A zip tie tag, also called a zip tie label or marker, is a zip tie with a small flat flag moulded on. You write on the flag, then loop the tie around whatever you want to label. It holds and names the item in one step, and it cannot fall off like a sticker can.
Here is which tag to use, where it works best, and how to make the writing last.
The two zip tie tags we stock
| Tag | Flag | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5mm x 100mm white zip tie markers | Small, 9mm x 20mm | Keys, thin cords and chargers, small plant labels |
| 4.8mm x 200mm white zip tie markers | Larger | Bags, boxes, hoses, tools, thicker bundles |
Both come in packs of 100. See them together in our white zip tie markers collection.
Where zip tie tags help at home
- Keys: spare house, shed, padlock and letterbox keys. Write the door, not the address.
- Chargers and cords: tag each plug behind the TV or desk so you know which one to pull. Pair this with our guide to cable management with zip ties.
- Storage: tubs, bags and boxes in the garage or under the house, so you can read the contents without opening them.
- Tools and hoses: name tools you lend out, or tag the hose for each tap.
- Garden rows: mark seed rows, new plants and grafts, as a short-term label. Tie it loosely. See zip ties in the garden.
- Bags when you travel: a tag with your name and phone number. Check the airline's rules first, as in our guide to zip ties on planes and luggage.
How to make the writing last
- Write before you fit the tie. It is easier on a flat table than on a key ring.
- Use a permanent marker made for plastic. A normal pen smudges and fades.
- Let it dry for a minute before you handle it.
- Keep it short. One or two words, or a number that matches a list you keep.
- Keep white tags out of strong sun. Our white zip ties and markers are not UV stabilised, so they suit indoor and short-term outdoor use.
Colour code with coloured zip ties
Tags tell you what the item is. Colour tells you which group it belongs to, at a glance. Our coloured zip ties come in eleven colours plus a mixed pack. For example:
- One colour per person for keys, chargers or bags.
- One colour per room or shelf for storage tubs.
- Red for "fix me" and green zip ties for "ready to go" on tools and gear.
Use a colour zip tie and a tag together on the same item when you want both the group and the name.
Common questions
Can I reuse a zip tie tag?
A standard tag locks one way, so you cut it off when you are done. For labels that move often, write the name on a tag and fix it with a releasable zip tie you can open again.
Can I write on a tag after it is fitted?
Yes, but it is harder to do neatly. Lay the flag on a flat surface and hold it still while you write.
Will the tag fit through a key ring?
The 2.5mm x 100mm tag is the one to use for keys and thin cords.
New to zip ties? Start with what is a zip tie, or see more ideas in zip tie uses and hacks.
