Need a new labelmaker

[Greg Swartz]

We have a job that is going to require about 4000 labels on about 20k' of Cat 5 wire.

Any suggestions for a good labelmaker?
I am looking for something that is field portable, and does NOT hook up to a computer. (I don't care if it can, but I do not want it to be required to do so for functionality)

I have been looking at Brady products, and thier IdExpert or IdPal products.

Anyone have other suggestions, or any experience with these products?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[TOOL_5150]

Dymo Rhino Pro 5000, i think there is a 7000 out now.

I Used to be in the network business, now an electrician and it works great in both fields!

~Matt

 

[Fulthrotl]

We have a job that is going to require about 4000 labels on about 20k' of Cat 5 wire.

Any suggestions for a good labelmaker?
I am looking for something that is field portable, and does NOT hook up to a computer. (I don't care if it can, but I do not want it to be required to do so for functionality)

I have been looking at Brady products, and thier IdExpert or IdPal products.

Anyone have other suggestions, or any experience with these products?

Thanks,
Greg

i have 2 of the idexpert's and like them very much... label quality is better
than idpal. costlier, as well.

you can get them with querty keyboard, or abc keyboard... i've found
querty to be quicker for me. functionality of the labeler is the same.

they were running a special on them a while ago... dunno if that's still
going on.... otherwise, about $400.

i use mostly the BC-X-103-498 for cabling.... $38 for a 250 label cartridge.

 

[quogueelectric]

Dymo Rhino Pro 5000, i think there is a 7000 out now.

I Used to be in the network business, now an electrician and it works great in both fields!

~Matt

I used the rhino in the powerhouse and it was awesome I second the nomination. You need to sit down with the instruction book for about an hour to learn how to use it so figure it in your bid. Best of luck...

 

[masterinbama]

Will the Dymo do the heat shrink labels? I like to use those in valve pits and other damp places.

 

[wireguru]

Why the requirement that it is something that does not hook to a computer?

If I were doing a job with 4000 labels on CAT5, I would use something like a kroy 4350 on a rubbermaid cart with a laptop. Yes its easier to move around with a handheld, but 4000 labels is ALOT of labels.

With the setup I proposed, you can have all the label designations filled in at the office then just print them as you need on the jobsite.

The labels are only around $40 per 1000 for the self laminating wire wraps. Printer is $599 or less, does direct thermal and thermal transfer. The uses of this type of printer are endless, you can print the larger conduit and pipe labels, panel labels, all kinds of stuff. Does heatshrink too.

 

[DAWGS]

We used to use the Bradt ID pro plus, but just upgraded to the ID experts. The men like them a lot. Cartriges are a little pricier.

 

[Smart $]

With the setup I proposed, you can have all the label designations filled in at the office then just print them as you need on the jobsite.

Another way is to just get laser/jet printer label sheets (and I don't mean Avery type you get at Staples/Office Depot ) and print them at the office. I know Panduit makes 'em and I believe Brady does, too. Pricing per label is comparable, but the configuration and print time is but a small fraction of printing labels on a portable... even quicker than a computer-connected, roll-stock labeling system. The biggest problem is management of the labels between the time they are printed and time they are installed.

That being said, a portable is indispensible tool on such a job site :grin:

 

[wireguru]

Another way is to just get laser/jet printer label sheets (and I don't mean Avery type you get at Staples/Office Depot ) and print them at the office. I know Panduit makes 'em and I believe Brady does, too. Pricing per label is comparable, but the configuration and print time is but a small fraction of printing labels on a portable... even quicker than a computer-connected, roll-stock labeling system. The biggest problem is management of the labels between the time they are printed and time they are installed.

That being said, a portable is indispensible tool on such a job site :grin:

those look cool! I never knew about them. They are more pricey, around $100 per 1000 labels, but a great solution for those who dont want to buy a labeler. I may try some.

I still like the idea of a printer like the one I suggested on a cart with a laptop. I saw guys in a huge datacenter using that type of setup to label crossconnects they install, works great.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

Why the requirement that it is something that does not hook to a computer?

I believe the requirement was for it must not have to be connected to a computer to work (must be able to work w/out a computer).

 

[IMM_Doctor]

Hand Held - No Computer - High Volume - High Legibility

Hand Held - No Computer - High Volume - High Legibility

BRADY TLS 2200

Media is pricey, but usability, high volumes, legibility, and reliability make this my most used, and valued tool of the trade.

If you are going to put a label on a wire; there are two main criteria that I demand:
1. Highly legible forever (that is why we put on the labels)
2. Ease of use by the installer (labor is expensive)

The media for the Brady TLS 2200 is expensive, but the cheaper DYMO and PTOUCH systems require sooo much extra effort to find the peel zone. When you are printing and peeling high label volumes, the extra money on the tool and the media is a drop in the bucket in relation to what you pay your experienced labor.

 

[TOOL_5150]

Will the Dymo do the heat shrink labels? I like to use those in valve pits and other damp places.

YES

~Matt

 

[Fulthrotl]

BRADY TLS 2200

Media is pricey, but usability, high volumes, legibility, and reliability make this my most used, and valued tool of the trade.

If you are going to put a label on a wire; there are two main criteria that I demand:
1. Highly legible forever (that is why we put on the labels)
2. Ease of use by the installer (labor is expensive)

The media for the Brady TLS 2200 is expensive, but the cheaper DYMO and PTOUCH systems require sooo much extra effort to find the peel zone. When you are printing and peeling high label volumes, the extra money on the tool and the media is a drop in the bucket in relation to what you pay your experienced labor.

when i talked to the brady people, that was pretty much what they said
about the 2200... it was their bread and butter machine.... shoot, it'll even
do oil tight pushbutton labels... thick ones, self adhesive.... not engraved,
of course, but they look pretty good... and you can do them in the field.

 

[Greg Swartz]

Which to choose???

Which to choose???

So, I've been looking at the Brady TLS 2200 and the Brady IDExpert...

Both are very nice machines...

I think we are going to get the TLS2200, that should be within the budget.