Valve fixing is essential to keep valve tags in place. Without split rings or valve connectors, valve tags wouldn’t be secure, which would leave pipes and valves less organised and potentially dangerous.

However, valve fixing needs to be done properly. If you don’t know how to fix valves or use split rings properly, then you’ll run into problems.

Find out what valve tags are and how to use split rings and valve connectors below.

What Are Valve Tags?

In simple terms, a valve tag is a tag attached to a valve, usually at the end of the pipe. Valve marking tags identify valves, pressure regulators, drainage points, control levers and other valve-related equipment.

This is to help with maintenance and to keep workers safe (and they keep our homes and businesses a lot less leaky too).

The process of valve marking is there to convey specific information. These tags can identify the type of piping, whether the water will be hot, when the pipes were last tested, how the valve should be used, etc.

It’s one of those small aspects of plumbing and maintenance that you can take for granted. But surprisingly, these small tags are a major reason for the reduction in hot water and steam injuries during repairs.

How to Use Split Rings and Valve Connectors

For the process of valve fixing to work, you need to use valve connectors and split rings properly. These keep the tags affixed to the valve safely.

Split rings are most commonly used as keyrings, but they have numerous uses. Our range of split rings use nickel-plated steel, so they will last for a long period of time.

So, how do you use split rings? Simply place the split ring through the hole in the valve tag, as you would your keys. Then affix the tag and split ring to the base of the valve.

To keep this tag more secure, you can use valve connectors. These are a selection of chains that help with valve fixing. At Label Source, we sell three varieties:

• Jack chain
• Ball chain
• S-hook chain

These can be used in conjunction with a split ring to mount tags. By using a valve connector, you can affix a tag around wider pipes or valves more securely.

Get Reliable Valve Connectors and Split Rings

Get your valve connectors, split rings and other valve fixing products from Label Source. We ensure your valve tags stay affixed permanently.

A lot is written about how to get your labels and signs seen, but not enough is documented about how to keep them safe. Investing in high-quality labels is a waste if they end up damaged, worn down or destroyed through use.

This is where laminated safety labels come in. For specific industries, we highly recommend laminating all of your labels. For others, it’s nice to have, and the investment might be worth your time.

Should you need convincing, we’ve discussed laminated vs non-laminated safety signs below. We’ve also broken down how to laminate labels efficiently at home, too.

Laminated vs Non-Laminated Safety Signs

Laminated safety labels are useful in industries which handle corrosive or dangerous materials. These labels are common in industries such as:

• Chemical engineering
• Scientific research
• Metal production
• Manufacturing
• Oil and petroleum processing

You may still need laminated labels or signs even if your business does not fall within the above industries.

For example, if your business is one that handles goods regularly or posesses signs which are exposed to high levels of moisture or heat, lamination may be a savvy method to both improve product quality and save on replacement purchases.

Spillages, emissions and general wear and tear can degrade non-laminated labels quickly. When considering when to laminate labels, you’ll need to review how often your labels and signs are handled, what chemicals they are exposed to and whether the difficulty reading them is increasing.

In general, laminated labels will always perform better than non-laminated variants. However, the value in this is dependent on your industry.

All laminated safety signs and labels must comply with ISO EN 1710 and the Safety Signs and Signals Regulations 1996.

How to Laminate Labels

If you have a selection of labels and signs you wish to laminate, then you can do so from home. To laminate, you will need:

• Laminating pouches
• Laminator
• Signs or labels

Simply place your label or sign within a laminating pouch, then run them through your laminator. Ensure you are using a high-quality pouch and laminator for this for consistent results.

Poorly laminated signs can be difficult to read and, if your employees or customers cannot read a sign and an accident occurs, you will be liable.

Investing in this equipment may not be in your best interest financially, so purchasing pre-laminated options are recommended. 

Get Pre-Laminated Safe Labels Today

To save time and money, buy laminated safety labels from Label Source today.

All of our laminated signs are waterproof, abrasion-proof and chemical resistant. They are also stocked in rolls of 250 labels, so you’ll always get a cost-effective solution.

Security marking stencils are becoming a popular, cost-effective option to keep assets safe.

One major benefit of a stencil is that it acts as a permanent asset tag. While assets tags have their benefits – which we have already discussed in our blog ‘What Are Asset Tags and the Benefits of Asset Tracking?’ – having a permanent, more explicit option can sometimes work better.

Discover what security marking is and the benefits of marking with stencils below.

What is Security Marking?

Security marking refers to the practice of marking assets to deter theft. Marking stencils not only prevent thefts before they happen, but they also allow for stolen goods to be tracked and found more easily.

The police always recommend that assets, especially valuable assets, are security marked. Security markings can convey whatever information the inscriber wishes, but noting information down such as a postcode, security code or a barcode is recommended.

Security marking allows businesses to etch permanent information on their products. Mostly used for IT and electrical equipment, etching prevents them from being removed easily. Stencilled information can be scratched or gouged away, but this always causes marks on the asset.  Manipulating the security stencil leaves behind clear signs to would-be buyers that the asset is stolen.

