Good tool engraver?

[Josiah_db]

In the process of buying a lot of tools and want to engrave them all so they can't get stolen, or end up in so,done else's toolbox, so I want to buy a good quality engraver, what brands and models have worked for you, for engraving tools,
Thanks

 

[gsmornot]

I would suggest instead a good lock. If you decide to resell in the future, you will wish you skipped the engraving. It does not prevent theft and it may just cause the thief to carry the tools offsite again negating the need for engraving. In general, I would suggest another plan.

Past that, Dremel makes bits that will work.

 

[Ign]

I engrave all my tools 'cause I want to. Maybe it doesn't help, I dunno, but it makes me feel better, they're my property and I can do as I please with them, and I believe it makes it harder to just run to a local pawn shop. If nothing else it helps if the thief is pulled over shortly after the crime with a load of my tools in his car, or if a few are found on him and they get a search warrant for his place only to find a large qty of tools engraved just as I reported they would be, in my handwriting.

I've used CP's pneumatic engraver for years and love it.

 

[Josiah_db]

Yea I wanted, to engrave them because me any my cousin will have the exact same tools, and I know he won't steal them but the could end up in his toolbox on accident so I want to engrave them. And I won't sell my tools so I don't mind engraving them

 

[jakemac]

I always preferred to paint my tools with my mark in a bright color, so that I could see them walking out the door from across the room. Engraving just creates a rough spot to cut your hand on, devalues the tool for resale or trade-in, and the thief won't see it until after it's out the door anyway.

I'd rather stop them from walking in the first place. Painting can be un-done if you choose to upgrade, and you will have an easier time spotting the thief red handed; allowing you the opportunity to beat him senseless with the same tool for being a ****.

One of the things I hate, is finally finding a great used tool to fill a hole in a set, only to see someone else's name on it. Pass - search continues.

 

[Haveblue]

I second locking your tools, no matter the situation. I didnt used to, but after losing a few items, I lock em down anytime I will be away from them for more than a few minutes..problem solved. A dremel with a burr works great, but, practice with it first. Its easy to get carried away, and go too deep. It also works great on plastic handles and tool cases. fill in the marks with a sharpie, or paint, and rub off excess...works great!

 

[Ign]

I always preferred to paint my tools with my mark in a bright color, so that I could see them walking out the door from across the room. Engraving just creates a rough spot to cut your hand on, devalues the tool for resale or trade-in, and the thief won't see it until after it's out the door anyway.

I'd rather stop them from walking in the first place. Painting can be un-done if you choose to upgrade, and you will have an easier time spotting the thief red handed; allowing you the opportunity to beat him senseless with the same tool for being a ****.

One of the things I hate, is finally finding a great used tool to fill a hole in a set, only to see someone else's name on it. Pass - search continues.

I agree painting is awesome if you're gonna working side by side with someone. Never cut my hand on an engraved surface, that sounds like a very bad example of engraving to me.

But as you said painting can be undone for resale, and for resale by the thief. Yes, he can also grind off engraving but it looks far more suspicious - and while I'm not up on CSI - if it's done carelessly can it be brought back out with special techniques (like gun serial numbers - or is that myth?)?

Clearly some guys sell a lot of hand tools, but in 10+ years of engraving my stuff I've never sold anything engraved except maybe a 14" chop saw.

I bought an engraved Albrecht chuck off ebay. Couldnt' care less, its' still an Albrecht, it still drills holes and works great. I don't view any of my tools as collectibles tho, I view them as, well, tools. To be used.

 

[Plombob]

I bought an engraver, I think it was KD. You hook it up to a car battery. It does a great job.

 

[Josiah_db]

Does anyone recommend dremel engravers

 

[cole_CT]

Does anyone recommend dremel engravers

I have one and they work well for the money.

 

[Josiah_db]

I have one and they work well for the money.

Thanks

 

[SS5150]

I have a Craftsman engraver, and it appears to be the same as the Dremel. I don't use it a lot but it works good.

 

[rusty65]

I bought a cheap harbor freight level quality engraver and it worked to engrave a entire 150 piece set of craftsman tools plus a screwdriver set so it can't be too awful.


Sent From Snap On Head Quarters deep in China.

 

[plinker]

I've got the dremel engraver, only problem is after 10 or so years the screw holding the tip managed to strip out.

 

[Josiah_db]

I've got the dremel engraver, only problem is after 10 or so years the screw holding the tip managed to strip out.

I'd be happy if I got one and it lasted 10 years, so I think I might buy the dremel one

 

[rshadd]

I have a Craftsman engraver (#4297). It's got to be close to 30 years old and still works great.

An automatic center punch works good for marking tools.