Need help with key labeling system

[Wesley W.]

Hi all!

You'd think in the scheme of things this would be an easy thing to solve, but I've tried in vain to come up with a good key labeling system and I'm hoping someone has got a solution.

I've tried frog tape on the key heads, which sticks great, but even with pigmented ink, the writing wears off after a while and becomes illegible.

I've tried those circular stickers that people use for garage sales.  The ink holds fast on them, but the adhesive craps out and the sticker falls off.

My latest solution were those plastic key head tags (colored plastic ring with a window in the center for the label).  These don't seem to sit well on the key, so when I go to insert it into a lock, I can't bury the key "to the hilt", and have to fuss with it a bit to get it all the way in to be able to turn it.

I want to have keys on a property-specific key ring where I can see what each key goes to at the property via the label. All my keys are stamped with a code number, and are rotated through my portfolio upon turnover, so any labeling method would have to allow for transfer of said label to another key and not be permanent.  (e.g.  K19 has a label that says "unit 1R", but I would like to be able to change K19 to "2 South" once it's redeployed post turnover)

I do not want to change my key system or manufacturer, just labels that would meet my needs.

What do you think?

[Marc Winter]

For many years, I have used the Avery round paper tags with the metal ring around them.  It is understandable that the writing will eventually wear off or get dirty/faded over time.  Easy solution: after writing the information on the tag, spray it with a bit of flat or satin polyurethane.  

Other than that, you can invest a about $20 in a set of metal locksmith stamps.  You can strike impressions directly on the keys.  The stamps come with letters and numbers--1 through 0, however there is no number 9... flip the six.  LOL.

Holiday wish:  this should be the biggest problem any of us ever has.  Enjoy the season.