When anyone is looking to hang things in a professional environment, you may initially believe your options are few. If you have just a picture frame with wall art in it, it may come off as being outdated. The other options you have used have not been as effective as you would like them to be, and they did not achieve what you wanted. 

The Introduction to Standoffs

In a previous post, we introduced you to standoffs. We talked about how standoffs can provide you with a professional and appealing way to hang signs and wall art. Standoffs can not only be used to make your art stand out, but it can make it ''pop'' right off the wall. A standoff looks like a screw, but it looks like a complex version. 

A standoff is a threaded separator that has a defined length, and it is used to raise one assembly above the other. The shape of standoffs will vary, but they will generally have a round shape or a hexagonal shape that can be tightened by a wrench. Standoffs also have different forms that are gendered so they will fit together, for example Female-Female and Male-Male.

Standoffs are often grouped together with another type of tool, and this tool is known as spacers. While standoffs and spacers are often used together, they are not the same. A spacer is an unthreaded fastener, and a spacer cannot be tightened because of its round shape. This is a key difference between standoffs and spacers. 

What Are Spacers?

Spacers and standoffs are both hollow tubes that can be used to connect two components will allowing enough space between them. Standoffs and spacers are generally used to position the parts. Like standoffs, spacers have been designed for reliability and flexibility for any type of design requirement. 

As mentioned earlier, spacers are generally unthreaded. Since a spacer is usually an unthreaded piece os tubing, it can be used to successfully accommodate an entire bolt. However, the interiors can be smooth or threaded. Spacers can also have a round shape, hex-shape, or a smooth shape, like standoffs.

Who Can Use Standoffs and Spacers?

Previously, we mentioned how standoffs are ideal for sign mounting. While standoffs are a small piece of hardware, they can have a major impact on the look you are trying to achieve. Standoffs and spacers can be used to create a unique display, and no other type of combination can be used to create a three-dimensional display of your signage.

There are different types of standoffs that can be used for different purposes. In order to use a particular standoff for signs and art, the piece of art or sign will need to have a small hole. This small hole will allow for the cap of the standoff to be screwed on. There are also standoffs that can be used to hang art and signs without the need for holes. 

What Materials Are Available?

Some common materials include stainless steel, brass, and aluminum, and some common platings include nickel and clear anodized. There are multiple platings and materials available. Aluminum has proven to be popular for numerous reasons. One of the main reasons why aluminum has proven to be a preferred option is its weight to strength ratio.

Aluminum is light and it can hold up well in even the harshest temperatures. Brass is also a common option for those who want high-quality standoffs and do not mind its heavier weight. 

At Systematic Art, we carry a variety of standoffs and spacers that can be used for different purposes. If you are not sure what you need or if you have questions about standoffs and spacers, contact our team today.