Re: Label Maker

[JPF Woodworking]

Kind of a silly question but I am looking for a suggestion regarding a label maker. Trying to get the shop better organized so I want to start labeling a variety of items (cabinet drawers, containers, etc.). I would like the labels to be on the large size, say 3/4" to 1- 1/2". No need for any graphics or fancy fonts.  It would be nice if the label maker was handheld and ( definitely) independent of the computer.

I looked on line and was quickly swamped with dozens of choices so I decided to ask here for a recommendation or other suggestions.

In advance of all courtesies extended, thank you!

John

 

[JayStPeter]

Handheld is easy.  Just go to Staples and pick one.  Big difference is what size cartridges they hold.  Various shapes and sizes.  Pick the one you like.  If you want to attach to the computer it gets more expensive.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Like Jay said, you can browse many.  I borrow my mom's when I need to label something in a nice way, like the subpanel and shop outlets.  See if you can get a demo so you can see the font and type clearly.  Hers prints on 1/2" tape, but it is very readable from a distance.

 

[wow]

x2 on Staples.

I have several of the Brother models - including one that I paid less than $10 for and keep in the shop. I also have one with a keyboard, and a handheld one that has all kinds of fancy functions.

 

[nclemmons]

I have this Brother from Staples.  I think it was $49.99 on sale.  It's battery operated but they also sell one that comes with an adapter.

http://www.staples.com/Brother-P-touch-PT-2730-PC-Connectable-Simply-Professional-Labeling-System/product_890185

Supports label widths from 1/4" up to 1".  Can work stand alone or can work connected to a PC or Mac.

I like it because it stores labels in memory - so return address labels as an example.   Some label makers like this one will support more than one line on a label, so check that out as a consideration.  If you connect it to a computer and use their software, you can paste graphics into the label for things like making screw labels that show the screw profile.  Might or might not be something you are interested in in time.  But I could see it being useful on parts containers or sortainers.

I had an earlier Brother that did not print on multiple lines, nor support the 1" labels.  I find that size label to be great for seeing what is in a Systainer from across the room.

Amazon is a bit cheaper on the labels than what I have found at Staples.  You can get red or black ink in clear or white background and even some fabric labels, so plenty of options if you need them.

neil

 

[Michael1960]

The issue I see with label makers is how well the label sticks!  Are there differences between the brands?

 

[semenza]

I have a much older PTouch 3. The labels stick fine even in my non-climate controlled shop.  One tip....... clean the surface with alcohol first.

Seth

 

[wow]

I have had no issues with labels sticking. In fact, perhaps the opposite - sometimes they stick TOO good.

 

[JPF Woodworking]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Off to Staples this morning....

 

[fdengel]

I have one of the Brother P-Touch label printers which uses the TZ / TZ-e tapes.

One of the nice things about this line of tapes is they have extra-strength versions (stronger adhesive), iron-on tapes, "tamper-evident" tapes, etc., which make it more versitle for a wider range of situations.

 

[Kev]

+1 for the Brother P-touch .. I've got an older variant, they're really handy.

 

[gkaiseril]

+1 for the Brother P-Touch series. Be sure to look a the different features available and the different types and sizes of tapes available. There are some that are hand held and other that are larger but still portable and there are even PC only label printers.

Labelers have come a long way from Dynmo and big desk top machines.

 

[GPowers]

laser printer and wide clear tape.

 

[jmarkflesher]

I use a brothers p touch also. Just started buying off brand tapes for $10.00 cheaper. I see no difference. $28.00 vs. $18.00. MARK

 

[wow]

The timing of this post is interesting. Today is a 'clean up' day in the shop and I am labelling all of my tools, boxes, systainers, etc. for quick and easy Identification. I have so far used two of my Brother P-touch printers, but right now am using my 1400. It's not necessarily my first choice, but it has so many functions built in that I almost never need anything else.

Besides that one I have my trusty old P-touch Extra with a keyboard. It's nearly an antique, but still works just fine.

I'll try to post some pictures later on...

 

[SittingElf]

Just a quick note about the Brothers.....

I own three various models and have been happy with all of them. They are usually cheaper at Sam's, BJ's, and Costco than at Staples.  And are also available on Amazon.

You won't regret nicely formatted, and effective labels on them!

Cheers,

Frank

 

[wow]

As promised.   

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Sent from my iPhone

 

[nclemmons]

Labels look nice.

Hope that tape stays stuck.  I always had trouble getting the tape to stick on the textured surface of the Systainer.

neil

 

[bkharman]

I don't like labels all that much. I used to have a nice system of using a clear plexi name badge style holder with a rare earth magnet on the back and the opposing magnet inside the case or drawer, etc.

I could easily swap badges from drawer to systainer, etc. If I needed to recycle them, I just slipped out the paper with another and away I go.

The reason I let it go was a 3 month trip to Antarctica and South America before my first child and came back to chaos and then kids.

 

[fritter63]

The issue I see with label makers is how well the label sticks!  Are there differences between the brands?

What I've done is to get some magnetic sheets (I think these were meant to be printed on).

But then I printed out labels on regular paper and glued them onto the magnetic strips, then those go on the drawers of my tool chests:

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As you can see, the grouping for these drawers is by function.

I thought about having an entire drawer of screwdrivers, but then decided it might be mis-understood......