Best way to label your tools

[ImportTuner]

Anybody remember back in the late 50's and early 60"s, it was recommended you you engrave either your drivers license number or social security number on your tools so that if your tools are stolen,they can be returned to you. Such a bad idea today with identity thief and all.

 

[DOUGD]

Don't restrict yourself to the most common tool brands. Everywhere I've worked 90% of the common hand tools were Craftsman ,Snap On or trash tools. Fill your box with quality combo wrenches, sockets,ratchets etc. from Proto,Wright ,Williams etc. and use a little spray paint. The honest guys in your shop will learn who they belong to and will go out of their way to return them. Most good mechanics are honest and helpful. The dishonest guys ,you will quickly learn to identify and will have to keep your guard up. Nobody ever accidentally mixed up my Proto combo wrenches or Wright ratchets or sockets with their stuff. Don't worry to much about the "Truck Guy" warranties, most good tools can be warrantied with a little effort.

 

[sz0k30]

I have just started my first job in a restoration garage and I am in the process of buying a new set of tools.

My worry is that my tools will get mixed up with the other mechanics tools.

Does anyone have any good ways of marking tools, discretely and permanently.

Cheers
Matt

There is absolutely no reason to be discreet about it.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I never have marked any of my tools. It would drive my OCD crazy. However I find lots at the pawn shop with names and phone numbers and stuff like that on them. Doesn’t bother me and the ones I have had to get replaced they have never said anything about it so I’m cool with it. It doesn’t bother me when I’m not the one who done it because I can’t stand modifying or changing a tool lol. I think I’m going to buy one of those pink ratchets tomorrow lol nobody will want it then. At least I don’t have to worry about theft at my work if they catch you stealing someone else’s stuff you are out the door no questions asked same if you take old parts home or put shop tools in your box.

 

[trs71]

Spray 'em pink-easy to spot AND no one will ask to use them~

 

[pcmeiners]

As mentioned, nail polish. A small dab on top of socket and in obvious places on tools makes it easy to keep track. Never peels off either if you do a quick wipe with solvent before marking, just a tiny spot is needed. For large tools as a deterrent to theft, engrave you motorist ID number in a spot hard to grind off. My friend used dabs of paint only visible under UV on major tools.

 

[Ronson25]

I engraved mine or stamped my initials in them

 

[Lassen Forge]

Bright and unusual colored paint pen(s) in locations that are hard to wire brush off and stand out... Everyone knows if a tool has lime green on it it's mine, do not get caught with it wihtout my knowing it.

 

[Lassen Forge]

***

 

[CraigStu]

25 yrs as a dealer tech and I used an engraver as did most of my co-workers. Our rule was that if a found tool has a name on it, it goes home. No name and you keep it. We didn't always hold to the keep it part but over the years the engraving got several of my tools back to me.

 

[RPH]

Spray 'em pink-easy to spot AND no one will ask to use them~

I was in field service but we had shop tools for set up and testing the converters. When we were all out on the road the shop personal would “borrow” tools. Only wat to put an end to it was painting them fluorescent pink.
Easy to spot on the factory floor and nobody would claim ownership of a pink tool. Worked great!

 

[fsae0607]

A wrap of colored electrical tape. Saw this in the pit areas at the NHRA drag races.

I did the same when I was younger to differentiate between my tools and my dad's.

 

[rburke65]

Buy an engraver and don’t worry about The possibility of selling them.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I have a very nice, nearly new aluminum scoop shovel that "Mario" lost off his truck on the freeway. Doesnt bother me that it has his name on it. If he'd engraved his phone number on it I'd have tried to call him to give it back.

Thanks Mario! I've been using it for 20 years now.