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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.
Although our tags are durable and designed specifically for equipment used for work at height, you should always try to place NFC tags in a low-wear areas. 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 before placing your tags.
NFC works at close range, so tag placement should allow easy phone access. You need to be able to get your phone’s NFC reader right up to the tag, so think about that when you're placing your tags.
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.
Some NFC tags have an ideal orientation for optimal reading.
If you're struggling to get your JOATs, carabiner tags, rope tags, or other rectuangular NFC tags to scan, try turning them so that the tag's longest side is vertically aligned with the long edge of your phone. This is due to the alignment of the antenna inside the tag.
It also helps to know where your phone's NFC antenna is - check out our blog Finding your phone's NFC Sweet Spot if you need a hand.
Right, let's get into it!
Need to know
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.
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 an NFC tag!
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Need to know
The optimal placement for the grommet is under the locking mechanism of the gate, provding it doesn't block or obstruct anything. Otherwise, they work nicely on the round bar itself.
For easy application, use a solid edge (like a wooden bench) to slide the grommet onto your 'biner, or drop it in warm water briefly to slightly soften the material.
The Grommet's flexible material fits snugly on 11mm gear, and stretches to slightly larger diameters like a 12mm round bar carabiner. Is your carabiner thinner than 11mm? Keep your eyes out for the 9mm variant coming at the end of 2025.
Need to know:
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.
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The Under label NFC tag can also be used under traditional rope labels.
Need to know:
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 used on round-bar carabiners with the addition of our pre-cut lengths of adhesive-lined heat shrink (sold separately).
If using the Squircle for soft goods, we recommend applying a layer between the Squircle and the webbing or other soft surface.
Need to know:
The name says it all, our NFC Rope Labels were designed for use on fibre 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.
The label has a high-tack adhesive and can be fitted onto ropes down to a diameter of 5.5mm.
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.
For those who want a more streamlined process when it comes to cutting and splicing ropes. We can also provide a printer to pair with these label reels. If this sounds like you, click here to get in touch with one of our team.
Need to know:
The Rope Tag is designed to be inserted inside the rope. Pop one in a cut length of rope and never worry about losing a rope label again!
Need to know:
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.
Need to know
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.
Need to know
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.
Need to know
It's all in the name with this tag - it's durable.
The Dura Tag can be fitted to your chains and lifting equipment along with your existing metal ID plates, using a swaged cable.
You can also use a screw to attach the tag to large flat surfaces.
Here's a handy tool we made to make it easy for you.
A general 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. This 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.