I’ve been working on some really big, convoluted jobs where there are at least 100 guys running around in all the various trades. Now, I’m not saying I feel as though any one of those individuals is likely to rip me off, but I’ve decided to at least take the precaution of inscribing some sort of identification on all my tools.
So, besides my name, what info should be there? I was thinking maybe my phone number. Is this a stupid idea? why or why not? what other info might I put there? I don’t want to write a novel on each tool, but I would like to at least create the illusion that I might actually have a shot at retrieving it should it actually disappear.
Where on the tool should it be? out in plain sight, or hidden so as to be less likely for a potential sticky-fingered person to obscure it with a grinder?
What else should I be thinking about in regards to tool security? I don’t know about you guys, but I’m in a financial position where the loss of just one nail gun or saw would be pretty devastating to me right now.
Thanks… Mark
Replies
Your drivers lisc. # is pretty much a standard. You ne a DL in many place to pawn anything so a DL makes it a little harder to pawn.
Also if you are in that tight of a situation do not leave your tools out of your sight. Get a lock box or a starage box and keep only the tools you are using out. Put them back before break or lunch or a parts run. Lock em up all the time.
If you asking then something in your gut is telling you to be careful. Listen to it, and protect your stuff.
Thanks for the reply. Am I being paranoid? or would putting my DL number on the tool somehow give somebody a useful tool towards identity theft?
God I hate that this is even an issue! Sometimes I think if we were like those "uncivilized countries", and either cut off the hand of thieves, or executed them, we wouldn't have to worry about stuff like this." If I were a carpenter"
I've had the same concerns as you. I've had a gun and saw stolen in the past.
and my last house - stupid me...thought I was ok to leave a ladder and electrical cords out, they got those. and during the same period someone swiped my muddy work boots from the front door of my house.
maybe inscribe it in 2 spots per tool...one visible, and one hidden.
I'm not sure what best info to use, I thought of SIN ( social security number in US) but had same worries as you with the DL number.
I do know that you should take an ineventory and record all the serial numbers.
Your local veternarian will sell you a chip for your pets ID.
Get that. a scan will bring up your info.
I got a bunch of freebies, cuz she liked me,a lot. But they are fairly cheap.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
" If ya plan to face tomorrow, do it soon"
Talk to your local PD and find out what sort of ID# they prefer. I think usually a DL# and last name is it.
I kinda' like threats of ancient curses and furious anger to those who sully . . .
You get the idear -
Forrest
What happens when your tools are stolen is a report to the police. In my case, the officer wrote a very detailed description. Asking if there was anything to distinguish the different items. I've never recovered any items. All were engraved with the company initials and painted bright colors. On a large job, you have to be diligent and not leave things unlocked or out of your sight. Lots of guys have the same brands and models. It's a help to have paint, tape or something highly visible from a distance. This will stop most honest mistakes and give you a chance of spotting the tool. You will notice that many companies have their color and pattern on everything. Often a name is stenciled. I used some florescent orange stripes and the added benefit is I don't lose them all by myself. It would be easier to look for a drill will pink polka dots and MARK on it than find and read a number code. Record the serial numbers when you buy tools and put your name on them. In the rare event that you will ever recover a stolen tool, this will make positive identification easy. It's a good way to have a running inventory of what you have. Many thieves are opportunists, so don't give it to them.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match