Marking devices

[VW_Buggsy]

This might be pretty trivial but I'm curious what y'all use for marking devices in your garage or shop? I've seen some threads on pencil sharpeners with a few comments on pencils but no dedicated thread on marking tools.

I've typically used:

• Sharpies
• Normal mechanical pencils
• Normal #2 pencils
• Carpenter's pencils
• Chalk/Soapstone
• Grease Pencils
• Ball-point pens
• Dirty Fingers
• Nails/Awls/Screwdrivers

Some of these work pretty well, some not so well. Each has it's time and place (like sometimes when that's all I can find).

What else is out there? What are the good brands at the right point on the quality vs. cost graph?

I've been eye-balling my kid's "My first Ticonderoga" primary school pencils because they are fat wood pencils but way easier to sharpen than carpenter pencils and higher quality (carpenter pencils always crack on me or have off-center leads). That got me thinking on this. It looks like they make a triangle shaped "My first Ticonderoga" too and that would be similar but not roll-away (the main thing I really like about carpenter's pencils).

In browsing around Amazon I see they have mechanical carpenter pencils and all sorts of other stuff out there I've never used before too. I tend to lose them so I doubt I'd invest in something like that.

Buggsy

 

[6PTsocket]

This might be pretty trivial but I'm curious what y'all use for marking devices in your garage or shop? I've seen some threads on pencil sharpeners with a few comments on pencils but no dedicated thread on marking tools.

I've typically used:

• Sharpies
• Normal mechanical pencils
• Normal #2 pencils
• Carpenter's pencils
• Chalk/Soapstone
• Grease Pencils
• Ball-point pens
• Dirty Fingers
• Nails/Awls/Screwdrivers

Some of these work pretty well, some not so well. Each has it's time and place (like sometimes when that's all I can find).

What else is out there? What are the good brands at the right point on the quality vs. cost graph?

I've been eye-balling my kid's "My first Ticonderoga" primary school pencils because they are fat wood pencils but way easier to sharpen than carpenter pencils and higher quality (carpenter pencils always crack on me or have off-center leads). That got me thinking on this. It looks like they make a triangle shaped "My first Ticonderoga" too and that would be similar but not roll-away (the main thing I really like about carpenter's pencils).

In browsing around Amazon I see they have mechanical carpenter pencils and all sorts of other stuff out there I've never used before too. I tend to lose them so I doubt I'd invest in something like that.

Buggsy

There are industrial markers that are advertised to write on greasy/dirty/wet surfaces. No personal experience.

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[WhiskeyRanger]

Depends on what you're using them for. As an electrician, I carry A ballpoint pen for taking notes and a .7 mechanical pencil for marking measurements or making notes in panels etc. The pencil wipes off so I don't have marks and measures on conduit runs when I'm done. Both are Zebra 701 models with the stainless steel body's and knurled grips. The .7 lead tends not to break as much, but I may go to a .9 when this one breaks or is lost.

 

[kblee27]

I use mostly white paint marker to write on battery casing.

 

[VW_Buggsy]

Depends on what you're using them for. As an electrician, I carry A ballpoint pen for taking notes and a .7 mechanical pencil for marking measurements or making notes in panels etc. The pencil wipes off so I don't have marks and measures on conduit runs when I'm done. Both are Zebra 701 models with the stainless steel body's and knurled grips. The .7 lead tends not to break as much, but I may go to a .9 when this one breaks or is lost.

I really like the Zebra stainless pens. I got a large pack of them on sale at the local club store where we are members. They write well and they are tough, and look good. Mine say F-301 0.7 but I'm guessing they are similar.

 

[FigureItOut]

My selection is soapstone, uni-paint paint markers, sharpies, pencil, pen and grease pencil. For sharpies I always try to have a retractable sharpie on hand, much easier to handle with busy hands and no cap to lose.

 

[conversekidz]

Nail Polish, use it for color coded dot marking.

 

[astroracer]

For marking on steel I use Sharpies, in black and silver, depends on how "clean and shiny" the material is. I also use silver colored pencils for the same material if I am doing a layout that needs to be a bit more accurate.
Black Sharpies on aluminum and #1 pencils if I need accuracy.
I do have all of the ball point pens and soapstone stuff... just find the markers a lot easier lately.
Mark

 

[VW_Buggsy]

Nail Polish, use it for color coded dot marking.

