Marking tools for easy readability

As I get older, even with new glasses, I find it harder and harder to see
things like the engraved markings on socket wrenches. Has anyone found a
way to mark these things so that they can be read in dim light by old
fogeys? I tried various kinds of Dymo labels, but they peeled off in short
order. I had a little better success using Sharpies and then painting over
the lettering with clear nail polish.

Any hints, clues, tips, suggestions?

--
Bobby G.

"Robert Green" <robert_green1963@yah00.com> wrote in message
news:hcpdva$ej$3@news.eternal-september.org...

Well, Craftsman or someone addressed this problem with large-etched sockets,
for precisely this problem.
Heh, 'Boomers Rool!!

That's a bit of an expensive solution, tho, if you already have tools.

You could take a dremel with a round ball stone and engrave this yourself.
Or use a std buzz-type engraver. For some reason I prefer the dremel.

The problem with this is, if your sockets/tools are chromed, this will now
be a posible entry point for rust.

OTOH, if my impression is correct, most people don't really look for a
particular size -- they see what fits, thus making readable markings
semi-moot.
I'm almost tempted to just mix my SAE with metric!!! Heh, sometimes metric
fits better than the SAE on american stuff!
The only sizes I "know" are: 7/16" for 1/4-20 nuts/bolts, and 1/2" for
5/16" -- that's it.
Ditto allen -- the only size I know is 3/8" for 1/2-13 sockets screws.

Proly much more of an issue: engrave every goddamm tool in the place with
yer initials. Then fill that in with brite red nail polish.

Toward this end, I think I saw a company that will personalize new tools for
you -- purchased from them, of course.

And, having said this, if you can find someone with a laser engraver, who is
really desperate for work, they might do sumpn for you cheap.
--
EA

Robert Green wrote:
There are paint pens available at hobby/craft stores. Avail. in bright
colors, fairly fine tips. I used it only on camera accessories, so
don't know how they hold up in workshop wear/tear.

I'm buying magnifying glasses by the bucket full!

I leave them anywhere I might need to read something small.



"Robert Green" wrote in message

"Bill" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...

You got DAT right!
Go to yer dollar store -- you can get glasses up to 3.5 mag.... WOW.... 99c
Also, they have pretty nice 4" magnifiers, with the high-magnifier inset.
99c
.. I must have a dozen of each, all over.
Ditto the 6-in-1 screwdrivers -- decent quality $2.99 jobbies from Nat.
Wholesale Liq.

Yeah, solving the I-cain't-find-it problem with sheer brute force of
numbers!!
Screw organization!!
--
EA

Robert Green wrote:

I spray stuff with flat black paint then wipe it off so it only remains in
the stamped/engraved depressions.

--

dadiOH
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On Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:01:12 -0500, Van Chocstraw
<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

-snip-

He said "even with new glasses". They aren't the same as the old
eyes-- especially at all distances and in poor light.

I where a headlamp sometimes. It not only sheds more contrasting
light, it also focuses attention.

It's a bitch getting old- but it beats *not* getting old.

Jim

Use a sharpie marker and after it dries, cover it with clear tape.

"Jim Elbrecht" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...


How so? ;-)

Cheri

On Nov 3, 9:00 am, "Robert Green" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

re: "...so that they can be read in dim light by old fogeys?"

Others have already suggested reading and/or magnifying glasses.

I'll suggest turning on a friggin' light! ;-)

(See ya..I'm off to the dollar store for reading glasses and a
flashlight.)