels together without play. This creates a clamping travel of approx. 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm, which compensates for tolerances and ensures a sturdy joint. The cam is usually driven using a cross-recess (PZ) or Torx (TX) driver.

Dimensions and technical specifications

Precise routing and drilling dimensions are mandatory for installation, replacement, or machine processing. A standard carcase cam lock features the following typical dimensions:

Cam diameter: 15 mm (less frequently 12 mm for very thin panels).
Drilling depth: Depends on the panel thickness. For a 16 mm thick chipboard, the drilling depth is usually 12 mm to 12.5 mm.
Drilling distance: This defines the distance from the edge of the panel to the centre of the 15 mm hole. Standard values here are 24 mm or 34 mm.
Bolt thread: Usually designed for 5 mm drill holes in the System 32 (Euro screw) or with an M6 thread for use in combination with a threaded insert.

Compatible alternatives for furniture construction

Since Rastex is a proprietary brand name, carpenters and fitters often rely on identical carcase connectors from alternative manufacturers. As long as the key parameters—specifically the 15 mm drill hole diameter and the drilling distance (24 mm or 34 mm)—match, these brand-independent cam fittings are fully compatible. They offer the same tensile strength and are equally suitable for constructing cabinets from MDF, solid wood, or melamine-faced chipboard.

Application and distinction

This type of connector is primarily used for right-angled carcase constructions (fixing side panels to bases or top panels). The technical advantage lies in the concealed fitting on the interior of the furniture and the ability to assemble and disassemble the piece as often as needed without damaging the drill holes.

However, carcase cam locks are not designed for panel-to-panel surface joints under heavy tensile loads. For instance, if heavy kitchen worktops need to be joined end-to-end, dedicated worktop connectors are used instead. These are significantly more substantial, require routed recesses on the underside of the panel, and are tightened via threaded rods (typically M6 or M8) using an open-ended spanner.