Metal Stanchions

Metal stanchions are divided into three main types - Retractable Belt Stanchions, Post & Rope Stanchions, and Fixed Post & Rail Systems. All are designed to manage lines and queues. They create a border around booths at tradeshows to define entry and exit points of the booth, as well as create a uniform maze to create lines at box offices, ticket counters, entryways and exits into events.

Retractable Belt Stanchions also called retracting stanchions, tape stanchions or stanchions with return and are a good choice for high traffic areas or if you need a flexible line management system that is easy to set-up, simple to store and easy to expand or change. These are the stanchions you’ll see in airports, retail stores, banks, movie theaters and nightclubs. Typical stanchion height is 39 inches and consists of a base, an upright metal post and an internally-housed retractable belt that is pulled out and connected to another stanchion or a wall receiver to form a visual and physical barrier. The belts are made of a polyester cross-weave material, similar to a seat belt, and retracts when not in use. Belts colors come in a wide range of solid colors, horizontal and diagonal (chevron) striping and pre-printed messages. For that professional look, custom stanchion belts can be imprinted with logos or graphics using silk-screen or dye sublimation. Typical belt lengths range from 7.5 feet to 25 feet or more. Stanchion belts are easy to wipe clean, and since the belts retract back into the stanchion post, there are no ropes or chain to store. The stanchion, or upright post, is typically 2.5 inches in diameter and is either attached to a base to make it portable or mounted into the ground. Many finishes are available including polished stainless steel, powder coat, aluminum and others. For crowd control, the term stanchion usually refers to the whole stanchion (base and upright post, as a single unit) when in reality the stanchion (the vertical post) is just a major part of the device. The base is the key to the portability of stanchions. Round stanchion bases make it easy to move stanchions from place to place. They can be tilted and rolled into place before extracting the retractable belt. Some bases even have built-in wheels. Fixed or removable stanchions are most commonly used when crowd control configurations are permanently established, as you typically see at amusement parks and outdoor queue line formations. Stanchion Line Management Kits are available as a complete set, including a sign holder. For marketing and advertising, our Retracta-Banner turns the dead space between stanchions into new advertising opportunities. Fully customizable with your logo, message, or text this new product is an attention getter and fits on top of most retractable belt stanchions. Though not a stanchion by definition, the Wall Mount Retractable Belt Barrier is a wall mounted version of a retractable belt stanchion (without the post), has a range from range the 7.5 foot economy belt to the 50 foot warehouse belt, and is surface mounted to a wall, warehouse post or vertical rack support. They work great where space is limited or where a stanchion just won’t fit.

Post & Rope Stanchions, also called traditional stanchions or rope stanchions, are classically styled crowd control posts, utilizing swag ropes to create a queuing line. When you want to make an elegant impression, post and rope stanchions bring style and efficiency to your crowd control. Post and rope systems provide an upscale method of controlling pedestrian movement in commercial environments such as hotels, entertainment venues, museums, galleries, etc. Typical stanchion post height is 37 inches. They are available in a vast array of styles and finishes including stainless steel, brass, powder coat, and many others. The most popular styles are the Urn Top, the traditional Ball Top and the contemporary Flat Top posts, with either portable bases or fixed and removable posts with no base. Constructed for outstanding durability and lasting beauty, stanchion ropes are available in velour (velvet), naugahyde, hemp and twisted plastic to accommodate your desired look. Rope ends attached to the stanchion post ring top or mounted wall plates via a snap end. Stanchion placement will dictate the length of the rope(s). It is important to order the correct rope length in order to have the optimum swag. Ropes that are too short will make the posts unstable, make the rope too high and pose a threat to walk-unders. Ropes to long will droop low and pose a potential trip hazard. A correctly measured and installed rope will hang with its center (lowest point) 24” from the floor. See the ADA Specification. Proper spacing of the posts allows each rope to hang gracefully, while ensuring the stability and safety of your installation. Visit our Rope Design Center to learn more about rope design and post spacing. Six feet is our most common rope length. Call us toll-free if you need help at any point in your order at (866) 715-6006. Preconfigured Post & Rope Kits come with everything you need for a trade show, car show, or event with some kits including red carpet. Exhibit stanchions are shorter 24 inch posts that are ideal for safeguarding exhibits by establishing a visual perimeter and allowing an unobstructed view. As an economical alternative, Plastic Post & Rope Kits are also available.

Post & Rail Systems use portable heavy gauge aluminum posts with 4-way connectors along with matching single or double rails in lengths of 6 feet to create a modular, portable crowd control system. Post & Rail systems are used for dividing areas, channeling customers, limiting access to areas, material or merchandise storage, and as outdoor or indoor cart corrals. 2” diameter rails slot into posts for a secure fit. More posts and rails can be added later to expand the controlled area. Satin Aluminum or Satin Brass finishes are available. Typical post height is 36 inches. Our stainless steel Posts and Security Railings fit seemlessly with our turnstiles and swing gates for a highly effective method of reducing theft in a retail environment. Their stainless steel construction allows for indoor and outdoor use. These rugged systems can be used for a wide range of applications to provide security admission and crowd control for convention centers, health clubs, sports facilities, stadiums, amusement parks and office buildings. Or can be used anywhere that you may need a turnstile, ADA handicap gate or swing gate.

Plastic Stanchions

Plastic stanchions are economical, weather resistant and lightweight so they are easy to set up and take down and move to a different location. Plastic stanchions make a great choice for crowd control at outdoor events. Our plastic stanchions are made from thick high quality UVPVC plastic designed for durability, stability, and good looks. Typical stanchion post height is 39 inches. We carry them in many colors including white, yellow, black, orange, simulated chrome, black chrome, and gold. For a more elegant look, our Red Rope Plastic Stanchion Kit offers a high-end classy look at a lower cost. These high quality plastic posts, electroplated in chrome or gold, look like the real thing! Our Long span (Heavy Duty) plastic stanchions have hollow bases allowing you to add pea gravel or water for better stability. Warning & Reflective Plastic Stanchions offer high visibility in bright contrasting colors and reflective stripes. Custom Message Stanchions let you have your logo, text, or pre-printed message or warning on your stanchions. We have complete stanchion kits including everything you need, like matching plastic chain, C-Hooks, and optional sign bracket. These are great for auto shows, trade shows, exhibits, and displays. For the garden, we have white in-ground plastic stanchions that have a spike instead of a base to hold them firmly in the soil. And our LED lighted stanchions are great for parties, nightclubs, and fun events.