I finally gave in and bought that fancy wire labeling machine for a big apartment job

It was a 40 unit building rewire in Phoenix, and I figured the $800 labeler would save me hours. The thing jammed on the third day, and the company wanted me to mail it in for a repair that would take two weeks. I had to finish the job by hand with a marker and tape, which felt like a huge step back. Now the machine is just sitting in my van, and I'm out that cash for basically no gain. Some guys swear by them for organization, but I think they're just another gadget that can fail when you need it most. Has anyone found a reliable brand for this, or is sticking with the old school method actually smarter?

3 comments

3 Comments

ninataylor1mo ago

So much for saving time, huh?

the_rose1mo agoTop Commenter

Honestly, "saving time" is the whole promise. My buddy bought one of those pro labelers for his shop last month. It jammed on the third label and he spent two hours on the phone with support. He just went back to his old stamp.

miles_chen1mo ago

Ever think maybe you just got a bad unit? My shop has used the same industrial labeler for years on big jobs like that. It never quits. The trick is buying from a real tool supplier, not some office store. Sure, a marker works, but a printed label looks pro and saves a ton of time on 40 panels. Maybe give a better brand a shot before you write them off.