posted
Hi, I'm duplicating an existing 1/2" mdo board sign that measures 4 ft by 4 ft and is installed to a 4" light pole. The existing sign was secured with threaded rod that has been bent into a "u" shape (to fit around light pole) then goes through the back of the sign and a nut and washer affixes the board tight to the pole. There are two "u" bolts, one top and bottom. Is there a better way???
-------------------- Tim Whitcher Adrian, MI Posts: 1546 | From: Adrian, MI | Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
Ya Tim, don't do it You have to be careful with light poles. Newer ones are engineered to tight tolerances and hanging a sign of that size can cause it to come crashing down. If you must, I'm sure you can find proper mounting hardware, perhaps, even from the light pole manufacturer. Check out some of the signway sign manufacturers, like grimco.com or tapconet.com
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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These are pretty old steel poles (circa 1970's). The existing sign has been there for a good five years. That was my concern, also, but it looks to be working out O.K.
-------------------- Tim Whitcher Adrian, MI Posts: 1546 | From: Adrian, MI | Registered: Mar 1999
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I wouldn't think 4'x4' of 1/2" MDO would weigh over 8-10 lbs., if it was already done that way and worked, why change unless directed to for possibly astethic reasons (thread-all isn't all that good lookn' and nuts/washers protruding from face of sign don't sound all that appealing either), but if it ain't broke, and you ain't getting paid to redesign it, what's the question again????????? IMHO (well ok, not "that" humble)
I'd be tempted to use a u-buckle and stovebolts, thereby face would only have four, rounded heads showing, vs, design you described...(couldn't one sue if one rubbed against sign and suffered massive lacerations from exposed ends of thread-all?)
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
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How about bonding aluminum blocks to the back of the sign using dual component structural adhesive, this avoids the exposed fasteners on the face.
Drill and tap the aluminum blocks so you can then use bolts to secure a stainless steel strap around the pole. The stress will be handled by the aluminum blocks themselves, and you won't be transferring the stress through the face itself either if the blocks are long enough that one block can take both bolts on either side of the post.
The wood will fail far before the metals and adhesive.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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Tim this is what we use. It goes around the pole. Bolt and done and very clean professional look. if you need more support then add a cross strut.
oops forgot to note. If you are going on a 4inch pipe get the 3 1/2 or 3 3/4 hanger so its tight. We will use an rubber strip we glue on the inside of the clamp for extra holding on a real smooth pipe. There is also a Hole on the back side of the clamp of you want to run a self tapper into the pole for extra support.
Also just for reference. Here are some smoe clamps for smaller pipes also.
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