What Are Standoffs?

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

October 8th, 2021  · Taye Harding

Sign standoffs are a popular and stylish mounting option for signs that can elevate the overall appearance and professionalism of your business. Here's a closer look at what sign standoffs are, why and when you should use them, and how they work

What are Standoffs?

Standoffs are cylindrical metal tools for hanging signs with drilled holes. They serve as fasteners that attach the sign to a wall, creating a visually appealing display with a gap between the sign and the wall.

Standoff screws are typically round and fit through the drilled holes on the sign. The screws are threaded through the standoff barrels, which are cylindrical in shape and made of materials like aluminum, brass, or nylon. The choice of material can depend on factors such as aesthetics, durability, and the specific requirements of the sign and mounting surface.

By utilizing standoffs, you can achieve a sleek and eye-catching signage presentation while also providing secure and durable attachment to the wall.

Why use Standoffs?

Standoffs give your sign an eye-catching, three-dimensional look. With standoffs, your sign is extended from the wall for a refreshing display sure to impress any visitor. Standoffs allow your sign to literally pop out from the wall.

Standoff screws are not only pleasant looking, but they also support the weight of a sign firmly; so there’s no need to worry about your sign falling down from two-way tape or other adhesive hanging methods. Standoffs are the sought-out option for logo signs, a directory sign, and even look good for room labeling signs. You can also use standoffs to hang permanent menus in restaurants or hang a piece of art.

How standoffs work

A standoff screw includes the standoff mount, screw, washers, and anchor. By itself, a standoff screw isn’t that stable, but when multiple standoffs are used together whether it’s one in each corner, or centered; they can hold a sign in place for a long time.

The most common screw arrangement for standoffs is to have them placed in the four corners of a square or rectangular sign. You can also add screws at the top & bottom of your sign for added support. If your sign is made with a contour cut (the shape of the sign is custom) then you can select custom placement and place your standoffs wherever you desire.

Here is a complete list of the options for mounting your sign using standoffs:

• Four corners

• Corners & top & bottom center

• Custom placement

• Top & bottom center

• Top corners only

  The best way to mount the sign with standoffs is to measure where the hole centers will be and lightly mark the area where the sign is going with a pencil. You could also hold your sign up to the wall and use the pre-drilled holes as a template to mark where to drill on the wall using a pencil. Just be sure to use a level to ensure your sign is mounted straight. A hole is drilled into the wall where the anchor is then placed. After the anchor is inserted, the standoff is put over the anchor and the screw is drilled into the anchor through the hole on the back of the standoff. Once the standoff is in place, the sign is held over the mounted standoffs with a washer between the end of the standoff and the back of your sign. The standoff cap is then attached into the standoff with a second washer on the front side of the sign.