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How to install flat cut letters with locators (Snapfix or Simplefix)

This guide explains how to correctly install flat cut letters using SnapFix or SimpleFix-style locators. Follow these steps for a clean, level, and professional finish.

 

🔧 Tools & Materials Needed

  • Flat cut letters (acrylic, foamex, aluminium, steel, plywood, or MDF)

  • Male and female locators (SnapFix or SimpleFix)

  • Stykra 360 adhesive

  • Paper plan or template

  • Drill and suitable drill bits for wall type

  • Rawl plugs (if required)

  • Screws (see guide below)

  • Masking tape

  • Tape Measure

  • Spirit level or laser level

📘 Screw size guide:
Which screws should you use with SnapFix and SimpleFix locators?

⚙️ Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Bond Male Locators to Letters

  • Use Stykra 360 adhesive to bond male locators to the back of each flat cut letter.

  • Suitable materials: acrylic, foamex, aluminium, steel, plywood, and MDF.

  • Allow the adhesive to fully cure before handling further.

Step 2: Create a Paper Plan

There are two methods to create a paper plan (installation template) with locator markings:

  1. Beforehand (via CNC machining) – Machine small locator marks into your flat cut letters while routing them. This means you know the exact locations of your male locator studs and means you use your plotter to draw them onto the paper plan.

  2. After bonding (manual method) – Once you have manually arranged and bonded the male locators, take the letters and press or “stab out” the male locators onto a paper sheet to mark their exact positions. You still need a plotter to draw your sign letters at 1:1 scale. You can then line them up by eye and press down to create a drilling mark

    • Each male locator has a small point on top to help accurately pierce or mark the plan.

    • Number each letter on both the plan and the physical letter to make matching them up on-site simple and error-free.

Pro tip: If you layout the locators and machine them on the CNC . You can save the file and use it for letter replacements years down the line when a letter may need replacing

 

Step 3: Position the Paper Plan on the Wall

  • Take your paper plan to the installation wall.

  • Measure, level, and align the layout carefully.

  • Secure it in place using masking tape ready for drilling.

Step 4: Drill Holes and Insert Rawl Plugs

  • Select a drill bit suitable for your wall material.

  • Using the plan as a guide, drill through each marked hole.

  • For solid walls, insert rawl plugs into the drilled holes.

  • If fixing directly into wood, you can simply screw the cups to the wood straight through the paper plan — no rawl plugs required.

👉 Refer to the screw size guide for compatible screw options.

Step 5: Install Female Locator Cups

  • Remove the paper plan once drilling is complete.

  • Fix the female locator cups into the rawl plugs using the correct screws.

  • Double-check alignment before fully tightening.

Step 6: Mount the Letters

  • Align each letter with its numbered position.

  • Gently press the male locators into the female cups — they’ll snap securely into place.

  • Once all letters are mounted, remove any protective film liner from the face of the letters.

  • Step back and admire your finished sign!

✅ Tips for Best Results

  • Always number letters and plan when manually stabbing out locator marks

  • Use a laser level for long or complex layouts.

  • Avoid over-tightening screws, which can distort locator cups.

  • Let adhesives cure according to manufacturer instructions for a lasting hold.

🧩 Reference Links