Label Maker?

[jsharpphoto]

I'm starting to get super **** about organization in the garage. I'm looking at lots of label makers online. Some are the classic turn&click style, some are handheld digital units and i've even considered using my ink jet printer and making labels that way.

Some amazon reviews say the label tap rolls don't respond well to temperature swings or humidity, and the labels fall off. I'm in texas, so this would obviously be a problem.

Anyone have something they use? I have awful handwriting, and can't even read some of my own notes, so that's not really an option for me.

 

[Scottwi]

I use the digital label printers from Brother. They have been used on all my storage bins. We even have run the labels repeatedly through the dishwasher, and even used them in the freezer, they are on tupperware.

 

[jsharpphoto]

I use the digital label printers from Brother. They have been used on all my storage bins. We even have run the labels repeatedly through the dishwasher, and even used them in the freezer, they are on tupperware.

can you tell me which models you use?

 

[Scottwi]

We use the Ptouch ones that take the laminated labels, the lamination is what makes them last. At home I have one similar to the PT-70bm and at work we have the PT 7600 and the PT 1950.

All of them take the Ptouch laminated labels.

 

[big.jim]

i use a brother p touch label printer , they do all sorts of colours tapes for them ,they even do a tape for use outside in the garden so they should stick in the garage , only thing i have had the normal tape come off of is my skis.

 

[jsharpphoto]

thanks guys.

 

[rockwithjason]

yup, ptouch

 

[The Cobbler]

another vote for Brother P touch
I have a pt 2430pc that works really well, also have a portable that I found. can't find right now/ It uses the same tapes as the pc version, just it's portable

 

[koditten]

Just print them on your printer using regular paper. Laminate between 2 pieces of clear packing tape. Rtv glue it to what need labeled. Super cheap and you have so many choices of color and font.

 

[4xdog]

I have both Brother and Dymo. I like the Brother better because of the clarity of the font options and the ease and appearance of the laminated tape.

The Dymo seems to have more tape options, and the one in it now (as supplied) seems to be a little stretchier and strongly adhering than the Brother Ptouch. It's not as easy to read and I don't like the font size options -- but not all Dymo units are the same with respect to fonts, so check whatever model you have to consider. Dymo does offer tapes that are also shrink tubing to label cables and wires, which is where I'll use it when I get a cartridge of that style.

 

[DenisG]

I use Avery labels that I feed through my laser printer, then I use transparent tape over that if I feel that it's necessary. I have an older Ptouch, but don't use it a lot because it has few formatting options. I would like to find a good label printer for wires (wiring identification), but I don't want to spend a ton of money.

 

[4xdog]

...Rtv glue it to what need labeled...

Normal RTV silicones are terrible adhesives. Very weak bond to anything. For the headache involved in doing this (variations of which I've done over the years, sans silicone) the labelmakers are a great deal, IMO.

 

[charged355]

I like the Dymo myself. But I use it every week to label wiring and other things. Like mentioned above the have a good variety of tape.

 

[n8n]

P-touch is pretty much the standard among the electricians with which I've worked for tagging wires, devices, etc. so that would be what I'd look into.

 

[ahab]

For commonly moved stuff I use labels printed on magnetic inkjet sheets.

http://www.staples.com/Staples-Inkjet-Magnetic-Sheets/product_386943

 

[Regnar]

I use Avery labels that I feed through my laser printer, then I use transparent tape over that if I feel that it's necessary. I have an older Ptouch, but don't use it a lot because it has few formatting options. I would like to find a good label printer for wires (wiring identification), but I don't want to spend a ton of money.

For this I use excel and print out a column onto a full sheet avery label. Use a border around the area you label. Cut out of the sheet and wrap it around the wire and use clear heat shrink on top of that.

Sorry but this is all I had on the computer at the moment. Pics.

 

[fatboyf150]

Dymo Letratag here.

 

[600SL]

I recommend the K-Sun Busy Bee3

I does both labels and shrink tube. Does many sizes and colors. works well.

http://www.imagesupply.com/productc...Kit-font-color-FF0000-SALE-b-font-126p959.htm

 

[DenisG]

For this I use excel and print out a column onto a full sheet avery label. Use a border around the area you label. Cut out of the sheet and wrap it around the wire and use clear heat shrink on top of that.

Sorry but this is all I had on the computer at the moment. Pics.

I presently use Avery 5962 sheets with 1-1/3" x 4" labels for boxes, drawers, containers, etc. Do you know what Avery sheet # you use for your wire labels. I'd like to try your method first before looking at a new Ptouch or Dymo options.

 

[Regnar]

Do you know what Avery sheet # you use for your wire labels.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008XPE9/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Nephronracing]

Brother P-touch PT1700 is what I use. I think they even have a model that prints two lines. Nice option if you're out looking for a new one. I can't justify the upgrade right now.

 

[R.Anderson]

I like the Dymo myself. But I use it every week to label wiring and other things. Like mentioned above the have a good variety of tape.

I as well use Dymo in my shop for organization and wire marking. I have the Dymo label manager PnP USB and the older style (1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", and 1" wide labels can be printed) it was cheaper and way easier to use than the the hand held ones it uses the D1 cassettes also the Dymo Rhino cassettes I have work with it too The Rhino labels are for extreme conditions. I have yet to try the heat shrink tube cassettes yet.

My computer is right on my work bench so this is why I use the usb style printers. But
these cassettes work for alot/most of dymo handheld label printers.

I shop on Ebay for the cassettes way cheaper than from Dymo's web site or other office supply stores I bet its that way for Brother as well. Check craigs list for new and used label printers few people even give them away for free.

 

[DenisG]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008XPE9/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Got it, thanks!

