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Hi guys. I just got my first channel letter job. You know, the kind you sell & then figure out how to do. Well, I have an idea of how to build them, but what kind of hardware and/or adhesive do I use to install them? The biggest one is about 22" high x 40 wide x 2" deep. The're going directly on a cement wall, no spacers req'd.
Thanks!
-------------------- Felix Marcano PuertoRicoSigns.Com Luquillo, PR
Work hard, party like a tourist! Posts: 2290 | From: Luquillo, Puerto Rico, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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posted
I clip mount these. You can bend angle Aluminum clips or buy some Aluminum angle about 1" x 1" or 1-1/2" x 1-1/2". Cut the angle into pieces about 2" length. Drill holes in one leg for the fastener to mount to the concrete. I usually use 1/4" diameter Zinc nail in anchors for mounting the clips to the wall.
You can lay out the letters on paper on your shop floor and make a full size pattern and then set your clips at the top and bottom of the letters, marking the holes to drill into the wall.
However, I usually space the letters out on adding machine tape (it is much easier to handle on a ladder) and mark my clip mounting holes up on the wall. I use a 4' level to mark a faint pencil guideline to keep my pattern level.
Hold the letter against the wall, mark a few spots at the top and side, then hold your clip up to the line, allowing about 1/8" between the outside edge of the clip and the pencil outline of the letter. I then mark my 1/4" hole in the wall and have at it with the rotary hammer. I place the clip on the wall and drive my nail in anchor. Usually about 3 clips per letter will do.
Slip the letter over the clips and use self tapping screws to drill through the return on the letter into the clip, touch up the screws and you are done. You can also paint the heads of the screws in advance.
It helps to have a box on a rope so that you can haul your various tools up and down. I also use a ladder stabilizer, a U shaped device that clamps to the top of the ladder and keeps me about 12" away from the wall. That makes it much easier to work and I can handle about 4 feet of lettering with each ladder placement.
If the letters are small enough, I will mount clips to the inside bottom of the letter with double stick tape and adhesive and use them for glue pads. In that case, I will only drill and set clips on the top of the letter, making sure I do it in the position that will allow the letter will hang straight. Some letters, such as an “M”, may require two top clips. I mount my clip to the wall, add foam double stick tape and a spot of adhesive to the top of the clip, put adhesive on the bottom clips and set the letter. Slip the letter down onto the top clip with the bottom angled away, then push the adhesive loaded bottom of the letter against the wall. A torpedo level helps keep each letter straight. This is quicker than drilling and setting all the clips on the wall.
I hope this long winded reply is understandable. If you have any further questions, you can call or email me or wait for the other useful responses you will find to this question.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5109 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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