Label Maker?

[Goodearthling]

Hi, I use 3M 468 transfer tape for all kinds of repair and re-attaching of stuff. If you really need to resolve your concern with the use of another product then I would recommend the transfer tape as something to try. Otherwise try using paper tape or foam tape. I myself in the day worked for Cosco Industries who owned manufacturing companies to ink companies. As well as invested into companies such as Cosco Peterson who made baby accessories. Ok, back to the hunt. I still have what you have mentioned and I remember that the sticky on those can really work good with a good clean surface is a good start. Things do degrade etc. I would try using transfer tape ie 3M 468 to start. That stuff will hold in the desert heat and minus degree. 468 is 5.5 mil and 467 is 3.7 mil aprox. Good Luck

 

[The Cobbler]

if you decide down the road you want a fancy font or a character not included in the handheld, the extra cost will be well worth it.
I have both a handheld & a PC ( found the handheld) I use the PC always and seldom the handheld . I find the PC labeler easier to use .

 

[gahrajmahal]

As far as heat and the PTouch, I type out the type and quanity of oil and stick it under the hood on my cars. Example, 0W-20 Synthetic 4.8 qt.

I also type out stickers on the computer. I like business card size Avery labels. Clear packing tape makes them grease proof. I put them on magnetic cards I get free.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

What conditions make the m labels darken? Was looking at one that uses this because we have one at work and probably thousands of labels in the tool crib on the akrobins..this is inside though but they all look fine

They hold up fairly well in climate controlled environments. I labeled all of the switch and receptacle plates in the house using the M series labeler and they still look OK (but not like new). I did the ones in the shop, and they turned dark and almost unreadable after a year or so. I originally got the M series label machine, a very small handheld, as a freebie, sent in a coupon and they sent it to me, when I bought a Brother laser printer. A small plastic bellcrank/lever in it broke, rendering it unusable, and leaving me with a 7 tapes all bagged up in a ziplock that I cannot find anyone who has one to give them to. In the end the broken M label maker was worth $10 off at Staples on the PT-2430PC that I bought.

I bought the PT-1500PC and the PT-1750 as a packaged deal. I use the PT-1750 very little and don't even keep the batteries in it. I like being able to lay out the label on the computer, and use the clip art, such as pointing fingers, tape with vertical words, etc.

I suggest the TZ tape models due to the large number of different sizes and colors of tapes, and the quality of the labels they make. The M labels are simply not as nice.

Charlers

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I've narrowed my search to Brother labelers. I'm curious to hear if the advanced features of the USB PC connect units out way the cost differences over the handheld units. I'm looking to do single line, simple words no symbols. Would the $15-20 handheld do that just was well as the $60 PC units? I would assume the main difference is features not quality.

The PC units will go on sale if you are patient. Just keep watching the Staples, Office Depot, and Office Max web sites or sale flyers. As soon as you get one, that "single line, simple words no symbols" idea will get tossed out the window as you will find all kinds of things you can do with it. For me, I can lay out the label on the computer and make sure its right, no mis-spellings, proper capitalization, punctuation, etc., and do multiple lines, etc. and not waste label material trying something and realizing it was wrong. Thats part of the reason the PT-1750 I have with the keyboard almost doesn't get used, wasted too much tape and wasn't happy with the results.

Charles

 

[MN4x4]

Another vote for Brother P-touch. I have several of them. The cheapest one I got for $9 at Staples and it has been going for years. A must for any serious shop or grage organizer.

 

[600SL]

how do you like this for shrink tube? i know dyno has one that does it too, but the price of shrink tube cassette is $$$$.

I love the shrink tube. The cassettes are expensive but you don't use too much when doing wiring.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I'm curious to hear if the advanced features of the USB PC connect units out way the cost differences over the handheld units. I'm looking to do single line, simple words no symbols. Would the $15-20 handheld do that just was well as the $60 PC units? I would assume the main difference is features not quality.

I've only used the hand held and it has filled my requirements almost all the time. I've never used the USB PC based ... so maybe I don't know what I'm missing.

What I like about the hand held is that I can take it to the shop, under the race car, to the track, to an event, etc. and can instantly use it. If the USB PC version has that flexibility too ... then I've learned something tonight.

You can't go wrong with the TZ tapes. Check out all the options on http://www.ptouchdirect.com/index.html. Ordered some tapes at 2pm CST on Thursday, arrived today (Saturday).

 

[rockinacummins]

I have a digital Dymo. It's what I labeled all my toolboxes with

 

[jsharpphoto]

I needed an additional $10 to get free shipping from amazon, and there was a p-touch on sale for $20. So in my distorted mind it was $10. It should arrive tomorrow

 

[cdestuck]

Brothers Ptouch here. Buy a model that takes M tape and not LZ tape. The LZ tape is pricey.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

P-Touch and Casio handheld label printers are my choice. I keep one in the office and one in the garage. You're far more likely to use it if it is where you need it when you need it. The one in the garage is great for the spur of the moment labeling needs.

I keep magnetic sheet material handy (magnetic business card blanks are cheap) or a roll of magnetic strip material from the craft section of Walmart/hobby shop/Joann's. Print your label, slap it on to some magnetic material and you have a label great for your toolbox showing what is in each drawer- and you can change it readily without having to make new labels.

For super long term labels on larger items, I'll print up my labels or signage on the PC, back that with some cardstock and laminate it. Attaching is easy with any number of pliable adhesives. I have a bunch of laminators for my art business, so I have a lot of experience there with easy access to the materials. Same way for vinyl cutting for vehicle lettering or graphics.