One of the members of EDC Forums recently started a thread asking about zipper pulls with labels. They wanted to put a BOB(Bug Out Bag/Bail Out Bag = bag or pack with emergency essentials) in the trunk of their wife's car and have the zipper pulls labeled in some way to easily identify the contents of each pocket/compartment of the bag/pack. That would certainly save some time with digging through a bag or pack when looking for specific items like a FAK(First Aid Kit), Tools, Flashlight, Rope/Paracord, Duct Tape, Knife, etc...
My suggestion was to utilize some Tyvek material, which is strong, durable, flexible, and waterproof. Over time, the material usually softens up if handled often, yet still retains it's strength. You can find some other items made with it, or make something yourself like shown with this Instructable link and this YouTube link.
For the example that I made, I cut a strip from a Tyvek envelope, colored the material with a red Sharpie, labeled it 'FIRST AID', wrapped it around a paracord zipper pull made with a 'lanyard knot', and used some glue to attach it to itself. Different colors could also be used as a personal 'code' for the contents with or without labeling them.
If Tyvek material isn't used or available, maybe paper with scotch tape over it to protect it could be used, or a clear section of a straw/clear air tubing might also work to fit over the label, etc... I'm sure some folks can come up with some interesting ideas to try.
17 comments:
How about heat shrink tube? You could write on it first, slide it over the pull, and then hit it with the heat gun. The test ought to stay legible after it shrinks, and might even be a finer font than you could write well by hand.
that sounds like an interesting idea. Good luck with it
The heat shrink tube sounds like a good idea. It's inexpensive and also available in various sizes and colors.
Just have to remember that with shrink tube, not to get it too hot or you will melt your cord.
You could put your note on a piece of paper and put clear shrink over it. Use different colors paper or ink to write the contents and the clear would keep it safe.
Have you thought of Tyvek under Clear Heat Shrink Tubing? Love the Blog
you could feed the cord through these lettered beads: http://www.gelstuff.com/beads-abc-whitesquare.html
http://www.bandc.biz/cgi-bin/ez-catalog/cat_display.cgi?13X358218
Just curious: the words "first aid" look pretty good (not to mention uniform). ;-) Did you print the words with a black Sharpie?
I made a couple different ones, first where I printed 'FIRST AID' myself with a fine point marker, and another where I tried using my ink jet printer, printing several different fonts/sizes. The ink bleeds out as it's absorbed by the Tyvek, so that didn't work very well. I just used the marker over one of the ink jet attempts to make it darker on the one posted. I'm guessing a laser printer would work better.
I do have some heat shrink tubing in a couple of colors that I've yet to try and some clear aquarium air line tubing to use as well.
I have seen the letter beads before, but none with a hole large enough for paracord. Smaller diameter cord might work with those though.
The link posted in the comments with clear heat shrink and labeling also looks good. I've just been trying to use what I have on hand without spending any money for now.
This is a great idea, I'll definitely use as I set up some e-bags. And thanks for the comment stormdrane.
I use Heat Shrink Tube for the end of my Boot Laces. It works fine and I have never burned the laces, yet.
I like the idea of Tyvek under a clear Heat Shrink Tube.
hey im back!
I found they also have Glow In The Dark PVC Shrink Tube.
http://cableorganizer.com/uv-reactive/uv-reactive-heat-shrink.html#features
I would try using a high end industrial label maker (like Panduit) to make small size text labels
Clear Heat Shrink tubing is the way to go. I used the heck out of it to label multi-pair cables, such as microphone snakes and speaker snakes. A piece of write-on water-resistant labeling, or an adhesive wire marker, or even another colored piece of HST, wrapped around the doubled cord, then the clear HST over the top to seal it in. The 1/4" should work well as a first (and second) layer, and 3/8" as the second (or third) layer.
I apologize for leaving a general question here... But I didn't see a place for general comments or questions. I just started knot tying and am having a hard time finding small colored nylon cord. Could anyone suggest a good resource? Thank you and thank you for taking the time to create the blog Stormdrane... very enjoyable and informative.
For smaller diameter cord, you can find some at R&W Rope Warehouse((800) 260-8599). They're not set up to sell online, but you can call them, tell them what you're looking for, and they'll be glad to help. Ask about their 'Handy Hundred' cord.
You can also search for 'mini blind cord or string' and it's available in the smaller sizes too.
Hey Stormdrane,
That's really cool! Great idea.
My personal code for Go-bags and medkits is Intl' Orange paracord with a glow pull on the end.
These are the kinds of things I really like to see! Great thinking and great job!
PMZ
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