Nylon Locators
The most common on the market is the nylon locator which is available in 4 different sizes, 8mm, 11mm, 14mm & 18mm which consists of a stud that is bonded to the letter and a cup that you the customer would screw fix to a wall using the paper template provided, then it’s just a simple case of pushing the letter onto the cups which click when fully engaged with one another. These are now UV Stabilised and weather resistant, so there is less chance of crumbling!

 
Brass Locators
Brass Locators are another option for raised lettering but does have it’s hardships, while looking good on traditional styled lettering and giving more strength on letters within reach of the public, drilling the holes accurately is essential, if these type of fixing don’t line up this will create relocation problems for the fitter, a flat surface is crucial when using these fixings, also screwing them together is a fiddly process.

 
VHB Tape
If a simple double sided tape is all you require this is readily available, but be warned, make sure you check the type of surface you are bonding the letters to as there are a few different types of VHB tape you can use. The strongest but most expensive is the 1.1mm clear acrylic tape, ideal for heavy letters and non-smooth surfaces for an instant solid bond. Next is the same but thinner, at only 0.3mm thick this light weight tape is very strong but needs a perfectly flat surface to bond. Cheapest of all is a foam based VHB, cheaper that the rest this is ideal for internal application and uneven surfaces, it can also be used outside but will not fare as well as the 1.1mm clear VHB tape and can fail in hot weather due to expansion and contraction.

Half Bracket Fixing
Only used on large built up lettering and logos this type of fixing is designed for strength where other locators would fail, due to the large returns in built up letters normal fixings would be weak if they extended from the back of the face of the letter and then into a wall, also this would stress the face of the letter to the point where this would be visible of the front of the letter.

Back Trays
These tend to be used where internal illuminated built up letters are needed, this serves two purposes, one is to house the electrics and the second is to make the rear of the letter complete so the internal production is not visible. Above is an image showing a letter with the back tray housing LED’s with the face next to it, the installation process is as simple as fixing the rear tray to the sign facia and slip the front over the top and securing with 3 counter sunk screws.

Big Head Fasteners
This style of fixing is proving more and more popular but does come at a price, this fixing is designed to look slimmer, to be sprayed to a colour and it allows you to determine how far the letter sits off the wall not to mention the endless life of the fixture as it’s made from steel. This product is also available in various sizes which are available upon request

Dowel Fixings (Stud Fixings)
This is a cheaper alternative to Big Heads that Trade signs has developed, using a threaded steel nickel plated dowel screw, we machine small fixing holes 3mm into the rear of the letter and bond the fixture inside the acrylic giving you a much neater finish on the back at a cost effective price (as shown above) and you will still have all the flexibility of the Big Head Fastener.

Decorative Panel Fixings
These are a great finishing touch for any panel job. They are manufactured in brass and are available in a range of finishes (satin chrome, chrome & gold) and sizes.
We also sell a range of screw covers which transforms unsightly visible screws into an added value design feature.

Templates
All locator jobs will have a template with them, marked and ready for drilling. This is a very manual part of the job which is done by pressing each individual letter into the paper template which spikes the paper, then every mark must be marked with a cross/circle and each letter numbered to make your life easier on site.