For those who gave other wire labeling advice, thank you. I'm looking primarily to do this as a hobbyist (non-professional), but am always interested in tools of the trade.

 

[volleyball]

I've got a dymo plastic embosser that works when I can find the tape. I have a Ptouch that runs off of the PC, It does several lines if you use a wider tape.

 

[dbabicky]

I use the Epson LW-400. Cheaper to use than the Brother machine's and just as good or better quality.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Any Brother labeler that uses the TZ series tapes. Widths vary, cheaper labelers use up to 3/4 wide, some 1".

Some are built in keyboard only, some are USB to your computer only (with Brother software), some have a built in keyboard AND the USB connection.

I have one that is battery (6 ea AA) OR wall wart and cord, with USB only and has built in software so you don't need the software installed on the computer (limited function however) or you can install the software and use all the features.

DO NOT get anything that uses the Brother M series tapes. They darken and become unreadable, and are apparently not laminated.

With the computer software it has libraries of symbols that can be sized and inserted in text, etc. You can do all sorts of combinations of vertical and horizontal text and pics. You can also insert your own pics downsized.

See the current models and supplies HERE.

All of the tapes listed HERE.

Which reminds me, I gotta buy more tape$ as I have finished up two different carts. in the past couple of days.

For the record I have a portable Brother PT-1750 which is keyboard only ¼-¾, battery or wall wart that came packaged with a model PT-1500PC USB model, wall wart power only. These are older models. I have a model ??? that I got from Staples, was $69 on a sale for $39 and they took another $10 off of that if you traded in an old labeler, so I traded in my broken Brother M tape model that came free with a laser printer. It is a model PT 2430PC.

One of the main things I used the label maker for was every light switch, ever receptacle, is marked as to which circuit breaker controls it. I also used it to label the circuit breaker panel instead of writing on the paper inside the door. Lots of other uses too.

Charles

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The Dymo seems to have more tape options, and the one in it now (as supplied) seems to be a little stretchier and strongly adhering than the Brother Ptouch.

Brother lists 73 different part numbers (of the TZ labels) for various width and color cartridges, including the wire marking, iron on, tamper evident, acid free, super narrow and standard and fancy color laminated labels.

Charles

 

[DYMOsupport]

We would definitely recommend self-laminating or vinyl labels in the conditions you describe. The vinyl ones are more versatile as they come in different colours.

We will be happy to answer any further questions you might have. You can ring 1-877-724-8324 or tweet @DymoSupport.


^CM
@DymoSupport

 

[Jmatlock88]

Brother PC Connectable Labeling System (PT2730)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047T7JMW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[paranoid56]

I recommend the K-Sun Busy Bee3

I does both labels and shrink tube. Does many sizes and colors. works well.

http://www.imagesupply.com/productc...Kit-font-color-FF0000-SALE-b-font-126p959.htm

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 $$$$.

 

[Nephronracing]

That K-Sun looks sweet! Printable shrink tube would be awesome.

 

[coljar]

Not much help. I haven't got ****.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I got this label maker. PT6100. Great Little label maker. I keep it in the box so it doesn't get ruined.

 

[Rickedstyles]

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

 

[ford33]

I have a Brother p-touch that uses the "M" series tape. I do not recommend it for long-term labeling. The label type fades and disappears. In sunlight it will last less than 6 months. Abrasive action on the label from rubbing in the tool box or with your hands causes the label to wear off or peel off.

Perhaps another type of label wears better. Avoid the M series tapes.

 

[ford33]

Just confirmed on Brother's website. M series tapes are temporary use only.

From Brother's site: "Brother M tape is non-laminated and should be used for indoor, temporary use. They are compatible with these Brother P-touch® labelers: PT-65, PT-70, PT-80, PT-85, PT-90, PT-100, and PT-110".

Brother also states the series TZe are laminated and have many sizes and types to choose.

 

[The Cobbler]

......
Brother also states the series TZe are laminated and have many sizes and types to choose.

I have tz labels that are at least 4 years old on garbage cans and recycle bins,they're outside in the elements 24/7 and look the same now as they did when I applied them.

 

[Rickedstyles]

Just got a ptouch..really like how the tz tape is split..my m tape exoerience has been hard to peel.....fyi office depot has a 25% off coupon on their site that can be used in store..wife was able to do 2 transactions and get 25% off tape too!

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Brother P-touch label makers that use the TZ tape is what I'm really happy with!

I first discovered these kinds of labels when I bought the #90 Heilig-Meyers Ford from Junie Donlavey. They labeled a the A/B coils and MSD boxes on the dash and the two 110v plugs for the oil tank heaters. The surface where the labels for the tank heaters are gets covered in grim, oil, and gets hit with degreaser once in a while. The labels hold on.

I was looking for a way to monitor axle twist in the Ford 9". I cleaned both ends of each axle with brake clean, then applied a label all the way around the axle. There is often gear lube in the axles tubes, its hot, they spin fast, etc. Hostile environment. The labels haven't moved yet.

Every NASCAR team has a Brother P-touch TZ label making machine in the hauler and on the pit box.

Highly recommend those machines.

Buy your labels from:

http://www.ptouchdirect.com/index.html

Much less expensive than the office supply stores. Don't be afraid to spend a couple of extra bucks on a label maker with more bells and whistles ... if you make any number of labels ... it will more than pay for itself.

I used to use Excel, Word and print on Avery labels. That is SO archaic and cumbersome. Brother P-touch is the hot ticket!

PS: I have a Brother M tape at work for putting labels on file folders. I gets the job done, barely. Backing is not split. I wouldn't use it for anything else.

 

[jsharpphoto]

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.