It is a critical safety feature.

Cheap barriers snap back instantly if released, which can cause injury. Displaysense barriers use a centrifugal braking cassette. If the belt is released, it retracts slowly and safely, preventing the metal end from whipping back and hitting customers or staff.

It allows flexibility in layout.

Each post head has one belt extending out, and three receiving slots (at 90-degree angles). This allows you to create straight lines, right-angle corners, or T-junctions using a single post type, making it easy to reconfigure your queue.

Standard length is 2m - 3m.

While the belt is 2m long, we recommend extending it to a maximum of 1.8m to maintain tension and stability. Over-extending can cause the posts to lean. For longer distances, simply add more posts.

Yes, thanks to weighted bases.

Our stanchions feature a heavy concrete or cast-iron base (covered in a decorative steel cover). This creates a low centre of gravity (approx 7kg-10kg total weight), ensuring the post doesn't tip over when the belt is pulled.

Yes, on most models.

If a belt becomes frayed or the spring mechanism fails after years of use, the top cassette can often be unscrewed and replaced without needing to buy a whole new post. Check the specific model for "Replaceable Cassette" features.

Generally, yes.

Our "Universal Belt Ends" are designed to clip into the receiving slots of most major barrier brands (like Tensabarrier). This allows you to expand your existing system with Displaysense barriers seamlessly.

It depends on the aesthetic.

• Velvet (Velour): Offers a plush, "Red Carpet" look. Ideal for theatres, hotels, and VIP areas.
• Braided (Twisted): Offers a nautical or traditional look. Often more durable and resistant to crushing than velvet.

Using Spring-Closure Hooks.

The ends of the ropes feature metal snap-hooks (available in Gold or Silver/Chrome). These clip onto the ring at the top of the post. They are secure but easy for staff to unclip to let VIPs through.

Recommended spacing is 1.2m - 1.5m.

Ropes are typically 1.5m long. To achieve the classic "swag" (the elegant dip in the middle), you should place the posts slightly closer together than the full rope length.

Yes, they have a 'Crown' top.

Instead of a belt cassette, Rope Posts feature a decorative "Ball Top" or "Crown Top" with a ring for attaching the ropes. They use the same heavy-weighted base technology for stability.

Not recommended for long periods.

Velvet ropes soak up water and can rot. For outdoor VIP areas, look for waterproof braided ropes or our specific Outdoor Barriers.

Yes.

If you want to terminate a rope barrier against a wall, we sell small metal eye-plates that screw into the wall, allowing you to clip the rope end directly to it without needing a final post.

To save floor space or close off corridors.

They are ideal for service lifts, toilet entrances, or supermarket aisles where you want to temporarily block access without a post cluttering the floor. They are permanently fixed to the wall.

Using a Wall Receiver Clip.

Each unit comes with a small plastic clip that you screw into the opposite wall. The belt pulls across and slots into this clip. Alternatively, the belt end can clip onto a standard portable stanchion if needed.

Yes, for metal surfaces.

We stock units with magnetic ends (for attaching to warehouse racking) and even magnetic mounting plates, avoiding the need to drill holes in metal door frames or shelving units.

Typically 2m to 4.5m.

Wall units often have longer belts than floor posts because the housing can be larger. Ensure you measure the gap width accurately; if the gap is 3m, buy a 4m unit to ensure there is enough tension.

Yes, they use the same braking system.

Just like our floor posts, our wall units feature centrifugal braking to prevent the belt from snapping back dangerously if released by accident.

Standard and Safety finishes.

We offer discreet black or chrome housings for retail, and high-visibility Yellow/Black or Red/White housings (with chevron belts) for warehouse and safety applications.

Materials and Base Type.

Outdoor barriers use UPVC Plastic or rust-proof finishes. Instead of a metal weight, the base is often a hollow plastic shell that you fill with water or sand (like a pavement sign) to provide stability in wind.

Yes.

The wider footprint of the water-fillable base makes them more stable on uneven tarmac or grass compared to the flat metal bases of indoor stanchions.

Yes, plastic chain is common outdoors.

We sell posts with hook-loops for attaching plastic chain. Chain is extremely durable, waterproof, and doesn't suffer from spring mechanism failure in grit or sand, making it ideal for construction or parking.

Chevron webbing and bright posts.

For safety zones (e.g., warehouse forklifts or roadworks), we supply posts in Safety Orange or Yellow, with diagonal stripe belts that meet health and safety visibility standards.

Yes, many stack or dismantle.

Some plastic posts can be dismantled, and the bases emptied of water, making them lightweight and compact to transport to events.

Typically 6kg - 8kg with water.

For extra stability in high winds, filling with kiln-dried sand can increase the weight significantly. Some heavy-duty recycled rubber bases can weigh up to 15kg.

They slot directly onto the post top.

Our barrier sign holders act like a "cap". You simply push them over the top of the retractable post. They are essential for instructions like "Please Wait Here" or "Queue Starts Here".

A4 and A3 (Portrait & Landscape).

A4 Portrait is the standard for queue instructions. A3 is useful for larger branding or menus at the entrance to a restaurant queue.

Yes, usually via a slide-in frame.

You can print your own paper insert and slide it between the two perspex sheets provided. No tools are required.

Yes, for impulse sales.

We stock clear acrylic merchandising bowls that fit on top of the posts. These are perfect for small impulse items (confectionery, hand sanitiser) in retail queue lines.

An emergency safety feature.

Some belt ends feature a panic break (or magnetic break) which allows the belt to detach from the post if a crowd pushes through it in an emergency, preventing the barrier from becoming a trip hazard.

Yes.

The rubber ring on the base can wear over time. We supply replacements to ensure your expensive flooring remains protected from scratches.

Usually tool-free.

Most retractable posts ship as two parts: the base and the pole. A single large bolt connects them from underneath (Allen key usually provided). It takes less than 2 minutes per post.

Wipe with warm soapy water.

Extend the belt fully and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Allow it to air dry completely before allowing it to retract, otherwise, mould can form inside the cassette.

Dry brush or vacuum.

Do not wet velvet ropes as it can stain the fabric. Use a soft brush to remove dust. Braided ropes are more forgiving and can be wiped with a damp cloth.

Check for twists first.

Often, a belt is twisted inside the housing. Pull it all the way out and let it feed back in slowly. If the spring has snapped (no tension), you will need a replacement cassette.

Yes, definitely.

Queue systems often require large numbers. We offer significant price breaks for bulk orders (e.g., 20+ posts) for airports, cinemas, and retail chains.

Yes, we are a UK manufacturer/supplier.

We stock spare bases, cassettes, and pole caps in our UK warehouse, ensuring you can repair rather than replace your system.