I really like that idea. I bet you could get different colors real cheap at yard sails and what-not too.

 

[conversekidz]

I really like that idea. I bet you could get different colors real cheap at yard sails and what-not too.

Dollar store, buck a color or or less depending.

Also good for marking bolt heads, and nuts to see if there is backing off.

 

[stercorarius]

I buy silver colored pencils by the box. I've recently started using a Silver Streak brand mechanical pencil with about .08 diameter sticks. If it's not that or a scribe, I stick to paint markers.

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[kblee27]

Dollar store, buck a color or or less depending.

Also good for marking bolt heads, and nuts to see if there is backing off.

I'd like to use nail polish to mark or maybe paint on my sockets.
I wonder if it'll stay long.

 

[conversekidz]

I'd like to use nail polish to mark or maybe paint on my sockets.
I wonder if it'll stay long.

Long enough...

When I was in high school I worked for a independent Cadillac shop. The owner would keep a bottle of nail polish in his top box and mark his tools as he noticed the mark wearing off.

More labor than engraving, but it can be removed.

 

[L5wolvesf]

Nail Polish, use it for color coded dot marking.

Nail Polish to color code on surfaces that wont take other marks.
Sharpies most often.
#2 pencils for note taking.
Carpenter's pencils for wood projects.
Grease Pencils good on rubber.

 

[tarbellb]

#1 cant work without - carbide scribe for steel

then typical stuff
_ assorted tipped Sharpie's
_ mechanical pencils (cheapest)
_ paint markers

 

[Climatecreator]

Sooo many different materials and applications for marking. I have a whole bunch of things I use. Depending on many things like availability, accuracy, material, lighting, durability.

Doing HVAC work plus other hobby work I use the standard fare like pencils, pens, and sharpies. But also things like the knife in my pocket, I'll also measure "backwards" with my tape and use the hook on the end to mark the material. An awl to scratch or make pin holes. Scribers and compass dividers to mark off repeated measurements. A "flipstick" which is carpenter pencil on one end, lumber crayon on the other. We use chalk lines also.

I carry a pen, a Milwaukee "sharpie", on me every day and have a soapstone, awl, and my art alternatives fat mechanical "clutch" pencil in my bag always.

It looks like this.....


Also paint markers when we need it to stay longer like on rooftop units and pipes in the sun. Sharpie fades too easily outdoors.

But as stated before anything that'll make a mark and is close at hand or IS part of your hand....lol




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[vettex2]

 

[gdocktor3]

Sharpie, pencil, Markal welders pencils and Markal paint crayons. The Markal stuff is found cheaper on Amazon and eBay, but just for examples
https://shop.bombingscience.com/mar...W6ypaHYiSbmzEMXu1ftSM0VxZKNC4kykVsaAtIu8P8HAQ
https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...QMptXEoGmQfmC3MRr7xCjWHtyHXmT2WHwAaAia68P8HAQ

 

[Richard Cranium]

I am learning, thanks for posting, thanks to the op for starting this. Richard

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

Something extra I keep around is Liquid paper whiteout typewriter collecting fluid, which is packaged about like nail polish with brush in cap. The little bottles are strong enough to live with your tools.
It can make quick marks on parts whether dirty or clean, if you might need help remembering which is the left widget and which the right. Mark locations, write in a dimension, etc. It sticks well even on greasy stuff, removes with a quick scrape by fingernail or a short squirt of carb cleaner. If I need to measure something in a dark place, I can put a splat of white by the needed line on the rule and add a pencil or pen line to exactly mark the blasted 17/64ths line. As above, when used on your measuring tools it stays put while you use it and flicks right off when you are done.

 

[Pitalplace]

I second the silver colored pencils. I use silver artist pencils on all the iron and #2 pencils on wood.

 

[Hagatronics]

Nice little project to make a scribe

 

[pendragon1998]

Stanley - Folding Pocket Knife
Stanley 0-10-958
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001IWDBU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Nice little project to make a scribe

I made one a few weeks ago. Actually use it more for moving and holding tiny parts for electronics and stuff than marking, but damn handy for a lot of tasks.

