A bit of Sign Bracket background...

Sign Bracket Basics
What is the shape of your sign?
There are several styles of bracket that accommodate sign shapes better than others...
a.  A Bracket with a straight shaft is best for rectangular or square sign shapes.
b.  A REVERSE Scroll bracket works well for circular or oval sign shapes, it has an arch to accommodate the curved shape at the top of the sign.
c.  If working with a curved top sign, we can also modify the shaft arm with "drop rings" these allow for the curve of your sign when using a straight shaft arm bracket.
(more information on drop rings HERE)
d.  If your sign is longer or you are adding an additional sign under the first sign, you may consider adding an additional bracket to the bottom of the ensemble with the rings facing up to snap additional hardware to the bottom of the signs and then to the upwards facing rings on the bottom bracket to keep the sign from swinging excessively in the wind.

2.  What is the width of your sign?
Metalcraft uses this dimension in a descriptive SKU/Item number, the 24 in the item number below advises that this bracket will fit a sign “up to” 24” in width.
The SKU- X-BR DSB-24
You will find Bracket item numbers end in the “up to” width of the sign that will fit on that bracket.

3.  How will you hang your sign?
Metalcraft provides specification drawings for each of the brackets it regularly manufactures and much information can be gained by review of the specification drawings included below the large photo of the items on our website.
You can find the overall length of the shaft arm, along with ring/tab placement. Here is a quick reference to the standard parts of your sign bracket, although the shape and style of each of the parts may vary, given the theme of your message, the parts identified below are included for each bracket we manufacture.

Take note of whether you plan to install on a curved or flat surface, this will require either a flat BACK PLATE or a curved mount.
The GUSSET is an integral component of the bracket it adds the strength and stability to the angle of the bracket to the back plate.
The SHAFT/ARM is the length of the bracket where the sign is installed, and is usually capped or welded closed or includes a decorative FINIAL/CAP accent.
The sign is affixed to the bracket via hardware, whether the shaft arm includes TABS that allow for a bolt through install (sign does not swing), or RINGS that will require snaps or rubber coated sign hangers (best for aluminum signs), you have a variety of options available to complete your sign project.
The holes or rings of your sign will need to closely match the tab/ring placement on the shaft of your sign bracket.
We can modify the ring placement on the shaft arm for you, or you can add hardware that will reach the distance of the hole placement.
When it comes to choosing sign hanging hardware we offer several types of snap, decorative chain as well as decorative hooks. (HERE)
 
4. How will you hang your bracket?
When Metalcraft provides both the post/pole and the bracket, we can assist you in determining the hardware you will need to install the bracket to the post or pole.If you choose a round pole, you will need a bracket with a curve mount application, (most of our brackets can be modified for CURVE/CHANNEL mount installs, and you will want to purchase the bolt kit for round poles by diameter.
If you choose a square post, you will need a bracket with a FLAT back plate application, and you will want to purchase the bolt kits for square posts by diameter.Our smaller light duty and value brackets are okay to use on either a 2” square post or 2” round pole. 
Larger brackets must be reviewed for mounting style. 
Metalcraft Industries is the originator of the twisted shaft stylized accent of our popular Deluxe Scroll bracket and it is offered in a curved mount or flat back plate. 
Also popular is our Straight Shaft Sign bracket and it is  is offered in a flat back plate, but can also be modified for a round pole by adding a channel mount. 
If you are planning to mount your new bracket to anything other than a Metalcraft post/pole, we suggest working with a sign specialist to determine the proper install hardware as materials vary and each application will require its own unique hardware solution.

WHOA! A Self Standing Sign Post...

Sharing this idea…
We had a request for a self-standing sign post.
Ocala is known as “The Horse Capitol of the World". Marion County hosts a limestone ridge and many natural springs. Because of the geology we have a large variety of horses that enjoy our native Bahia grass enriched with calcium from our limestone rich soil base, the best for building healthy bones…
You can find our Deluxe Scroll Bracket with our signature “twist” at the front gate of many horse farms here in town.
The sign bracket is a perfect fit for many horse farm signs, often decorative in nature.
This customer has horse shows scheduled seasonally and wanted something they could take down from in front of their horse farm property for the off- season.
We used a slip over concept for the sign post.

The square post can be removed for travel and set-up by slipping it on and off the ample length of slightly smaller post which is welded to the cross beam.

Adding our most popular Deluxe Scroll Bracket and a sign that can be switched out by simply using snap links on the shaft arm rings, our customer can easily change up the signs for however long the post is displayed at the front of his property.
The two flat feet have drilled holes for either bolting or staking the fixture as needed, perhaps add some caster wheels and roll it in and out of your shop.
If you think of an idea and it would utilize the components you find on our website, please send us a quick sketch or drawing with some dimensions and we will be glad to quote the job for you.  Modifying and changing up our components is what we do best and what can make Metalcraft your go to manufacturer for all your customized sign supply needs.

Street pole performance and acceptance for safety...

We have had folks asking if we provide a break-away system for street poles…

Although we officially do not provide a break-away system, what we have found is that the alloy we use for our aluminum poles is often considered a valid option.

In researching the subject here is some of the information we have found:

  

1. Department of Transportation State of North Carolina 1/26/2006

Subject: NCHRP 350 Compliance of Metalcraft 3” outer Diameter 1/8” wall thickness, Alloy 6061-T6 Aluminum Tube Signs Supports

The signing section has reviewed the subject product and found that it will provide adequate breakaway performance.

