I am getting ready to deploy with a flood disaster relief unit to Pennsylvania. I am taking some of my cordless power and hand tools. I have used a Sharpie to mark tools in the past but that doesn't hold up very well. What have you found that works for marking tools, both power tools and/or hand tools.
Need Power Tool Marking Pen
- Thread starter peteco
- Start date
rlitman
Well-known member
If you can wait a few weeks (probably not), I've used these labels with some success:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/480-Hologr...of-Name-Stickers-Labels-3-x-1-cm/192527435633
The printing can rub off, but holds up much better than Sharpie (or Sharpie Professional, or Milwaukee) markers. I use this on my kid's water bottles for camp, and they go through the dishwasher daily without issue. I put my name labels right over my power tool and battery labels (not covering the model/serial, of course).
For hand tools, I engrave. An electric engraver (like a Wen) is the cheapest option. I use pneumatic.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060C7PDM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
That will leave indelible markings on metal or plastic.
Forget about using a rotary tool. They make engraving very difficult.
Or there's this option if you can find one (I'm not parting with mine):
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27131
But that's only good on conductive tools.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/480-Hologr...of-Name-Stickers-Labels-3-x-1-cm/192527435633
The printing can rub off, but holds up much better than Sharpie (or Sharpie Professional, or Milwaukee) markers. I use this on my kid's water bottles for camp, and they go through the dishwasher daily without issue. I put my name labels right over my power tool and battery labels (not covering the model/serial, of course).
For hand tools, I engrave. An electric engraver (like a Wen) is the cheapest option. I use pneumatic.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060C7PDM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
That will leave indelible markings on metal or plastic.
Forget about using a rotary tool. They make engraving very difficult.
Or there's this option if you can find one (I'm not parting with mine):
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27131
But that's only good on conductive tools.
Last edited:
Oil based Paint pen
Amazon next day delivery.
I suggest silver and white pens.
Also
Tulip fabric paint is a plastic like thin plasti dip. Works well, comes off with a knife edge. Non permanent but easily marked and seen.
Tulip is walmart and Joanne's and Michael's and hobby lobby.
The pens likely so.
Amazon next day delivery.
I suggest silver and white pens.
Also
Tulip fabric paint is a plastic like thin plasti dip. Works well, comes off with a knife edge. Non permanent but easily marked and seen.
Tulip is walmart and Joanne's and Michael's and hobby lobby.
The pens likely so.
Attachments
Last edited:
2manytools
Well-known member
Milwaukee's inkzall pens are great. Just saw a silver color at HD the other day, which might be preferred over the standard black.
I would also advise marking somewhere inconspicously on the tool just in case some creative efforts are made to remove the ink. Maybe use an engraver to put a marking where the battery covers the tool. Could just bring a unique symbol or marking, but identifiable to you yet anyone else might look over, if they did see it.
I've taken off any sharpie I've put on my tool over the years with a rubbing alcohol swab, so i wouldn't rely on those
I would also advise marking somewhere inconspicously on the tool just in case some creative efforts are made to remove the ink. Maybe use an engraver to put a marking where the battery covers the tool. Could just bring a unique symbol or marking, but identifiable to you yet anyone else might look over, if they did see it.
I've taken off any sharpie I've put on my tool over the years with a rubbing alcohol swab, so i wouldn't rely on those
Dremel engraver tool:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302YN/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302YN/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Nineeightyone
Well-known member
I've used white oil-based Sharpie-brand paint pens on tires, with a pretty good level of success. No pictures at the moment, but it seemed to hold up with weather pretty well (and they were way cheaper than tire stickers!)
They can be had at Michael's IIRC, and aren't all that spendy.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Please Don't Engrave Them! 
Please Don't Engrave Them!
Yes I know that's not to smart sometimes. When I started buying tools in the 70's someone recommended engraving my SS number on my tools. Fortunately I only did a few before I realized it was not smart, especially since some of the wrenches were snap-on. It bugs me every time I use those wrenches. I guess I need to keep the engraved tools til I die.
There is no value in a social security number on its own. They become valuable when they can be paired with additional information that corresponds with those numbers such as name, date of birth, mothers maiden name, etc. Lacking that, they are no more valuable than any other string or 9 randomly generated numbers.
I guess you just have to hope that if the engraved tools are stolen, it is by a random lowlife thief and not someone close to you.
Last edited:
Buickspec6231
Well-known member
+1 For engraving. I did my initials on them when I worked in a shop. There was no disputing what was mine versus anyone else's.
WWheeler
Well-known member
OK so what is the best information to engrave on tools?
4xdog
Well-known member
I have a Google Voice telephone number. Something like that might be good.
(Your number, of course -- not mine!)
While in general I agree about not engraving, I'd say in this case, where tools are going to work hard and are generally in the "consumable" rather than "collectible" battery-operated category, it seems that it would be OK to engrave.
Polo_Karl
Active member
https://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Fowler-52-730-005-METAL-ETCHING-PEN-p77566.htm
This is what I would suggest. Used them to mark gears/etc in prototype transmissions before they went out for testing. Marks stay but a little less noticeable than engraving.
This is what I would suggest. Used them to mark gears/etc in prototype transmissions before they went out for testing. Marks stay but a little less noticeable than engraving.
LNKMK8
Well-known member
That can also be used in identity theft; at my employer, we treat DL number the same as SSN.
Engraving them just seems wrong... I have a beautiful 1970's Craftsman Block Grinder... with the prior owner's SSN engraved right across the front.
A small/unique paint mark on the bottom of a handle seems appropriate. My dad would wrap a bright color electric tape on the handles of his tools when he was working on group/community projects. Makes it really easy to spot and ID all your tools at the end of the day. The fear wasn't theft, but getting mixed with others.
4xdog
Well-known member
I still have blue tape on some of my tools from what was originally exactly that purpose -- tape that was put on them circa 1985!
mudflap
Well-known member
Im lucky enough to have been working in a small shop for the last 28yrs. Average 5 to 8 guys, never had anything stolen. we have never locked our toolboxes, and sometimes leave tools in the service trucks for others to use, and if working on something that is on the other side of the shop from where our box is..wont think twice about grabbing a tool from the closest box we see. But if i was worried about it i would engrave my initials in them. Im glad my Dad did..every time i pick up one of his tools it reminds me of him..
Last edited:
That's a perfect reason to engrave.
You should now put your initials on it and hope your kid and your grandkids appreciate the tool enough to add their initials.
Change the way you all think about the markings and make it part of the allure.
Many of my tools are marked by those before me.
Here's to them
I have to imagine the what and where of every one of them when I see their name/brand, right there in my hand.
It makes me wonder at the wonder.
Last edited: