What should I use for etching onto my kit?

[tannerthehammer]

I was wondering what I should use to etch my name onto some of the metal on my various kit pieces...Should I just use a knife and carve into it or is there a better way?

 

[pronto]

Discrete use of a Dremel. Back in the day when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I used a punch with my initials (two actually - one for Christian name, and one for surname)

 

[chrisf]

I was wondering what I should use to etch my name onto some of the metal on my various kit pieces...Should I just use a knife and carve into it or is there a better way?

They usually prefer you don't etch your name on anything... permanent black marker is the preferred medium..

 

[tannerthehammer]

They usually prefer you don't etch your name on anything... permanent black marker is the preferred medium..

Well my Gerber tool is all black so the only real way to do it is to etch it in...Also my kit list says to etch on to knife blades etc...

 

[kyleg]

Anything that'll scratch metal will do. The suggestion to use a dremel is a good one, but you could even use a pointed rock if you really needed.

 

[tannerthehammer]

Anything that'll scratch metal will do. The suggestion to use a dremel is a good one, but you could even use a pointed rock if you really needed.

Well you could use a rock but that would look sloppy

 

[Gunnerlove]

For $25 you can buy a carbide tipped engraver at most places like house of tools. It plugs into the wall with a cord and will etch anything softer than tungsten carbide so it will work on everything but diamond. I have also used it to mark all my tools and home electronics.

Money well spent IMHO.

 

[tannerthehammer]

For $25 you can buy a carbide tipped engraver at most places like house of tools. It plugs into the wall with a cord and will etch anything softer than tungsten carbide so it will work on everything but diamond. I have also used it to mark all my tools and home electronics.

Money well spent IMHO.

ya that sounds more what I am looking for...Do you think a wood engraver would work on metal also?

 

[George Wallace]

ya that sounds more what I am looking for...Do you think a wood engraver would work on metal also?

You'd be lucky to get a letter or two done before you cause the point to become too dull.   Best to spend the time and money and get the proper tool for the job.

 

[Troopasaurus]

My Gerber actually came with my name and last three etched into it... the suggestions above look good (minus the rock :blotto: ), i think ill look into this aswell.

(edit for spelling  )

 

[kyleg]

Lol, the rock was a joke you guys, but hey, you never know what crazy schemes those course instructors will come up with. I can see it now, at 0300 in the middle of an sq field ex: "Lemme see your gerber... WHERE'S YOUR NAME??!! YOU BETTER HAVE IT ETCHED BY 0500 OR THE ENTIRE PLATOON WILL BE IN THE PUSHUP POSITION TILL IT'S DONE!"

Ok, maybe i'm just crazy... but I can't wait till I teach a course... I'll let the power go to my head and love every second of it  ;D

Cheers,
Pinky

P.S. It's late and I'm a little drunk. Please disregard my ranting.

 

[Phillman]

Try contacting your local Police for an engraver. I know the Winnipeg Police Service lends them out for free. Its part of a theft prevention program here.

 

[gt102]

For $25 you can buy a carbide tipped engraver at most places like house of tools. It plugs into the wall with a cord and will etch anything softer than tungsten carbide so it will work on everything but diamond. I have also used it to mark all my tools and home electronics.

Money well spent IMHO.

Money well spent indeed. It is incredibly easy to use as-well (its pretty much a pen that vibrates.) Heck I even have a few metal pens engraved with my name (I always find myself lending pens out to little cadets that forget their stuff, and hardly get the stuff back. So I started doing this... I'm seeing more pens  )

 

[q_1966]

Money well spent indeed. It is incredibly easy to use as-well (its pretty much a pen that vibrates.) Heck I even have a few metal pens engraved with my name (I always find myself lending pens out to little cadets that forget their stuff, and hardly get the stuff back. So I started doing this... I'm seeing more pens   )

Go to your local Police / RCMP Detatchment, they might have some out to be lent, I know they do it in Salmon Arm...That pens also grate for labeling discmans to prevent it from springing legs

 

[RossF]

Try contacting your local Police for an engraver. I know the Winnipeg Police Service lends them out for free. Its part of a theft prevention program here.

But what if the engravers are thieved?!