Letter Thickness and Kinds of Track for Lighted Signs
Here's a brief guide on how to identify the kind of letters you have (or need) for your sign.
First How to identify the letters you have.
Second A guide to identify the track.
First: How to Identify Changeable Plastic Letters: A Quick Guide
Clear plastic letter panels offer a versatile way to create eye-catching signs. To distinguish between flexible and rigid letter types, follow this simple guide:
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Flexible Letters:
Flexible letters are designed for sign boards with flex track. They easily bend to fit into the track, making them ideal for curved or uneven surfaces. Flexible letters, or "Flex" letters are usually one credit card thickness or thinner with a clear background.
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Rigid Letters:
Rigid letters come in two variations - 2 credit cards thick (0.060") or 3 credit cards thick (0.080"-0.090"). These letters require a rigid pronto letter track sign faces and are perfect for flat mounting surfaces.
To determine the letter size for ordering, measure the printed letter height. Next, measure the clear plastic height. The printed letter and height might be expressed as 8" on 8-7/8". Now you can conveniently order your desired clear plastic letter panels from MyDIYsigns.com, where you can find a wide selection to meet your needs.
Second: How to tell which kind of Sign Letter Track you have on your sign.
If you're replacing or adding to the lettering on your sign face, it's crucial to identify the type of letter track used and measure the track distance accurately for the new letter size. Here's a brief guide to help you with the process:
1. Types of Letter Tracks: There are typically two common types of letter tracks
used on sign face plastics:
a) Flex Track: Flex tracks are flexible plastic strips that feature identical tops and bottom track to insert letters. They are designed for thin, flexible letters no thicker than 1 credit card.
b) Rigid Track: Rigid tracks are sturdy and rigid letter-holding strips that usually have specific top, dual and bottom track for mounting letters. Letters must be inserted into the top part and then drop down into the bottom.
2. Inspect Your Sign Face: Begin by carefully examining your sign face plastic to determine the type of track used. Look for visible grooves, slots, or rigid strips where the letters are attached. Different types of tracks may have distinct features that will help you identify them easily. Send photos if in doubt.
3. Measure the Track Distance: To determine the appropriate letter size for your sign, you need to measure the track distance accurately. Follow these steps:
3a) Flex Track: For flex track systems, measure the distance between the centers of two adjacent tracks. Use a tape measure to get an accurate reading. This measurement will be your "on-center" spacing. Ensure you measure multiple sections of the sign face to account for any variations.
3b) Rigid Track: If your sign uses rigid tracks, measure the available opening slot of a single track. Typically, this will be a bit larger thn the maximum letter size that the track can accommodate.
4. Choosing the Right Letter Size: With the track distance measurement in hand, you can now select the appropriate letter size for your sign. Ideally, you should choose letters that fit snugly into the tracks without being too tight or too loose. A good rule of thumb is to opt for letters that are slightly smaller than the measured track distance to ensure a proper fit. Flex letters are designed to bow out slightly.
5. Ordering the Letters: Once you have determined the track type and measured the track distance, you can proceed to purchase the new letters for your sign. Many suppliers offer a variety of letter styles and sizes compatible with different track systems.
6. Send Photos for Assistance: If you are unsure about the type of letter track or need further guidance on measuring, you can take photos of the existing sign face and letters and send them here: SEND PHOTOS and details. LetterBank's team of experts will be glad to assist you in identifying the right track and recommending suitable letter sizes for your sign.
7. Safety Precautions: Before replacing the letters on your sign face, take safety precautions, especially if the sign is mounted at a height. Use appropriate safety gear and tools to prevent accidents.
Final Note: Will you need a different kind of sign face?
Some older signs are no longer available, like the flat OSA fluted sign panels or the Sta-Tuf sign faces, which look like our V3 but are very different, although the V3 with rigid track can often be substituted for the old Sta-Tuf sign plastics.
SEND PHOTOS and details.
