In the early 1930's Arthur B. McMahan began design work on a unique new neon tube support. The resulting design introduced features which are widely used in glass tube support construction to this day. A patent was applied for in February of 1934 and was awarded in January 1936. Shortly thereafter FMS purchased the McMahan company and patents and we began a tradition of service which has continued for more than half a century.

All our supports are constructed of the highest grade materials for consistent quality, minimum installation time, and years of trouble-free service. We stamp our bases from heavy gage spring temper brass which is then zinc plated to stand up under corrosive conditions. FMS tie wire is special tin plated soft copper that remains strong yet flexible for years. This manufacturing and assembly is preformed under strict quality control standards at our Minneapolis plant.

We offer tube supports in several glass sizes and a variety of base styles along with extension posts and cut-off options to allow you to choose the right support for the job. All models are available unassembled, assembled, or assembled with tie wires attached. All these features plus competitive pricing and reliable availability have combined to make us America's largest tube support manufacturer.

 

FMS Tube Supports

Model 10T3

This support features a 10mm diameter threaded glass stand which is 1¾ inches from center of saddle to end of stem. Our exclusive two piece spring temper brass base features two locking notches which hold the glass more securely than conventional one piece bases. UL and cUL listed.

Model_10T3-2

Model 10T3L

A longer version of our popular 10T3, the 10T3L provides 2-1/2" of clearance to help accommodate new code requirements. Available assembled or unassembled, with tie-wires or without. Packed 500 per box. UL listed.

Model 8T

This support features an 8 mm diameter threaded glass stand which is 1 3/4" from center of saddle to end of stem.  The 8T also features our exclusive two piece spring temper brass base.  UL and cUL listed.

Model 52

Our most economical tube support, the Model 52 features a one piece base in either aluminum or brass. The threaded glass stand is 10mm in diameter and measures 1¾ inches from center of saddle to end of stem. UL and cUL listed.

Model 30

Our Model 30 tube support features a coil spring base made from zinc plated spring temper brass wire. The glass stand twists into the spring coil easily, but will not pull out when tube is attached.

The Model 30 is particularly effective when used on fluorescent tubing which is installed and then subject to vibration in shipping, high winds, or other similar conditions. The Model 30 also features a threaded glass stand 10mm in diameter and 1¾ inches from center of saddle to end of stem. UL and cUL listed.

Model 835

The Model 835 tube support is designed for applications where more space is desired or necessary between the fluorescent tube and the sign face. The glass stand is 3½ inches long with cut-off notches every quarter inch starting at 2 inches. The 835 features a two piece zinc plated spring temper brass base. In addition to their standard size, Model 835 tube supports are also stocked at a length of 2½ inches. UL and cUL listed.

SnapLock Spring Loaded Plastic

New!

Spring-loaded plastic clips firmly grip neon tubes without the use of tie wire. Upon installation SnapLocks become nearly invisible to minimize visual clutter and give your signs a clean look. Off-set mounting flange allows proper positioning, and can be either glued or screwed to the mounting surface. Tough polycarbonate plastic and stainless steel spring make these units appropriate for virtually any interior or exterior application. Packed 100 per box, UL listed of course.

Shipping information:
100 per box
500 per shipping carton
6 pounds per shipping carton

Model 500

For installations that benefit from increased glass height such as deep channel letters, the Model 500 provides 5-1/4" of clearance from the mounting surface. Available with brass or aluminum base, assembled or unassembled, with tie-wires or without. Packed 100 per box. UL listed.

Shipping information:
100 per box
500 per shipping carton
45 pounds per shipping carton

Aluminum Extension Post

For special applications which require further distance between the fluorescent tube and the sign face we suggest this aluminum extension post. Sturdy construction and neat appearance with cut-off notches from 2½to 5½ inches make it useful in many situations. (Tube support not included.)

Slipstick High Tension Cable Bushings

The slipstick is commonly used as thru-wall insulation for high tension cables. The heavywall Slipstick glass measures 4½inches long with an outside diameter of 19mm. A one way spring steel clip slips easily into adjustment and won't back off. The secure rubber shoulder and heavywall glass insulating tubing insure protection for high tension cables.

Brass Electrode Buttons

Electrode buttons are most commonly used to provide positive high voltage connection for electrodes inserted in spring type housings or similar receptacles. Our brass electrode buttons are designed for use with 12mm-15mm electrodes, though they can function effectively with electrodes of other sizes. Electrode wires are fed through two flanges stamped in a recessed area in the center of each button. By twisting the electrode wires after insertion through the flanges the button becomes attached to the electrode and provides a large conductive surface for high voltage connection.

Brillite Plastic Cleaner

Brillite plastic cleaner was created specifically to meet the special cleaning needs of plastic. It thoroughly cleans nearly every type of plastic without damaging or dissolving the plastic itself. It leaves a protective, anti-static wax coating that keeps the sign cleaner longer so you need to clean less often and achieve better results.

Brillite Prepaint Plastic Cleaner

Brillite Prepaint Plastic Cleaner has been developed to clean plastic sign faces or other plastic surfaces prior to the application of paint. It completely removes static, wax, dust, or other foreign material to facilitate good paint adhesion.

Brillite Antistatic Material

Brillite Anti-Static Material is a highly concentrated antistatic agent designed to remove static from many surfaces including plastic or glass sign faces. It is available concentrated to be mixed with water at a rate of 2 ounces per gallon of water. Simply wipe this material on the sign face or other surface and all static build-up will be removed. Your sign will paint easier and stay cleaner longer with no static present to attract dust or other contaminants.