How to Hang Neon Sign with Chain: Simple and Secure Setup Tips

There are different ways in which you can display a neon sign, whether it is in a shop, home, or office. One of the best and most secure ways to do it is by using a chain.

There are a lot of benefits to using a chain instead of screws or nails. We will get into those right after we walk you through a guide on how to hang the neon sign with chain along with some tips to ensure a secure installation.

Let’s get started.

First Things First: What Hardware/Equipment Do You Need?

To hang a neon sign using a chain, here is a list of things that you’ll need.

• An electric drill
• Hooks/rings (for hanging the chain—typically included with the product)
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Ruler
• …and the chain itself

Once you have all of these items ready, move on to the next step.

How to Hang a Neon Sign with Chain: Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the exact steps to hang a neon sign with a chain.

1.  First, select a spot for the installation

The first thing that you need to do is pick a spot for the installation. Don’t rush with this part just to get the sign up. Be careful about where you install it.

The spot you choose for your neon sign is important because it changes how visible the sign is to other people. For example,

• If you are hanging the sign up in a shop, you should make sure that it is displayed prominently for all your customers to see. Choose a high spot near the ceiling or right at the entrance.
• On the other hand, if you are hanging the sign in your home, it depends on the purpose of the sign. A “Welcome” sign should be installed near the front door while a more personal sign could be hung in the bedroom.
• The same applies to installing a neon sign in an office. The purpose dictates the exact spot, but if it is for the general public, it should be up high and prominent.

Another important thing to remember is to choose a spot that has a power outlet close by so that there are no long messy wires that you have to worry about.

2.  Mark the spots for the chain holders/brackets

Next up, you have to mark the spots to drill the holes.

There are a few different ways to install a neon sign on a chain.

• One of the ways is to put the hooks on the wall closer together than the chain holders on the sign itself. That way, the chain tapers closer at the top and is further apart when attached to the sign itself. The benefit of this installation is that the sign doesn’t move or sway from side to side. (You could also put the hooks on the wall further apart than the holders on the sign. This way, the chain could taper closer towards the sign.)
• Another way is to put the hooks exactly at the same distance as the holders on the sign so that the chain is perfectly straight and parallel when installed. This method gives the sign the flexibility to be moved around and it also looks more aesthetic.

You should make your markings on the wall depending on the method that you want to use.

Make sure that the markings are perfectly level. You can use a ruler with the level balanced on it to make sure they line up.

3. Drill the holes using the electric drill

After making the markings, use the electric drill to make the holes. The depth and size of the holes depend on the hooks/brackets that you want to install.

4. Install the brackets, mount the chain, and then attach the sign

Once the holes are made, install the mounting hardware for attaching the chain to the wall. These could be hooks, rings, or other types of brackets; it depends on the chain that you’ve acquired. The screws required to fix the hardware in place usually come with it but if not, you can buy your own according to the required size. It’s important to get screws and not nails.

After they are fixed to the wall, mount/attach the chain to the brackets and then to the designated points on the sign.

If you are using two separate chains to attach the sign, make sure they are of the same, equal length and size. This is where you will use the measuring tape.

5. Use the level to make sure the sign is straight and even

Once the sign is hanging in place, use the level to make sure that it is completely straight and even.

At this point, if the sign is not even, you can adjust the length of the chain(s) to make it so. However, if you have followed all the previous steps properly, this shouldn’t be a problem.

6. Plug the sign up to check if it is properly working

For the final step, plug the sign and make sure that it is working properly before calling it a job. Doing this is important as it can help you spot any issues with the sign’s lighting that may have been caused by improper installation.

Tips for a Secure Installation of Your Neon Sign

Now that we’ve covered the basic steps on how to hang neon sign with chain, let’s talk about some tips that you can follow to make sure the installation is safe and secure.

• Use screw anchors for drywalls and concrete walls: If you are going to be installing the chain on a drywall, use screw anchors so that the screws can stay in place and the mounting hardware doesn’t come off. You should also use screw anchors if the wall is brick or concrete. Brick/concrete walls are hard and brittle, and they don’t give a lot of stuff for the screw to hold on to on its own.
• …don’t use any for wooden surfaces: On the other hand, if you are installing the chain on a wooden surface, say a wooden wall or a wooden ceiling beam, then you shouldn’t use the screw anchors as wood is strong and provides a good grip for the screw. Using the anchor, in this case, would simply pose a hassle later on.
• Make sure the chain is thick and strong enough for the sign: If you are buying all of the stuff as a set (chain, hardware, sign), then this problem won’t arise. However, if you are hanging up a sign later on your own, make sure that the chain you get is strong and thick enough to support the weight.
• Check the sign properly before all the installation: Above, we mentioned how it is important to check the sign after everything has been fixed and installed. It is also a good idea to do it before everything too. Just make sure that the wiring is intact and the sign is working the way it is supposed to.
• Use zip ties to make sure that the chain is secured to both points: After hooking/attaching the chain to both ends, i.e., the brackets on the wall and to the sign, use small zip ties to make an extra bond for safety purposes. Loop the zip tie around the chain and the ring/holder on the wall/sign and tighten it before cutting off the excess.

Why Is Hanging a Neon Sign with a Chain Better than Other Installation Methods?

The main other method used for installing neon signs is to fix it to a wall using screws/double-sided tape. There are different pros that the chain method has over it. Here is a small table to help you understand some of those:

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Installing a neon sign hanging chain is a simple and easy task. If you take every step slowly and follow the instructions that we’ve provided above, you’ll be good to go.

Also, make sure to follow the tips that we provided afterwards to ensure a safe installation. Check the sign before and after installing it to make sure it works properly.