FHWA acceptance letter SS-15 documents Texas Transportation Institute testing that indicates a thin-walled aluminum tube smaller than 4” in diameter will provide adequate breakaway performance in strong soils…

 A copy in full of this letter (SS-15) can be found here-

This letter does not infer that this product will or must be used by Department forces…

A follow up acceptance letter (SS 35) notes 3" & 4" w/ wall thicknesses of 0.125" can be found here-

2. U.S. Department of Transportation 8/11/2011 Federal Highway Administration

Roadside safety devices should meet the guidelines contained in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350 if tested prior to December 31, 2010, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) if tested after that date.  Requirements for breakaway supports are contained in both of these documents and in AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaries, and Traffic Signals.

Decision

The following system was found acceptable, with details provided below:

Generic Aluminum support Pole 4-inch diameter with a 0.125 wall thickness

Findings

As noted in previous requests , the FHWA has previously accepted a 6061-T6 aluminum pole in 3” as well as 4” diameter poles of the same aluminum  alloy with a wall thickness of 0.125 …Therefore, the 6061-t6 aluminum pole with 4-inch outside diameter and a 0.125 inch wall thickness remains acceptable for use on NHS under the range of conditions originally tested, when such use is acceptable to a highway agency.

A copy in full of this letter (SS-173) can be found here-

Upon request, Metalcraft can send along a Letter of Certification with your order when you request our Aluminum alloy 6061-T6 poles for your sign project.

WOOD YOU EVER...

We see a lot of neat stuff going through our manufacturing plant.
This recent project was super neat!
Ocala, Florida, where Metalcraft Industries is located, is home to many breeds of horses.
They live a life of green pastures, sunny days and blue skies.Along with this there is a little rain, sometimes a lot of it, and the wet humid weather of summer can wreak havoc on wooden barn doors.
The barn doors often need to be replaced.
Recently we had a client request we build them doors fabricated from aluminum.
The doors are sizeable - mighty big.
When the client requested that we make them look like wood, we thought about it, gathered our resources, and made it happen.
I thought I would share the images, we think they look fabulous.
Here are the aluminum doors being completed in construction.

We gave them a base coat in powder coat.

There is a video of the faux wood grain application. Check out our you tube channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/metalcraftsign
Also, as they were being completed.

Ready for hardware fitting.

Checking the hinges.

The all aluminum barn doors were packed up, and taken out to the work site. It was a beautiful day for install and the location was awesome.
Installing on site at the farm.

Check out the guys at work.
Latches too.

The first 6 doors in place.

The horses seem to be happy with the results.

I could not stop taking pictures...

When you look up...

Significantly better…
When I was first contemplating working for Metalcraft Industries, I had asked what the company made.  I was advised of its 20 years as a supplier for the sign industry.
This led me to looking at how signs are made and displayed…
Our mainstay is sign brackets. They come in a variety of styles and are often an added accompaniment to the sign.
It has been a lot of fun to seek out our sign brackets in my travels, on vacations or even just out and about town. What I have found is that I am not the only employee here at Metalcraft who does this.
Co-workers have shared their images of our brackets that they have also found during their off hours from work.
I thought I would share some of them here and show off a bit.

The first picture was a recent vacation find in PA. One of our powder coat people spotted them and sent me the image. It shows a nice line-up of both our Deluxe Scroll Bracket, as well as the Reverse Scroll Bracket. Both styles are complimentary to the large signage.



The second picture was from my visit to MN.  My brother was on the lookout and pointed to these two as we were headed out for an adventure.  He quickly pulled over for me and I stood in the middle of the road trying to get a good angle while dump trucks and semis whizzed past me.  The tattoo shop is using our Super Deluxe Scroll Bracket and the other is our Signature Deluxe Scroll Bracket.
Both are right beside each other. Word of mouth is a lot of what our business is based upon and I would venture to guess these two discussed their purchases with each other at some point.

 The third picture is from a recent visit out West by the owner of our company.  The excitement of finding our work in Yosemite National Park was enjoyed by all of us when he returned and shared the pictures.

Many of the images in our catalog were taken over on the East coast - here in Florida. St. Augustine offers historic streets and artistic venues that showcase our items throughout the town.
Here are just two of the many signs we found mounted with our brackets.

Next time you are venturing out, maybe you will look up and recognize our work.
They certainly are not a rare find. I can assure you...Metalcraft is everywhere.  Enjoy!

Political stakes...

Normally I would not discuss politics in a public post or blog, but there are some items I think you should know about regarding the upcoming elections.
Over the coming year there will be many opportunities for folks to show their interest and express their political orientation.
Metalcraft Industries offers a variety of ways to support them.
As a manufacturer of sign supplies we have a variety of unique display solutions, the number one value for your dollar that comes to mind is a great product called the TWISTAKE.
The TWISTAKE is a lightweight yet sturdy design that is suited for easy installs.

The TWISTAKE arrives in pack of 25 units , there is no assembly, it arrives ready for the addition of a COROPLAST sign.
(COROPLAST is a corrugated-plastic material it is an industry standard for sign making, , it can be easily printed upon with your message and holds up well to the elements).
To install, simply apply pressure to the two step down points of the TWISTAKE wire to secure it in the ground, no hammering or extra tools are required.

The TWISTAKE has been a favorite for the small business advertiser, (think lawn care, landscaping or window tinting), we think it is a dependable and likely a good candidate for your political messaging as well.
More information is available on our website page, click here to check out this great product you can add to your sign stake assortment. http://metalcraftindustries.net/twistake-sign-stake-25-pack-twistake-25-pack-for-corrugated-signs/