The Benefits of Security Marking Stencils

As mentioned, a major benefit of security marking stencils is their permanence. They provide a sense of safety for the most valuable assets a business owns – once it is marked, a business doesn’t need to worry about changing or updating the asset’s information.

There are a number of other benefits:

• Stencils are versatile and can be used on a range of asset materials such as plastic, metal and glass.
• Stencils are tamperproof and can be laminated to increase their resilience.
• Stencils are easily customisable, so businesses can decide exactly what type of information they want on them.
• Stencils use environmentally friendly compounds despite being permanent.

<h2>Get Your Security Marking Stencils Today</h2>

If you think you can benefit from permanent asset tags like stencils, then our range is for you.

Keep your assets safe with our security marking stencils today.

Brother printers are some of the best label printers on the market. However, there are times where you may need to improve their print quality.

For example, printing labels for high-end stores or to resist certain conditions means improved print quality is a necessity. The best way to achieve this with a Brother printer is through printer labels.

Below, we breakdown the major Brother printer labels and products to improve your print quality.

The Best Brother Print Products

If you’re stuck figuring out how to improve printer quality across your business, then you may need to try some specific printer labels.

Brother printer labels are add-ons that can improve your printing experience. These can be specific rolls, labels, tapes, inkjets, etc. Below, we list the three we think are best at improving the quality and output of your printing.

Film Tape

Film tape is a self-adhesive, often brightly coloured consumable that can improve the quality of printed labels.

Film tape boasts better insulation properties, water and chemical resistance, a more visually appealing look and improved longevity. 

This diversifies the uses your printed materials can have as well as lessening the probability of them being damaged during or after the printing process.

Gloss Tape

Gloss tape lacks the practical advantages of film tape, but it has the added bonus of bold colours and eye-catching typography.

Gloss tape is there for times where you’re trying to figure out how to change print appearance, not necessarily to improve its quality because it changes how a label or print looks considerably.

If your printed labels are struggling to look visually appealing, then gloss tape could be the answer. With a rainbow of colours on offer, there are plenty of options to keep your customer’s eyes set on your products.

Different Label Shapes

It may seem like a small thing, but the shape of your printed labels can make a big difference. For example, many clients try to shoehorn in ill-fitting labels on their products, such as using square labels on CDs when circular CD/DVD labels exist.

If you’re not optimising the type of labels you’re printing on or using, then you’re going to run into problems with your printing.

The best consumable you can get is a label that fits your product perfectly. There’s no need to use the wrong labels when a large number of Brother printer shapes exist.

Level Up Your Print Quality Today

If you’re using a Brother printer and you’re not taking advantage of printer labels, then you’re selling yourself short.

Browse our range of Brother printer labels and improve your printing experience today.

Plastic fencing can organise everything from livestock and building materials to events and staff. It’s a popular tool for many industries.

The versatility of plastic mesh fencing is its biggest USP. Wherever there are people, there is usually some kind of fencing.

Here, we discuss how to install plastic fencing and its uses.

The Uses of Plastic Mesh Fencing

The most popular industries and uses for plastic mesh fencing include:

• Agriculture – we associate metal fencing with agriculture, but heavy-duty plastic mesh fencing can be a short-term alternative, especially for fencing smaller cattle or chickens.
• Construction – heavy-duty plastic mesh fencing is essential in organising a worksite and cordoning off areas.
• Conservation – used in cordoning off and protecting areas of key conservation interest such as ponds, trees and plants.
• Event planning – useful for cordoning off prohibited areas, setting up walkways and managing people traffic.
• Historical excavations – plastic mesh fencing can isolate parts of a historical dig, ensuring workers do not accidentally contaminate or destroy key relics or evidence.
• Gardening – sections seedbeds, allotments, pet areas, etc. Placing mesh fencing horizontally over plants and seeds can stop birds from interfering, too.
• Roadworks – fencing has uses in organising people and motor traffic around roadworks.

Overall, the uses of plastic mesh fencing are as wide as the user’s creativity allows.

How to Install Plastic Mesh Fencing

Plastic mesh fencing isn’t a miracle cure; it needs good installation to work. Messy, improper set-up will cause sub-par results. 

To get your plastic fencing set up correctly every time, follow these simple steps: 

• To start, you’ll need your fencing and fence pins. First, measure the area where the fence will be and make sure you have enough fencing and pins to fill that space. 
• Calculate how many pins you need for the whole fence and prepare them.
• Attach the pins. Make sure there is enough space between each pin so the fence remains sturdy. Pins placed too close together will cause the fence to sag or fall. 
• Check the fence and fix any sub-par area by reapplying the pins.

It’s a straightforward process, but trying to take shortcuts or putting incompatible pieces together can lead to poor, potentially dangerous results. 

Get High Quality, Heavy Duty Plastic Mesh Fencing Today

So, you’ve heard all about how to erect plastic mesh fencing and use it like a seasoned pro. Now, you just need to find the right materials.

Thankfully, Label Source has all you need to pop up fences anywhere and everywhere. Discover our range of plastic mesh fencing today.