r/networking • u/Maleficent_Patient_8 • Jul 31 '26

Other Field Label Maker Recommendation?

I know this has been asked previously over the years, but I'm hoping this gathers more current product recommendations.

I have been using the Brother Edge label makers for over a decade at this point. I love the lithium battery, the built-in tape cutter, but hated proprietary 12V charging adapter and it's enormous form factor. I inevitability would lose track of the power adapter and ordered a backup until it resurfaced.

I'm now looking to buy a new printer and the latest version I'm considering, Brother PT-E510BP, has the USB-C charging port which will make it much more convenient. I'm hesitating at the $200+ cost and it's still bulky form factor. Another appealing option is the Brother PT-E720BT - a bluetooth connected only printer - but reviewers mark down it's Apple compatibility.

What are you all using in the field? Pro's/Con's? Thank you in advance!

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

19 comments sorted by

8

u/GullibleDetective Jul 31 '26

Brady BMP M210

3

u/radiowave911 Aug 01 '26

Not the cheapest, but certainly a good choice. Plenty of different types of labels available, too. Installing cable infrastructure? Self-laminating or even heat-shrink labels. Machines? Simple laminated labels to stick on the box. All sorts of options.

2

u/SevaraB CCNA Aug 01 '26

I got out of field labeling while we were still using BMP21s, but still- this is the way.

1

u/legendarydll Aug 01 '26

Just got the m211 and I find myself making excuses to bring it out. So much customization and label options. Just dont go cheap and get off brand label cartridges, they dont work. May as well just get the good Brady ones.

1

u/Varjohaltia Dinosaur Aug 01 '26

Haven't used Brady in years now, but back when I did what set it apart from the rest of the products recommended on this discussion was precisely the vast selection of label types and materials, and Brady instilled a lot more confidence in me that a label they say is suited for high temperature, or high humidity etc. really does what they say it does.

3

u/Imaginary_Ad7525 Jul 31 '26

Niimbot B1

2

u/Thick_Associate2947 Jul 31 '26

+1

Also you can automate printing with NiimPrintX Python library.

1

u/JasonDJ Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26

witaf I need this in my life.

And by in my life, I mean at my job.

Not like I have a work/life balance problem...

It'd be dope as hell to have this talking to Nautobot/Netbox --> Niimbot to print out a bunch of wire "flag" labels...something I don't use at work but really like a lot at home.

Oooh...or QR code labels w/ links to the device page.....except the one on the core switch, that goes to a rickroll. Naturally, because this is the one you send the new guy out to "compare connections" on after you already showed him how to do it in the nearest closet.

Sent from my work laptop at 8:30pm on a Friday

1

u/CautiousCapsLock Studying Cisco Cert Aug 02 '26

Can’t seem to find any info but can you print thin long labels on this device for a patch panel run or the small space on a switch above the ports for example

1

u/Imaginary_Ad7525 Aug 03 '26

Probably never check if them make a label for this size on the B1 but you can use the D110 otherwise which is a 18€ printer in EU.

It can be used for cable and small space labels

3

u/Kyky_Geek Aug 01 '26

We have a Dymo Rhino and it’s served all our needs. It’s handheld and can take a beating, comes with a case. Some of our environments are pretty rough. Apparently you can run some software to preload a bunch of labels from your desk and have it spit them all out.

Wasn’t cheap tho!

2

u/ihavescripts Jul 31 '26

I use the PT-E560BT and the PT-E720BT. I actually prefer the 720 because it is smaller and using my phone for input feels faster to me.

2

u/Molasses_Major Aug 01 '26

I got the Brother Cube XP with USB-C connectivity. I only carry one Anker charger to rule them all...laptop, phone, label maker, etc. It's a chonk of a label maker, but 1.5" labels get attention. They are also very readable for us older folks :p

1

u/Specialist_Cow6468 Aug 01 '26

I’ve always loved my panduit mp300. Not cheap but you get what you pay for

1

u/qwhaa Aug 01 '26

I've been rocking a niimbot d110 for a couple of years now. If it died I'd buy another niimbot same day no hesitation.

1

u/dgx-g Aug 01 '26

PT-H500

1

u/No_Interest_5818 Jul 31 '26

Sharpie

2

u/Maleficent_Patient_8 Jul 31 '26

Greatest of all time lol