When I built my boat I ensured every electrical wire was clearly labelled - both on the positive and negative lines for the 12V system. On the advice of an electrical supplier I used vinyl(?) tape and a permanent marker. I simply cut a 30mm length of tape, wrapped it around the wire and wrote the info on the 15mmx15mm face of the tape. It only took up a small amount of space - just as well because there are dozens of those wires in a small space.
After 5 yrs I notice the tape is no longer sticking. The hand written data is fine. The adhesive on the tape appears to be the same crappy stuff used on that cheap electrical tapes one buys from the supermarket. The labels are falling off in a sticky mess.
I have unsuccessfully searched for alternatives but not yet found any small labels that would suit. I don't want to buy labels with the standard words already typed on them. They just don't suit. And I do not want labels that require special tools to stamp them or attach them.
Can anyone recommend a small label with good quality permanent adhesive that I can write on?
Yes I've seen those types ramona but the labels (because of the font size) are too large.
Can they print with a font size of say 9 or 10?
Select to expand quotezilla said..
Yes I've seen those types ramona but the labels (because of the font size) are too large.
Can they print with a font size of say 9 or 10?
I use the stock size but they do various sizes. Have a look at youtube videos.
Yes that industrial labeller (E100VP) looks good for cables Fishmonkey.
I see there are plenty of choices for the tapes they use. Can you recommend a tape that can handle salty, hot and humid conditions in a boat? (And does not eventually turn to a sticky mess).
if you click the "Consumables & Accessories" tab of the Brother page it shows the various kinds of tape available:
www.brother.com.au/p-touch-labellers/pt-e100vp-detail
for cables the 'flexible' stuff is best.
good quality tape is very robust. for example, i have stuff that's been through the dishwasher dozens of times without any noticeable degradation...
Hi I use a small slip of paper (yes paper ), a black ballpoint pen and the appropriate size clear heat shrink. Cut paper to size, add appropriate wording, slide under clear heat shrink that is already on cable and apply heat. Simple and virtually indestructible. 
Select to expand quoteUncleBob said..
, slide under clear heat shrink that is already on cable and apply heat.
And therein lies the problem. The cables are already installed. I'll never be able to slide the heat shrink past the terminal.
Your system is fine when installing the wiring from new.
Select to expand quotezilla said..UncleBob said..
, slide under clear heat shrink that is already on cable and apply heat.
And therein lies the problem. The cables are already installed. I'll never be able to slide the heat shrink past the terminal.
Your system is fine when installing the wiring from new.
Hi, I understand your dilemma, I have found that often, though not always , if you manipulate a size of tube that is only just able to go over the fitting,( it sometimes takes some perseverance), the tube will shrink sufficiently to do the job.
Not always but sometimes.
Select to expand quoteUncleBob said..
Hi, I understand your dilemma, I have found that often, though not always , if you manipulate a size of tube that is only just able to go over the fitting,( it sometimes takes some perseverance), the tube will shrink sufficiently to do the job.
Not always but sometimes.
And Bob's trick will work even better if you use 3:1 heat shrink instead of the more common 2:1 (with 3:1 the final diameter is three times narrower than the original).
