Marking cloning cables

[Onelick]

Need some ideas on how to mark some new cloning cables I just bought.
I already tried some heat shrink adhesive tubing cut and wrapped around the wire, but it shrunk too much and pulled away from the wire.
I'm looking for a way to permanently mark my cables to visually separate my cables from other's and also to deter theft. A quick google search for 'heat shrink tape' did not come up with anything satisfactory. I have a woodburning iron that I could melt my initials in the plastic housing, but I'm afraid the heat might harm the internals of the connector. If the woodburning iron won't hurt the internals, I could use that for the theft deterrent and colored electrical tape for the visual.
Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Onelick

 

[cmjonesinc]

I use a label maker that can print cables wraps. Mine would be way overkill for what you're asking but something like the Brother PT-E105 would be a more reasonably priced alternative. Not going to do much for theft prevention as you can just pull the lable off. But can't say I've ever had a programing cable stolen. Not sure why someone would unless they knew what it was. Perhaps an engraver vs a woodburner.

 

[mmckenna]

Splitting heat shrink isn't going to work.

If I'm building my own cables, I usually use a Brother label maker like cmjonesinc is suggesting. I then put a piece of heat shrink tubing over that. It won't stop someone from removing it if they really want it, but it keeps the label in place.

If you don't want to disassemble the cable and do it that way, one option would be to go to the hardware store and get the brass key tags. There's a brass disk with a hole punched in it. You can engrave it with a electric engraver, or use letter punches. Then ty-wrap them on the cable. If you are really concerned about them falling off, you can get stainless steel cable ties.

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[Onelick]

I tried a label maker on my other cloning cable and it just peeled off. The cable I'm trying to protect is the $500+ medusa BK cloning cable and the new adapter for the BKR5000. Pretty much everyone in the wildland fire world knows what those cables are and how much they cost. That's why I'm trying to protect my investment. I'll look into an engraver also.
Thanks

 

[mmckenna]

They make different types of label tape. The cheap office grade stuff doesn't work well in these sorts of applications. They do make some high adhesive strength nylon tape that can work well, but I don't trust it on it's own.

Or, permanently attach one of the "Tile" key finders to it. That way you can chase the guy down.

 

[Onelick]

mmckenna,
How hard is it to disassemble the connectors to put the heat shrink tubing on? if it involves desoldering, I'm out. I'm just looking for something permanent so it's harder to steal.
Thanks

 

[kruser]

I tried a label maker on my other cloning cable and it just peeled off. The cable I'm trying to protect is the $500+ medusa BK cloning cable and the new adapter for the BKR5000. Pretty much everyone in the wildland fire world knows what those cables are and how much they cost. That's why I'm trying to protect my investment. I'll look into an engraver also.
Thanks

I think I'd also keep those expensive programming cables locked up in a safe along with one of the tagging or marking solutions given in this thread!

 

[Onelick]

The last several fires I've been on we used the cable out of the COML kit for the cloning in camp and our personal ones out in the field when we went to change repeater batteries, and such. If we needed to use our personal ones in camp, we took it out of our tool kit, used it and put it right back. It's hard for me to fly out west with an anvil chained to my cloning cables.

 

[kruser]

The last several fires I've been on we used the cable out of the COML kit for the cloning in camp and our personal ones out in the field when we went to change repeater batteries, and such. If we needed to use our personal ones in camp, we took it out of our tool kit, used it and put it right back. It's hard for me to fly out west with an anvil chained to my cloning cables.

I totally understand. It was just an attempt at cheap humor like the anvil chained to your cables! I think the brass tags with the stainless cable ties that @mmckenna came up with is the best idea. It won't stop it but at least someone has to put a little effort into removing the tag.

 

[mmckenna]

if it involves desoldering, I'm out.

It does. Just use the brass tags and you'll have to trust your fellow tech. If they want it bad enough, they'll take it anyway, doesn't matter what you do, short of the anvil trick.

 

[Cameron314]

https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-290-01-Stroke-Engraver-Template/dp/B0000302YN