How to Install Scoreboard Graphics: The Complete DuraFlex™ Tensioning Guide

Cut the printed fabric to the trimmed-to-size dimension from the sizing rule above: your assembled frame size plus 1-1/2" per side (straight) or 3" per side (angled). Measure twice — this margin is what the clips grip, so a short cut can't be recovered.

Lay the fabric graphic side up — the placement line always goes on the graphic side. Draw a line 1-1/2" in from the trimmed edge on all four sides. Tip: a straight frame can be set on the fabric and traced around its outside perimeter to create this line (just remember to leave the extra 1-1/2" of fabric outside it); an angled frame works as a straightedge. Large faces: for anything over 10', move the placement line inward about 1/4" for every additional 5' — for example, a 15' × 15' face gets its clip line roughly 1-3/4" in from the trimmed edge.

At each corner, cut away an approximately 2-1/2" square notch from the fabric edge and discard it. This lets the corners wrap cleanly without bunching.

Each Tension Clip has two parts: the Tension Clip Body and the Tension Clip Mandrel. Working graphic-side up:

1. Place the mandrel smooth side up on the fabric, just inside the clip placement line.
2. Fold the fabric over the mandrel.
3. Rotate the fabric and mandrel forward, standing them up on edge.
4. Use thumb pressure to snap one end of the clip body down onto the mandrel and fabric.
5. Use palm pressure to drive the other end down. Don't try to seat both ends at once — snap one, then the other.

Set the clips 6" on center on the Dual, 2" Retro, and 1-1/2" Fascia frames; 5" on center on the Tension, Bleed Retro, Flat Bleed Retro, Dual Divider, and Bleed Fascia frames. You can fine-tune a clip's position without removing it — slide the mandrel in the direction you want, then slide the body to match. To take a clip off entirely, pull the body straight off, away from the fabric and mandrel.

Lay the assembled frame flat with the extruded tension channel facing up, then lay the clipped fabric over it, graphic side up. Insert the clips into the channel, working around the frame and just starting each clip one or two clicks on the first pass. Then go around a second time with the tension tool, driving the clips down to full tension. Do not over-tension — apply just enough for a smooth, flat face. When you need to pull the fabric to reach the channel, grasp the fold and pull the face into place; never pull directly on the flap or the clip, or the clip will pop off.

Hook the tool tip under the outside rail of the frame and slide it along the rail. With gentle, consistent pressure, press the tool's "wings" down onto any part of the clip; pushing or pulling the handle while the tip is hooked under the rail gives you the leverage to seat the clip. You can apply downward pressure to either end or the middle of a clip.