Wildgoose 4,200 Posted September 1, 2015 I rarely disclose the cloak and dagger stuff but decided that I would share this nifty (and thrifty) french cleat combination that I use on a lot of exterior signage. Several years ago while trying to locate a good and affordable option to use for concealed sign hangers I stumbled upon these tracks made specifically to hang tools and hardware in your garage. These are sold at Home Depot in my area, maybe they are also in yours. I cut the strip in half lengthwise and get two halves that will mate up nicely. The best mate is the slimmer one of the two and will hold your sign about 3/4" off the mounting surface. The thicker of the two is about 1-1/8" stand-off but requires a little sanding to get the two to fit together. I sand them on a stationary belt sander just enough that they will slide together. The finishing touch is a self tapping screw though the top to lock the sign in place. I use a flexible extension on my cordless drill to reach down to the mouths once the sign is on the wall. It's a good idea to place the mounts within easy reach of the top of the sign. I typically have them 3" to 6" down and I pretrial the half that is on the sign so the screw will start without issue. These take a little bit of work compared to the aluminum ones that you can buy ready to go but the whole 4ft piece is around $10-$12 if memory serves me correctly and you can make a lot of cleats. You can make the cleats however long you want. The ones pictured are very skinny but I typically make then a couple inches long so I can use a couple good mounting screws (in countersunk holes). For attachment to the signage I use VHB tape. Hope this helps someone out who is a miser like me and willing to search for a better mousetrap. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quitetitan4 90 Posted September 1, 2015 pretty slick! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skarekrow 1,842 Posted September 2, 2015 They look like they they lock in nicely. Didn't know Home Depot carried them. I've always made mine on the table saw outta pressure treated wood. Got an large exterior sign going over a Vape Shop in a few weeks... may give them a try. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted September 2, 2015 Thats a great I dea I could see these being used as a banner anchor to a wall also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Quitetitan4 90 Posted September 2, 2015 Lowes has a brand as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
