Sign Fixings Guide: What To Use And Why

Need to mount a permanent or semi-permanent sign on a post, fence, or gate? A quick glance at our website will show you that there are a lot of different sign fixings to choose from - so how do you get the right one for the job?

In this post, we’ll explore the wide world of sign fixings and explain the use cases and benefits of each one.

How to get the right sign fixings

The key question to ask yourself is: do you know the diameter of the sign post on which you’ll use the clips or clamps? This makes a big difference to the type of sign fixings you buy.

With some fixings, you need to know the exact size of the post and choose a clip of the same diameter. Other types of fixing are suitable for multiple sizes of post - which is handy if you don’t know the size beforehand, or if you’re constantly moving between different job sites. For instance, you might be attaching signs to a telegraph pole one day and a fence the next.

For this reason, we’ve split this post into two sections - one for clips that fit specific post sizes, and one for universal fixings.

NOTE: You’ll notice that we refer to slot-in channel clips or clamps several times in this article - so let’s just explain what those are. Also called universal channel clamps, they’re designed to sit neatly in the rear channels of channel-backed signs.

They are suitable for use with both our screw-tighten bands and universal stainless steel band systems. When tension is applied to the banding, it pulls tight on both the post and sign channel, keeping everything locked together.

Sign fixings for known post sizes

These are the clips to use when you know the post’s diameter.

D clips

D-type sign clips, also known as anti-rotational clips, are ideal when you know the post size and want a cost-effective fixing solution. These are the most common type used in the UK, with a robust stainless steel construction.

D clips are suitable for circular posts from 25mm to 219mm in diameter. You’ll need to choose a clip size that's an exact match for the sign post. For example, if your post is 219mm, you need to choose a 219mm D clip.

You won’t require a slot-in channel clip, as D clips use a square-headed bolt instead. Slot the bolt into one side of the rail and the small, shaped end of the clip into the other. Pinch the clip over the bolt and tighten the nut.

Some anti-rotational clips (and square rigid clips, which we’ll look at next) come with rubber sleeving to prevent them from scratching painted posts. This is also good for areas with heavy traffic that causes vibrations, which may cause non-sleeved clips to slip or come loose.

Square rigid clips

Square post clips are similar to D clips - they’re made of stainless steel and use a square-headed bolt. However, as the name suggests, they’re specifically for square hollow section (SHS) signposts instead of circular posts.

Again, you need to know what size post you’re dealing with, as the clip must be an exact match for the post’s diameter. We offer clips to suit posts from 30mm to 100mm.

For most signs you’ll require 2 of these clips to mount your sign face securely, with one clip fixed to each rail on the rear of the sign using the nuts and bolts supplied.

Rectangular sign clips are also available (and coming soon to Start Safety!). They’re suitable for use with all types of sign channel and are installed using 2 M8x32mm square head bolts, nuts, and washers. Make sure you choose the right dimensions for the angle of your sign post.

Mini D clips

Mini D clips are basically just a small version of regular D clips - the difference is that they’re smaller and both sides are bolted. They’re used mostly to attach signs to traditional tubular vertical railings such as those seen outside schools.

These clips are made of stainless steel and are available in a range of standard sizes, so you do need to pick the right one for the size of the railings or post. Standard sign faces require between 2 and 4 clips per sign face, with smaller signs needing only 1 clamp per rail and wider signs needing 2.

Back-to-back clips

Some sign posts, such as those denoting cycle routes and speed limits, require a sign face on each side so that it can be seen by people approaching from both directions.

If the first face is attached to the post with a D clip, you can use back-to-back clips to attach the second sign face directly on the back of the first sign. You’ll need a rough idea of the size of the post you’re working with, as our back-to-back clips range from 50mm to 100mm.

Please note: these clips are not compatible with universal sign clips.

Uniclamps

Also called offset clamps, uniclamps are used to attach fingerboards - such as footpath signs or other directional signs - to posts. They allow you to anchor the sign face on the side of the post so that it points in the required direction.

Our uniclamps are 76mm, so they’re suitable for posts of 76mm in diameter. Other clamp sizes are available on request.

This type of clamp is made of aluminium and features a serrated inner for a firm grip to prevent the fingerboard from rotating. The clamp goes around the post, and the flat section is attached to an offset bracket that holds the sign in place.

Before installation, you’ll need to rivet T-shaped sign channels to the sign face (one at the top and one at the bottom) before riveting the offset brackets into the channels.

Z clips

Made from stainless steel, Z clips allow you to fix sign faces securely to wooden or concrete fence posts. They’re designed to fit square posts with a standard depth of 76mm.

As the fixing is tightened, it pushes the arm of the clip inward to clamp on to the post. For most sign faces, you will need a total of 4 clips (2 per rail).

