Blade Sign Installation

A blade sign is a sign that extends from the side of a building and is mounted perpendicular to the wall. The name “blade sign” comes from their distinctive design—they project outward from the wall, resembling a blade sticking out from a handle.

Materials Needed:

• Blade sign
• Mounting brackets (wall and sign)
• Guidewires (stainless steel or durable material)
• Guidewire clamps
• Anchor points (for guidewires) (Eye bolts)
• Lag bolts or screws (depending on wall material)
• 2 Turnbuckles
• Drill and drill bits (appropriate size for screws/anchors)
• Level
• Wrenches and screwdrivers
• Measuring tape
• Pencil/marker
• Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.)

Step 1: Plan the Sign Location

• Measure the area: Determine the exact location where you want to install the blade sign. Consider factors like visibility and clearance from surrounding objects. Also be sure to note local requirements. Bartlesville City requires them to be a minimum of 8ft off the ground.
• Mark the mounting points: Use a measuring tape and level to ensure the sign will be installed straight. Mark the top and bottom points for the sign bracket placement.

Step 2: Prepare the Wall

• Check the wall type: Identify the wall material (brick, concrete, wood, etc.). This will determine what type of anchors, screws, and drill bits you will need.
• Drill mounting holes: Using a drill, create holes in the wall where you marked the mounting points for the sign’s bracket. Ensure the holes are the appropriate size for your anchors and screws.

Step 3: Install the Sign Mounting Bracket (if Applicable)

• Most Blade signs have the bracket already attached to the sign, but some may have a separate bracket.
• Attach the wall bracket: Secure the wall-mounted bracket (usually a horizontal bracket) to the building’s exterior using lag bolts, screws, or other appropriate fasteners. Use a level to ensure the bracket is installed straight.

Step 4: Attach the Sign to the Mounting Bracket or Wall

• Position the sign: Carefully lift the blade sign and position it onto the installed bracket or the predrilled holes in the wall. This step will require two technicians. If the sign is lightweight enough for one person to manage, one technician can hold the sign in place while the other installs the bolts. For heavier signs, utilize a crane truck to lift the sign into position, while a technician in a separate bucket truck installs the bolts.
• Secure the sign: Use the provided fasteners (typically screws or bolts) to secure the sign onto the mounting bracket or screw bolts into predrilled holes. 

Step 5: Install the Guidewires

• Identify guidewire anchor points: At the top of the sign, there should be a previously installed eyebolt to attach the guidewires. These should be pre-installed mounting points or specific brackets that will be added.

Install anchor points: On the building, at a sufficient distance from the sign (typically 12” out from each side and 12” above the sign), install (2) anchor points that can hold the tension from the guidewires. Use appropriate anchors based on the wall material (e.g., expansion anchors for brick or concrete). See below”

Step 6: Attach and Tension the Guidewires

Attach guidewires to the sign: Secure the guidewires to the top of the sign from the eye bolt on the sign to the eye bolt in the wall. Be sure to attach 2 guide wires, 1 for each anchor point. DO NOT simply loop a single wire through the eye bolt on the sign. This will not provide tension for the sides and will not be wind resistant.

• Stretch and tension the wires: Attach the opposite ends of the guidewires to the anchor points on the building. Use a turnbuckle or other tensioning device to ensure the guidewires are taut and the sign is held securely in place. Be sure to install the cable clamps correctly, using 2 on each end of the cable to create a loop through the eyebolts and turnbuckle. See Below

• Step 7: Safety Check

  • Inspect the installation: Verify that the blade sign is securely attached, and the guidewires are properly tensioned to prevent any movement. Double-check all screws, bolts, and fasteners, tightening them securely to ensure the sign is mounted firmly and will not shift.
  • Ensure all anchors are secure: Confirm that the guidewires and mounting points are properly installed and able to support the weight of the sign.
  • Gently test the sign by applying slight pressure to ensure it is secure and stable. Check that the guidewires are providing adequate support and that the sign remains in its proper position.

  Step 8: Clean Up & Final Walk Around

  • Remove any tools or debris from the installation area.
  • Ensure the sign is clean and free from any dust or markings left during installation.

  Then do a final walk around with the customer and address and fix any concerns immediately (This will reduce the chance for any call backs).

  If the customer is satisfied, be sure to ask for a Google review and help them through the process. Also ask if they would be willing to do a video testimonial sharing their experience. Video the customer in front of their new sign using your phone. Video can be 30 seconds or less, they just need to share their name and business and how happy they are with their new sign from Highway Man Signs! Be sure to get pics of the sign installed and email everything to info@highwaymansigns.com