Marking Memory Cards.. What a mess!

[480sparky38 37]

Does anyone have a good method of marking memory cards so it's 1.) permanent and 2.) readable?

I've tried Sharpies & scratching numbers on 'em, but Sharpies just wear off and scratching is hard to read. Even a laundry marker rubs right off.

 

[MLeeK]

Hmmm, engrave the number on it?
Sharpies shouldn't wear off THAT fast. I use sharpies on mine and I think I might have to re-mark them once a year? Maybe? No, probably not even that. I don't think I have re-numbered the ones I have bought in the last 2 or 3 years and they're still fine.
But then I am not holding them in my hands much at all. They go from the un-used wallet to the camera to the case for used cards. Then into my reader and back to the un-used wallet.

 

[Derrel]

Here at Rancho Derrel we brand 'em in the spring, when they's still young'ns!!! One guy holds a rope tied to the head end, then another guy holds a rope tied to the tail-end, and then we use a hot iron... oh, yeah, they scream and bawl, but then...it's over!

 

[480sparky38 37]

Hmmm, engrave the number on it?
Sharpies shouldn't wear off THAT fast. I use sharpies on mine and I think I might have to re-mark them once a year? Maybe? No, probably not even that. I don't think I have re-numbered the ones I have bought in the last 2 or 3 years and they're still fine.
But then I am not holding them in my hands much at all. They go from the un-used wallet to the camera to the case for used cards. Then into my reader and back to the un-used wallet.

I just want to number them so I can keep track of them. If I pull cards 1 and two out of the camera and load 3 and 4 in, I want them numbered so I don't try to put 1 and 2 back in later. At least until I've had a chance to copy them to my hard drives. I want to pt 5 and 6 in next.... and so on.

I tried Sharpies, and after 4 or 5 uses (into camera, out of camera into Card Case, then to SD reader, then back to camera) the number is completely worn off.

 

[KmH]

I used stickers and an ink pen. I didn't want permanent. Stickers worked for several years at a time.

 

[nmoody]

You may have better luck with paint pens. Apply a think as possible so t can't scrape off.

 

[ann]

I have used a ordinary pen, no problems

 

[BlairWright]

paint pens or nail polish works.

 

[MLeeK]

Nail polish was what I thought when I saw paint pens!

I have also developed (kind of by accident) a system for used and un-used cards to keep them seperate. I have a wallet for all of the unused ones and I have a thing on my camera strap that holds a couple (when I actually put the strap on the camera) that really helps. Otherwise the fresh cards go into a wallet that goes into my pocket while I am shooting. The used cards go into an empty case and back into a larger case in my bag so they're not on my body. The case I use was from the little stop clock things that we used for our wrestling tournaments. It held a dozen of those tiny stop watches in it. Now it's a great size for a bunch CF cards in their case. It's bulky compared to a wallet so it's not pocket material and has to be a bag piece. That works in my favor because the used cards aren't on my person. And the wallet and the case can't possibly be confused either. Case is labled FULL CF CARDS just in case someone doesn't know and is looking for a card or something in my bag.

The guy I shoot football with has slots along his strap on both sides. One side is new, one is used. I would screw that up.

 

[sm4him]

I'm not sure I'd want to use paint pens; I'd be afraid some of the paint would flake off inside the camera's card compartment.

I've used labels before, like KmH, and just a ballpoint pen. What I like about that is that it's permanent enough that it doesn't rub off, but if I decide I WANT to change it (like card #3 goes bad, and I decide to change card #11 to #3 instead), I can just peel off the label.

 

[mjhoward]

Just use an electric engraving pen and etch the numbers into the plastic. That won't rub off.

 

[Big Mike]

Are you using good quality 'sharpies'? I've always used a sharpie or regular ball point pen and I can't thing of any of my cards that have had the writing rubbed off.

 

[pic_chick]

I use nail polish and a color code I can't say how long it will last due to it having not yet failed me yet I use this method on all my interchangeable parts in all my hobbies and some have been marked for over 5 years