Sign fixings for unknown or unusual post sizes

If you’re not sure of the post’s diameter, you can use one of the following types:

Universal sign clips

The universal sign clip is perfect for sign posts with non-standard shapes, but can also be used for round or square posts up to 312mm in diameter.

The adjustable sizing means this stainless steel clip can conform to alternative shapes, which is helpful when you don’t know the post’s exact dimensions.

You’ll need 2 universal clamps (one for each rail) to mount your sign face to a pole, as well as a slot-in channel clip (included). The quick-release clips are easy to remove as you can flick the screw adjuster up off the band with a flat-headed tool such as a screwdriver.

Tamtorque tamper-proof sign clamp

This sign clamp is designed to prevent vandals from tampering with your sign, as it requires a special Tamtorque tool to tighten the bolt head. The clamp can withstand 1.5 tonnes of weight trying to pull it apart.

The reusable stainless steel clamps are ideal for attaching high-risk, expensive signs such as vehicle-activated signs and ANPR cameras which could be targeted by vandals or thieves.

They’re suitable for posts up to 340mm in diameter (you’ll need a rough idea of the post size but it’s not crucial to get an exact match with the clamp). You will need a slot-in channel clip.

Sign banding

Sign banding is a low-cost “one size fits all” solution. You can cut it to any length for post sizes up to a maximum diameter of 9500mm (using a full 30mm reel).

There are 2 types of banding: plain and slotted. The key difference is that plain banding requires a special banding tool and 13mm band buckles, and it can’t be removed without cutting or unfolding. This gives it maximum vandal resistance.

Slotted banding doesn’t need special tools to tighten it, but it can still be anti-tamper depending on the clamps you use. Both types do require slot-in channel clamps.

If your sign posts are located outdoors near the sea, it’s best to use stainless steel slotted banding as it doesn’t corrode with exposure to salt spray. In inland locations, you can use zinc-plated mild steel banding.

We offer two alternatives for slotted sign banding: JSC Hi-Torque Banding (in stainless or zinc-plated steel) and Jubilee Multiband (stainless or mild steel). Jubilee quick-release straps are also suitable as sign fixings, although you would need a broad idea of the post’s size.

Although the Jubilee ranges feature a thinner band than other systems, they can still be a fast and effective way of fixing signage in place. The array of materials and fixings allows for greater flexibility when mounting signage in almost any environment. They still require channel clamps and you’ll need one band per sign channel.

Sign fixing bar / railing mount

If you want to attach a sign to railings, gates, wire mesh or chain link fences, or anything else with vertical or diagonal slatting, a sign fixing bar can help. These are often used to display No Entry/Exit signs on the gates of attractions such as theme parks, or for warning signs on construction sites.

Position the sign face on the front of the gate or fence and slide the square-headed bolts into the rear channel. At the back of the gate, place the fixing bar over the bolts and secure it with the nuts and washers supplied.

Remember to choose the right bolt length for the structure you’re mounting to, and tighten them securely so that vandals can’t easily remove the sign.

RSJ mounts

In a warehouse or a multi-storey car park, you might want to affix signage to RSJs - in which case, you’ll need a dedicated RSJ mount. This is a stainless steel bracket with a “tail” that slots into the sign channel along with a square-headed bolt, which is tightened so that the bracket clamps to the RSJ.

For a standard sign with two rear rails, you’ll need 4 fixings in total (2 per rail, with one clamp at each side of the beam). Our RSJ mounts are available in 2 sizes to suit different thicknesses of beam.

Other sign fixings

Here are some further sign fixings and hardware you may need, depending on the type of sign you’re installing.

Sign channels

Most sign faces designed for post-mounting come with aluminium channels or rails on the back, which enable you to attach clips or banding. If your sign face doesn’t already have channels, you can buy them separately and attach them with rivets or special bonding tape. Medium and heavy-duty rails are available for different sizes of sign. We supply the channels in 1m lengths, which you can shorten with a hacksaw or a chop saw if needed.

• Interlocking channels: These channels lock together using grooves on the sides, allowing you to create large single signs made up of multiple faces (such as directional signs on major roads). This increases rigidity.

• T-channels: T-shaped rails are designed for fingerpost directional signs. They are riveted to the sign face and to a pair of offset brackets.

Offset brackets

For fingerboard signs, these pre-punched brackets are attached to the T-channels with 4.8mm rivets, then attached to the sign clip or banding.

Butting plates

Butting plates allow you to combine two sections of signage without using interlocking channels. They span vertically over two sign panels and lock the channel rails together so that the large sign doesn’t shift in the wind.

The takeaway

It’s important to use the right type of sign fixing for the type of structure, its dimensions, and its location. From D clips and uniclamps to sign banding and RSJ mounts, Start Safety has a sign fixing to suit the task.

We’re aware that we’ve covered a LOT of products in this article, and you may need some extra advice before making a purchase. Don’t hesitate to give our friendly sales team a call with any questions!