NFC Tags: What tags should I choose, and how do I apply them?

About the author:

Nick has 20-odd years of experience working on ropes, starting his career in entertainment rigging before moving into rope access, and then on to becoming Head Rigger and Height Safety and Rescue Trainer for Cirque du Soleil.

Nick has also worked with Gravitec Systems Inc, The Chicago Flyhouse, SGS, and Harken Industrial in roles from developing big top rescue plans with, building splicing training programs, and creating an introduction to Non-destructive Testing (NDT) inspection training. 

Ready to pick up some tags from our shop, and would like some guidance as to what tags you should use, as well as where and how best to apply them? 

You know just as well as we do that there are literally hundreds of thousands of different pieces of equipment used for work at height. 

While we can’t give specific advice on every product this blog will point you in the right direction and guide you to tag your equipment with NFC tags. 

A few things worth mentioning.

Although our tags are durable and designed specifically for equipment used for work at height, you should always try to place them in a low-wear zone. 

NFC stands for Near Field Communication, which means that NFC technology reads tags at a close range. You need to be able to get your phone’s NFC reader right up to the tag, so think about that placement-wise.

It’s good to remember that when sticking something to a surface the bond is only as good as your surface preparation. Any oil, grease or dirt will weaken this bond so clean your surface with some alcohol (rubbing, not drinking), or another suitable cleaner.

Due to the way NFC technology works, tags that are being attached to metal need to have special shielding qualities to enable the antenna to operate without interference. All this to say, we’ve got you covered! If attaching a tag to metal, just make sure you use our on-metal tags or another tag designed to be placed on metal.

Right, let's get into it!

Carabiner NFC Tags

Need to know

• The second generation of our carabiner tags can ONLY be used on metal surfaces.
• These tags need to be stuck on with an adhesive. See this blog for the adhesives we recommend.

Designed with the channel of an I-beam type carabiner in mind, these NFC tags are also one of our most versatile and durable tags.

They have a low profile, measuring just 3mm in height, which makes them perfect for use with I-beam carabiners and many other devices on the market.

With a construction type engineered for work at height coupled with epoxy or a heavy-duty adhesive to attach the tags, these tags are incredibly durable.

If space permits, carabiner tags can be used on all types of carabiners, not just I-beam types.

The Carabiner NFC Tags can be used with any metal device, not just carabiners.

In some cases the equipment may have a recess where the tag can be placed, but it is important to ensure that the recess is not too deep as this may prevent you from being able to touch your phone against the tag which results in being unable to read the tag.

Try to avoid applying the tag in a high wear area such as where rope may run over the tag—running ropes can wear out carabiners let alone one of our tags!

Under Label NFC Tag

Need to know:

• these tags cannot be used on metal
• these tags should be used in a protected area or covered with heat shrink or tape
• these are self adhesive tags.

Many harnesses and other products come with a label that is carefully tucked away, hence the name Under Label tag.

These tags need a little protection, so tucked away in a pocket is perfect.

These are also super useful around small diameter ropes like prusiks. Apply them length-ways, and be sure to put heat shrink over them.

'Squircle' On-Metal NFC Tag

Need to know:

• the Squircle can be used on metal equipment
• the Squircle tags are self adhesive
• while these tags are durable, they aren't completely arb-proof

The ‘Squircle’ is our on-metal sticker and is a great option for quick installations and medium wear areas.

The Squircle is a durable option, but with continued abrasion they will eventually get damaged. 

If no low-wear area is available, apply a layer of tape over the tag. Two tapes that work well are ISC LEADING EDGE TAPE and 3M PPT. The tape then becomes a sacrificial layer to be replaced when need be.

The Squircle can be applied around a radius (a carabiner for example), but if that radius is too tight the tag will try to remove itself due to its construction. If you want to use these tags on a carabiner or other small radius, you should put something like the aforementioned tape over the tag.

If you are using these tags on a carabiner be aware it will increase the diameter of the carabiner.

We have seen people use these tags on the gate of the carabiner with a layer of tape or heat shrink on top. This can work, but it does depend on the texture of the gate of the carabiner.

NFC Rope Labels

Need to know:

• these rope labels are self adhesive
• these rope labels take pen ink well and have good space to write on
• these tags are not for use on metal

The name says it all, our NFC Rope Labels were designed for labelling ropes, but that is not the only place we see them being used—people use them to label their pelican cases and other larger items too.

NFC Rope Labels are great to add to a lanyard or cows tail, where you can slide a cover back over them.

They are obviously a good solution for rope and should be paired with heat shrink to protect the label.

Keep in mind that when paired with heat shrink the diameter of the rope is increased and this may make it difficult or not possible to thread the rope through some devices.

We can also provide a printer along with reels of these labels for those who want a more streamlined process when it comes to cutting and splicing ropes. If this sounds like you, click here to get in touch with one of our team.

Helmet Sticker NFC Tags

Need to know:

• These tags are designed for use on helmets
• These tags are self adhesive
• The Helmet Sticker adhesive has a Petzl approved adhesive

No surprises here, these were made with helmets in mind. 

If stuck to the inside of the helmet, the Helmet Sticker NFC Tag can often be read from the outside, but it pays to check first before banking on it—you need to be able to touch your phone against the sticker if it does not read from the outside of the helmet.

We recommend placing the helmet sticker inside your helmet, unless you work in an environment where your helmet remains pristine.

The NFC Helmet Sticker has an adhesive that is approved for use on Petzl Helmets.

JOAT - Jack of all Tags

Need to know

• the JOAT can be applied to anything they fit on
• the JOAT is durable
• we recommend using pliers to apply them
• they are nice and visible

You know when you come up with a name in jest and it sticks? Well… this is one of those times!

The Jack of all Tags is a tag that can be used just about anywhere you can attach it. They’re incredibly versatile, you can put them in so many places: from the outside of harnesses and 1” webbing slings to anchor eyes and y-lanyards.

The JOAT is super visible, which makes it easy to check they are still attached, and they  slide nicely around a 1” webbing sling.

Zip Tie NFC Tag

Need to know

• this tag can be attached to anything a zip tie can get around (max 50mm diameter)
• it goes without saying, but... the tag is as useful as a zip tie is
• the Zip Tie NFC tag is discreet

These really need no explanation as the zip tie is ubiquitous in our industries. If you can get the Zip Tie NFC Tag around your equipment, you can use the zip tie to tag it!

Zip ties are tough but not indestructible, so keep that in mind when applying them.

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A note on durability: We recommend that 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape, ISC Leading Edge Tape, or similar, is applied over the top of any tags that are placed in high-wear zones. It works well on carabiners, over rope labels, and anywhere else you’re concerned about durability.

We’ve not met a bit of gear that we can’t tag yet! If you think you have one, let us know here. We love a challenge!

Read this blog if you want to geek out on NFC tech, or you're curious why we use NFC over other technology.

As always, if you have any questions or great ideas about tags (or anything else we do) please get in touch with us here.