I get asked quite a bit how I label wires on boats and finally got around to an answer. Technically this is not how we do it. We use Professional print on heat shrink label machines I startedout using this technique, and over the years have tried lots of rather expensive commercial options. The commercial machines are expensive and the labels or print-on shrink tube whichis insanely expensive. Over the years I and Compass Marine Inc., have tried everything from electrician specific tools, costing as much as $800.00 to the cheap Brother P-touches, the same ones you'll see here. While we do use professionallabel printing tools these days they are fragile andthey break easily so be careful investing in them.



I've found that a simple Brother P-Touch label maker from Staples works wonders, providing you use the right tape. These label makers often go on-sale for $9.99 to $20.00. Even for the one pictured, I paid just $19.99 plus the TZe tape. Using a P-Touch is not however without some tricks and techniques, which I will explain.


In order to use a Brother P-Touch you will want to invest in their TZe label tapes shown in this image, Brother PN# TZe-231. they come in many colors but black letters on white tape (TZe-231) seems to work and is often the least expensive and most available. I actually prefer the black labels with white lettering but this is usually an on-line order and not stocked at Wal*Mart or Staples.


Usually we use black labels with a white letters (TZe-335) but, only out of personal preference. The inexpensive entry level label tapes will turn black when you put heat to them. Cheap label tapes can even turn black in a hot engine room. Avoid the lowest level tapes for wire labeling. The TZe tapes do not turn black when you heat shrink over them but, the cheaper label tapes do. The cheaper labels will turn black once you hit them with a heat gun but the TZe labels survive, provided you don't go over the top with your heat gun.


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