Steel Stamps: Make Your Mark That Lasts
Learn how to choose and use steel stamps for clear, permanent impressions on metal, wood, plastic, and more.
Steel stamps create permanent impressions on a wide variety of materials, including wood, steel, metal, plastic, and leather. Marking property with steel hand stamps is a reliable way to identify it, especially if it is lost or stolen. Once the impression is made, it lasts a lifetime and cannot be altered.
Construction of Steel Hand Stamps
- Each steel hand stamp is made of carbon tool steel and heat-treated to withstand stress without shattering. Stamps are capable of marking materials up to 50 on the Rockwell C scale.
- Characters are furnished in gothic style, level on the face and square with the shank.
- Hammer ends are crowned to improve striking and reduce wear.
- Always wear safety glasses when working with steel stamps to prevent eye injuries from flying particles.
Selecting the Right Stamp Size
It is common to overestimate the size of the stamp required. A stamp is measured from cutting edge to cutting edge, not by its shank size. The actual impression may vary depending on the depth of penetration.
How to determine stamp size:
Decide what size impression you want before selecting a stamp.
If you already own a stamp and don’t know the size, make an impression on paper, and measure it with a ruler.
Types of Steel Stamps
Letter and Number Stamps: Standard hand stamps used for marking serial numbers, initials, tools, or equipment.
Custom or Design Stamps: Available for logos, symbols, or special identification requirements.
Interchangeable Stamp Systems: Used in applications where frequent character changes are required, such as high-volume part marking.
How to Use Steel Hand Stamps
Follow these four basic steps for the best results:
1) Prepare the Surface: Place the item to be marked on a flat, solid surface.
2) Hold the Stamp Correctly: Grasp the stamp halfway down the shank.
3) Position the Stamp: Align it straight up and down between guidelines. Rest your hand firmly on the item for control.
4) Strike Once: With a moderate but solid hammer blow, mark the item.
Tip: Multiple light taps can cause blurred impressions. A single controlled strike produces the best results.
Essential Tips
Always wear eye protection when stamping.
Keep stamps clean and dry to avoid rust.
Do not use stamps with cracked or damaged ends.
Store in a proper case to maintain sharpness.
Replace worn stamps to ensure clear impressions.