Replies

1. 
   toolbear | Jun 05, 2009 06:07am | #1

   I have it narrowed down to two units, one from Brother that uses their "TZ" tapes, and one from Dymo, that uses their "Rhino" tapes. Mostly because I can buy supplies locally for them.

   Does anyone have any learned opinions, or recommendations?

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   I have the older Brother and a new Dymo.

   Both work and I have used both for panel marking.

   I like the Brother slot that you use to get the backer away from the label. I would buy several tapes for the unit selected. Could not find a new tape for old Brother and saw the D at WalMart for about $20. WTH...bought it. Then found my replacement tape.

   The ToolBear

   "You can't save the Earth unless you are willing to make other people sacrifice." Dogbert

2. 
   Dam_inspector | Jun 05, 2009 06:29am | #2

   I don't like the TZ tapes for marking wire. The adhesive is too weak and unrolls very quickly. It works fine if I put clear heat shrink over the label, but that's a hassle. Supposedly they do make a more aggressive adhesive label, but I haven't tried them. I order my labels from McMaster Carr, what a great company.

3. 
   PedroTheMule | Jun 05, 2009 07:43am | #3

   Hi Jigs-n-fixtures,

   I'm looking for a labeler to use in marking breaker boxes, tagging the occasional wire, and just miscellaneous use to keep things sorted out.

   I have it narrowed down to two units, one from Brother that uses their "TZ" tapes

   I have an older Brother model and love it.

   To resolve the problem with it not sticking along side of the wire, I simply double print before I cut it and fold it over the wire perpendicular. Adds the benefit of reading from both sides.

   Pedro the Mule - Labels, better than my hoofwriting

4. 
   Dreamcatcher | Jun 05, 2009 03:23pm | #4

   I have this Dymo handheld label maker and I like it for the most part..

   View Image

   Not real sure what you mean by "rhino" tapes, I just use the standard white tapes or clear tapes.

   But in my opinion, the Dymo was cheap ($30) the tapes are cheap, the batteries last a long time, it is compact enough to fit in my tool belt, buttons are nice size and easy to use, operation is intuitive, and it has held up well for almost two years.

   Cons might be that it doesn't have many features (but simple is good too) and the tape is sometimes difficult to get off the backing.

   For the most part, I have been quite happy with it.

   DC

1. 
   [email protected] | Jun 05, 2009 06:14pm | #5

   The Rhino series is made for industrial applications, and in addition to the regular tapes, has a selection of heavy duty tapes, including a flexible nylon tape designed for wire marking, and shrink tube that you can print on. All of them have "Hot Keys" for frequently used text strings. The higher cost ones have special characters, used for electrical and communication labeling. I think the nylon or shrink tube could be used to identify PEX lines at the manifold end, which is handy during maintenance.