Rastex System Explained: Cam Connectors, Dimensions & Replacements for Hettich

December 25, 2025

The Rastex system is a widely used eccentric cam connector for furniture construction, providing a sturdy, friction-locked, and fully demountable 90-degree joint for engineered wood panels. It consists of a circular cam housing and a matching connecting bolt. As it turns, the system pulls the components firmly together, serving as the de facto standard for flat-pack cabinet furniture.

What exactly is the Rastex system?

The term Rastex primarily refers to the variant of cam connectors developed by the company Hettich. Technically speaking, it is a two-part fitting mounted concealed within chipboard or MDF. Its operating principle is mechanically simple: like a gear converting a simple rotational movement into strong linear pulling force, the eccentric cam draws in the head of the dowel pin. This presses the shelf and side panel together without gaps. This type of furniture connector is essential for wardrobes, cabinets, and shelving units transported flat-packed and assembled on site.

Dimensions, standards, and typical values

For joiners and fitters, precise drilling and installation dimensions are vital. A standard housing has a diameter of 15 mm. The drilling depth depends strictly on the board thickness:

For 15 mm - 16 mm boards: drilling depth usually 12 mm or 12.5 mm.
For 18 mm - 19 mm boards: drilling depth usually 14.2 mm.

The matching connecting bolt defines the clamping dimension. Typical lengths are 20 mm or 30 mm to the centre of the cam. The bolt is anchored into the wood either via a Euro thread (for a 5 mm drill hole, compatible with System 32) or via a metric M6 thread paired with an insert nut. The drive used for tightening is typically PZ 2 (Pozidriv) or PZ 3.

Fitting and removing cam connectors

Installation requires precision when drilling. The cam housing is pressed flush into the recess. Crucially, the small arrow on the top face of the cam must point directly towards the drill hole for the dowel bolt. Once the panels are slotted together, the cam is turned clockwise with a screwdriver by roughly 180° to 210° until distinct resistance is felt.

If a carcase needs to be disassembled, the connector is released by turning the cam anti-clockwise back to its starting position. The arrow must once again point precisely towards the bolt. The panels can then be pulled apart parallel to each other without applying force.

Replacements for Hettich Rastex and compatibility

When sourcing replacement hardware for existing cabinets, using the exact branded product is not mandatory. The market for carcase connectors is highly standardised. A damaged or missing Rastex fitting can be replaced with brand-neutral cam connectors, provided the geometry matches.

The critical factors for compatibility are solely the diameter (typically 15 mm) and the drilling depth of the housing. The head of the existing connecting pin must engage seamlessly into the opening of the replacement cam.

Related terms and structural design

When constructing complete furniture units, the cam connector rarely works alone. To prevent twisting and provide lateral stability, additional wooden dowels (usually 8 mm) are almost always inserted alongside. When complex drawer systems are integrated into a carcase, the cam construction ensures the unit remains perfectly square. This is an indispensable prerequisite to ensure that under-mount drawer runners or full extension drawer runners glide smoothly, avoid binding, and maintain precise panel gap alignment.