Looking For Metal Dies/taps?

[+jollybgood]

I'm not sure what they are called so I haven't had any luck googling.

 

I'm looking for a set of small metal dies with numbers and letters that I can used to stamp blank dogtags or small pieces of aluminum. (to place waypoint coordinates on clues for a multi-part cache). They are usually used to put serial numbers on equipment and so forth.

 

Anyone know where I should start looking?

[Fakk 2]

Try Michaels craft store.

[+Patuxent Pirates]

If you have any luck let me know!

 

Thanks

 

[+Q2XL]

woodcraft.com Item 141210 $9.99 plus shipping (sorry about the lack of html skills)

[+Sparky-Watts]

Many automotive shops carry something similar. Or, you might try a machinist supply store. Next idea would be a gunsmith shop and a locksmith shop.

 

Sorry I can't name any names, but my mind drew a blank when I tried to access the files....I'm usually 404 on that search result!

[+ironman114]

sometimes auto supply stores generally stores that supply industrial tools maybe even Sears Craftsman

 

They are called letter or number stamps

Edited December 11, 2003 by ironman114

[+Navdog]

Here are a couple links for you:

 

CK Tools

 

JM Tools

 

Try a google for letter punches

[+parkrrrr]

Harbor Freight has 'em in five different sizes. I have a set of three of the sizes, and I've been happy with them. I can tell you that the 1/4" size takes a bit of OOMPH to get a good impression, due to the surface area. I imagine the 3/8" and 1/2" sizes need a press to get a good impression.

 

Search for "stamps."

Edited December 11, 2003 by parkrrrr

[+Stunod]

The price for the set at woodcraft is great. Grainger sells them for about $30 just for the numbers, no letters. And they are usually called stamps or hand stamps.

 

Greenback placed a cache called Tag that used customized dog tags as markers. You can make them yourself in a machine at most of the large pets stores (like PetSmart or PetCo).

Edited December 11, 2003 by Stunod

[+rusty_tlc]

parkrrrr beat me to it but here are the retail location in IL;

Harbor Freight Retail Store Locations

Illinois

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS,IL 940 WEST DUNDEE ROAD 847-392-1400

AURORA,IL 904 N LAKE ST, (HWY 31) 630-966-9008

PEORIA,IL 107 N. MAIN ST. 309-698-6004

ROCKFORD,IL 5902 N. SECOND ST 815-282-4300

SPRINGFIELD,IL 711 W. JEFFERSON ST. 217-523-0740

[+Sparky-Watts]

Greenback placed a cache called Tag that used customized dog tags as markers. You can make them yourself in a machine at most of the large pets stores (like PetSmart or PetCo).

Yeah, Grainger and Harbor Freight. System log resources cleared and better modem connection between brain and fingers!

 

You can also get personalized dog-tags done at a machine in the front of a lot of WalMart stores and I know a few malls have them, also.

[+eroyd]

This has been done with some success. Find yourself an old typewriter and butcher the slugs of it. They can then be cemented to the ends of some old bolts.

[+Navdog]

Just thought I would show you what I use for metal tags. These are small, 1"x3", but you can write a lot of info on them. For multis, I put the waypoint on one side and a hint on the other. Easy to engrave the info on them with a ballpoint pen. You can string some metal wire through the holes and hang them from a branch or you can nail them to something, although nailing them leaves only one side visible. Painting them after you engrave them helps camoflage them if needed.

 

Edited December 12, 2003 by Navdog

[+Sparky-Watts]

Cool, I'll have to pick up some of those!

[+Kitch]

ok ...where do yo get the gardener's lables..

Edited December 11, 2003 by Kitch

[+Navdog]

ok ...where do yo get the gardener's lables..

I found them at a local retail nursery. Here is the link to the manufaturer, they may be able to lead you to a distibutor in your area.

 

Califonia Plastic Products

[SLCDave]

.....I can tell you that the 1/4" size takes a bit of OOMPH to get a good impression, due to the surface area. I imagine the 3/8" and 1/2" sizes need a press to get a good impression.....

I'll agree with the comment about the 1/4" size taking some effort to get a good impression. Go bigger if you can!

[+TeamBoonieHat]

For dog tag stamping you may want to check with you local National Guard Armory. I use the machine at my Armory for umm...ahh..official dog tags quite a bit.

[+Corp Of Discovery]

You should be able to get the number or letter stamps from your local hardware store. Many carry the numbers in stock and either could be ordered. Usually they would be in the store within a week.

