Neon Sign Replacement, Repair Tubes
Yes, it unfortunately happens. A neon sign's tube gets broken. Just great, now the sign won't light up correctly.
It does not matter how it happened, the point is now you need to do something. A partly broken neon sign has a greatly reduced value immediately. You do have a few options however.
First off, you can take the neon and throw it out, never forgiving yourself for breaking it. That option really hurts though. A better idea would be to take the broken neon sign to your local neon sign shop and get a repair quote. They'll look over the damage and determine what needs to be done. Now the repair quote will depend totally on which tube broke. Why? Well, clear tubes can be repaired with a splice and weld followed by an evacuate and recharge of new neon gas. Colored tubes are a whole different matter. Colored tubes have a powder coat as I mentioned on my "What is neon anyway?" and on my "What makes neon glow?" pages. All that means is a colored tube is usually scrap once it breaks. Don't get me wrong, it may still be useful, but only as a pattern to form a replacement tube. So a sign shop quote on replacing a colored neon sign tube may be more than you want to spend. Colored tubes cost more. Colored tubes are harder to bend. After the possible shock from the neon sign shop repair quote, you may want to explore some other options.
For instance, a very good viable option is to get another replacement tube and change it yourself. Budman in Missouri has a great page detailing a neon sign tube replacement. He even has click-able pictures of the procedure. I have a page detailing neon sign diagnosis and repair. Visiting that page will show you what is involved in replacing that broken neon tube yourself. A common question I seem to get on this site is "Where can I get the exact tube I need for MY broken neon?" I'm glad you asked. First off did you miss Budman's neon sign replacement tubes for sale? The links were on the left of his repair page. You can go directly to his tube listing inventory page. I also have replacement neon tubes for sale. My inventory is forever changing and is listed further below.
Of course, there is always Online Auction© & eBayŽ! Neon replacement tubes can be found there many times. The question then becomes can the seller get the tube to you in one piece! You probably should research sold items in the sellers feedback file and see if they have sold and shipped neon tubes before. I bought many neon tubes from Budman. He definitely knows how to ship a neon sign tube properly. He's also a super guy to deal with. I know how to ship neon tubes properly too. My eBay feedback file reflects that.
Any other options for a replacement tube Neonaddict? Sure there are. Local flea markets. Local consignment or resale shops. Neon shops on the internet may also have "parted out" sign tubes for sale. If I find any good sites while surfing I will list them here on the page.
One last resort option is to perform bypass surgery. Bypass surgery?!?! Sure. You do not have to be a doctor with a Ph D either. Disconnecting the broken tube and bypassing that tube with a section of GTO wire will permit at least the remainder of the sign to light up bright again. Operating the sign with a broken tube is dangerous and shortens the life of the transformer. If you missed it, please review my "precautions handling neon signs page". Now bypass surgery won't make the sign 100% obviously, but it can make you feel better knowing you didn't "total" your neon sign!
