The present invention relates to a fastening device for fastening to a furniture panel. The fastening device comprises at least two dowels for reception in furniture panel recesses. The dowels are each connected to lateral ends of lever arms. The lever arms are centrally connected to each other at a hinge joint. One dowel may be displaced in relation to the other dowel between a furniture panel fastening position and a furniture panel releasing position of the fastening device. A fastening system for joining furniture parts, comprising the fastening device, is also disclosed. A method for using the fastening system is described as well as furniture assemblies using the system.