[+Runaround]

If you got one of those old-fashioned hardware stores nearby, they'll probably stamp the tags for you for minimal cost. You need to go to the type of place that will cut and fit glass, repair a torn screen, sharpen knives and scissors, tune a lawn mower, sell individual fasteners, etc. Not the big box Home Depot or Lowes type places.

[+CYBret]

I did this for a stage in one of my multi's. I went down to Wal-mart and used their dogtag machine. It's usually located near the entrances and most of the bigger Wal-marts around here have one (the machine...not the entrance..well..they have entrances too...but...nevermind).

 

I think it cost about $5.00 to get one made. It engraves the numbers/letters into the dogtag instead of imprinting them.

 

Bret

[+rusty_tlc]

If you got one of those old-fashioned hardware stores nearby, they'll probably stamp the tags for you for minimal cost.  You need to go to the type of place that will cut and fit glass, repair a torn screen, sharpen knives and scissors, tune a lawn mower, sell individual fasteners, etc.  Not the big box Home Depot or Lowes type places.

You have real hardware stores where you live? All the local shops around here have packed up and moved on.

The local surplus store does dog (military style) tags though.

[+Geofool]

Greenback placed a cache called Tag that used customized dog tags as markers. You can make them yourself in a machine at most of the large pets stores (like PetSmart or PetCo).

 

The problem with going this method is that these tags cost about $6 a piece. Too much I think. I guess it all depends on how many you plan on making.

 

I've had good results using printed paper and laminating. I print the coordinates on paper using a pc and printer. Much more versatile and customizable. Of course, if you don't have access to a laminator, this will put you back about $80 to purchase one. Wouldn't take many dog tags to pay for it though.

[+bons]

Actually, if you don't have a laminator, buy self laminating cards.

You can make 1 business card or two travel bug sized cards from each sheet and it's a heck of a lot cheaper. I've used them on tbs, and to replace soggy co-ordinates.

[+sodajerk]

You can try the fishing department for some tags like the plant tags. In Texas you have to identify any trout line or jug line with a gear tag. You can mark them with a ballpoint pen and they are waterproof, even designed to be under water.

Jim

 

Texas Geocaching

[+jollybgood]

Very kewl. THanks for all the great feedback.

 

I think I'm going to try the aluminum tags and see how that goes.

 

I found them for $7.99 (for 25 tags I think) at http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com/prod...parent=148&pid=

 

I've been wanting to put some tags in some rather wet areas and I think these are just what I'm looking for.

 

I'll try these first before getting the letter/number stamps -- but it's nice to know where to buy them now.

 

Thanks all! Knew I came to the right place.

[+kevin917z]

i prefer my craftsman metal engraver with a stencil or letter template, much cheaper too!

[+Navdog]

I think I'm going to try the aluminum tags and see how that goes.

 

I found them for $7.99 (for 25 tags I think) at http://www.merrifieldgardencenter.com/prod...parent=148&pid=

 

That's the ones Jolly. Except I paid $4.99 for a package of 50 at the nursery. I am sure you'll like them. The ability to engrave/write on them, it's a soft aluminum, with a ballpoint pen gives you lots of options as to what info you can put on them, plus the advantage of having both sides to write on. You can also take a fine point sharpie and write over the grooves to enhance the visibility of the lettering, but it is really not necessary.

[+EScout]

All 3 of my multi caches use tags stamped with the letter/number stamps from Harbour Freight. They are 3/16" size, (marked: Steel Stamping Set #8330). I think I paid about $7 it on sale.

 

For one tag I used a brass washer about 1.5" in diam.

For 5 of the other tags, I cut them from a piece of aluminum taken from the chassis of a broken radio. Nice and thick, but can be cut with snips. Painted them camo and nailed to wood post, or used braided steel cable and crimp ferrules.

[Energizer]

Harbor Freight has 'em in five different sizes.  I have a set of three of the sizes, and I've been happy with them.  I can tell you that the 1/4" size takes a bit of OOMPH to get a good impression, due to the surface area.  I imagine the 3/8" and 1/2" sizes need a press to get a good impression.

 

Search for "stamps."

I have a couple sets of these stamps from Harbor Freight. Got them on sale-- about 1/2 off.

 

The 1/8" size letters seem to be the most popular.

 

We use them for making aluminum tree tags with coordinates on them.

 

FYI: regarding the main topic title: taps & dies are used for threading...

 

PS: After camoflaging the tags, rubbing wax, from a wax pencil or crayon, into the indentations makes it easy to read.

Edited December 14, 2003 by Energizer