 

[bert1913]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5HQXB2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

has anyone used this pen? i was thinking about marking some impact sockets with it

 

[bwringer]

Nail Polish, use it for color coded dot marking.

Yep. I keep a few bottles around. It's durable as heck and comes in a variety of colors cheap (or free, if you ask around). It sits right next to the hair spray I use for mounting motorcycle grips.

Something extra I keep around is Liquid paper whiteout typewriter collecting fluid, which is packaged about like nail polish with brush in cap. The little bottles are strong enough to live with your tools.
It can make quick marks on parts whether dirty or clean, if you might need help remembering which is the left widget and which the right. Mark locations, write in a dimension, etc. It sticks well even on greasy stuff, removes with a quick scrape by fingernail or a short squirt of carb cleaner. If I need to measure something in a dark place, I can put a splat of white by the needed line on the rule and add a pencil or pen line to exactly mark the blasted 17/64ths line. As above, when used on your measuring tools it stays put while you use it and flicks right off when you are done.

Nice idea!


I also keep Sharpies and paint pens around. I use a pencil or a thin sharpy if I need a thinner line. I use an automatic punch quite a bit too.

But the "thumbnail dent" or "dirty finger smear" have probably been used more than anything else. It's amazing how many times I've measured something and then realized I don't have anything handy to make a mark.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I do a lot of modification of products and some model making as part of my job, and some of it is slick plastic that I don't want to mar. I use masking tape applied in the general area needing a mark, then I use a Uniball ink pen to mark the masking tape. After making cuts with a modelling saw, the tape will peel right off leaving the part looking nice. I also use this method to mark polypropylene sheet or polycarbonate for cutting on the bandsaw.

 

[Stadger]

I have to admit that when I am careless some of my work is marked in blood!

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

I have to admit that when I am careless some of my work is marked in blood!

I work with a guy who started his apprenticeship missing two fingers. The joke was he would probably electrocute himself before he cut anymore off. So far he has come in with that hand bandaged or stitched up three times. He is about to turn out but is still alive, so it's going to be down to the wire... No pun intended.

 

[Farmall 1066]

I've become a fan of the Milwaukee markers for a lot of stuff. They last, write on anything and have a fairly decent point.
Also like the silver metal marking pencils.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have to admit that when I am careless some of my work is marked in blood!

That was pretty damn good, and more true than than many would like to admit!

 

[OccupantRJ]

Which ones of the silver metal marking pencils are the best or everyone's favorite, and can your favorite be sharpened in a standard pencil sharpener?

 

[gdocktor3]

Which ones of the silver metal marking pencils are the best or everyone's favorite, and can your favorite be sharpened in a standard pencil sharpener?

The Markal welder pencils are excellent and can be sharpened. Here is s set of red and silver for $6. You won't be disappointed. https://www.ebay.com/itm/351412508335

 

[code4pay]

Stanley - Folding Pocket Knife
Stanley 0-10-958
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001IWDBU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the same one, Paul Sellers inspired as well.

 

[code4pay]

I've become a fan of the Milwaukee markers for a lot of stuff. They last, write on anything and have a fairly decent point.
Also like the silver metal marking pencils.

Just purchased a Milwaukee marker be interested to see how it goes.

 

[OccupantRJ]

The Markal welder pencils are excellent and can be sharpened. Here is s set of red and silver for $6. You won't be disappointed. https://www.ebay.com/itm/351412508335

Thanks. Just checked and Amazon has them for $4.60 Prime. I will give them a try.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Checked online for the local airgas. They show the Markal silver pencils at $1.12 each, and have them in 12 pack. I will check with them later when they open.

 

[Hagatronics]

Just placed an order with dureablesupply.com. They have a great selection of industrial pens and pencils etc. The Markal pencils are $0.75.

 

[bwringer]

A grease pencil (AKA "China Marker" or "Wax Pencil") is very handy in many situations. It wipes off of any hard surface.

I carry one on my motorcycle and use it to write my intended route on my tank when I'm navigating the old-fashioned way, so I don't have to pull out a map at every intersection. It also works on windshields.

 

[Climatecreator]

Just purchased a Milwaukee marker be interested to see how it goes.

You'll like it except the cap doesn't stay on the back end very well while using it. (on the small round ones.)

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