Sign Installers in our industry are considered jack-of-all-trades, as they need to be able to weld on-site, drill, mount, glue, and repair often all in the field. To do this job right our Sign Installers carry with them a variety of tools that help ensure they can get the job done. Here we breakdown what those tools are, and how are team uses them nearly every day:
Must-Have Gear for Sign Installers
Neon Sign Tube Tester
Ortwein Sign is one of the few shops that still offers in-house neon sign fabrication, which means we are often fabricating, installing, and servicing neon signage for our clients and for other sign companies. To test whether the neon sign glass itself is broken, and where if so, we use a neon tube tester.
How Does a Neon Tube Tester Work?
A neon tube tester are handheld devices that can be used by a tech to test the functionality of a neon sign. By touching the side of the glass, the tube will send electricity into the tube and if it’s working you will see the neon glass glow.
Notcher
A notcher is a tool that sign fabricators and installers use to cut out the sign material (eg. aluminum) to allow it to be more easily bent and shaped.
Measuring Tape
The old adage measure twice cut once is one all sign craftspersons and sign installers live by.
Why is a Measuring Tape so crucial for Sign Installers?
Sign installers in the field have little room for error as they’ve been given signs and patterns precisely measured for their needs. Therfore if a sign person needs to place the pattern, or the sign, in the right spot, or if they need to cut a bolt, or a steel pole, they will use their trusty measuring tape to ensure they are doing it as precisely as possible.
Snips
Snips are used to cut various types of metal, though often they’re used for thinner grades of metal such as aluminum. The act like scissors and look very similar.
Stick Welder
Stick Welders are typically used by sign installers for steel or iron.
When would you use a Stick Welder over a Mig Welder?
Stick Welders are typically used outdoors while MIG Welders are often preferrable for indoor welding jobs.
Drill/Hammer Drill
A drill is used to drill holes into objects and/or various materials, and more specifically a Hammer Drill, which we use often, is used to drill into concrete or blocks.
Impact Driver
An Impact Driver takes inserts (which are similar, but different to drill bits) to mount screws, bolts.
Level
Levels are tools that are used to help make sure that whatever is being lined up matches the earth’s horizon.