Shop tidbits...

[Brian Deakin]

After numerous occasions of misplacing tools, finding tools I had forgot I had an not being able to remember why I have a small number of screws in a plastic bag in a drawer I have taken the following approach


(1) Label items using 3M 20 60 tape
(2) Purchase a small A-Z note book and make a list of items /tools You can then look at the book to refresh your memory( or you could use your computer)
(3) If anyone borrows a tool consider asking them to hold the tool against their chest and use your mobile phone to photograph them


Son.. No dad I did not borrow your drill driver
Dad.. Yes you did I have a photograph of you holding it which is time date and location stamped


Additionally I have set up a file on the computer called house In this file I store information for each room in the house
Eg bathroom
A short summery of how to replace the tap cartridge and a link to the replacement part


This file will also help the wife when I pass or can be given to a future owner of the property

[Alan Lightstone]

I keep an updated list of everything in my shop, with all the cabinets numbered. When I get something new, I label the cabinet on the outside with a Dymo label, or in the plastic container with that Dymo label, and then put that location in a book.

Does this prevent me from not being able to find things? Not totally, but when I do find it, the location gets written down in that loose leaf book. When there's enough handwritten locations I have written down, I enter them into the Excel spreadsheet and print out a new book.

OCD - perhaps, probably (it was useful keeping people alive at work), but I do spend less time finding things. And don't talk to me about all the documents I scan. Time spent up front, seconds spent searching when you need things.

[Dave Zellers]

I just now am reading this thread for the first time, and in the middle, I'm thinking I'll share my new found labeling obsession. Then I get to the end and see that Brian and Alan have beaten me to it.

But yeah, after years of experiencing everything listed above, I do my best to label everything. Maybe with a label maker, maybe with a sharpie on the outside of a box. Gone are the days where I could remember everything I did, why I did it, and what it was for. The other thing I do is when a tool comes with spare parts, they go in a baggie and are labeled exactly what tool they are from and what they are for and then stored in the spare parts drawer with the others. I've had it with *knowing* I have that spare part but not being able to find it.

As stated above, my most cringe worthy moment was making a jig for a task and then later finding I had already made that jig. UGH.

I'm now a labeling fool and have no problem inserting sub-labels with things explaining exactly what needs to be known. That's partly for me and partly for those that may have to deal with what I leave behind.

The other thing is, labels help you remember. As you are looking for something, you see the labels and you are reminded of where things are.

[Jim Becker]

Yea, my labels have gotten "more detailed"... 'cause remembering is harder. LOL

[Bob Cooper]

I have a dymo label maker and have been having issues with the labels sticking well to poly coated cabinet drawers. Also labels are simple one line style. Have you guys found a labeling system that works well for you? I’m curious if you need multiple lines per label or individual type labels

[Cameron Wood]

I have a dymo label maker and have been having issues with the labels sticking well to poly coated cabinet drawers. Also labels are simple one line style. Have you guys found a labeling system that works well for you? I’m curious if you need multiple lines per label or individual type labels

I didn't know those were still made. In general, label makers i.e. Brother are the standard- multiple tape colors, print sizes, type faces, etc.. The labels last for many years in the weather.

[Jim Becker]

I have a dymo label maker and have been having issues with the labels sticking well to poly coated cabinet drawers. Also labels are simple one line style. Have you guys found a labeling system that works well for you? I’m curious if you need multiple lines per label or individual type labels

I don't have any issues with labels from my P-Touch sticking to anything, for the most part.

[Ron Selzer]

wash the surface with alcohol, let dry then apply the label.
Ron

[Derek Meyer]

I have a Brother P-Touch Cube label printer, and the labels stick very well to most things. You can get models that will do 2, 5 or up to 17 lines per label. Mine is the 5 line model. It uses an app on your phone to design the labels and prints via Bluetooth.

Derek

[Brian Deakin]

John K Jordan posted the idea of using 3M 2060 tape to label items and other uses

It is expensive but I find it very useful You simply write on it using a sharpie or similar and attach it to the item
It is very useful for labeling items in plastic bags
Example I am repairing a bathroom light and waiting for a ballast to arrive I have put the holding screws in a plastic bag and used the 2060 tape to label them