Customization with Hand Stamps

Hand stamping metal is a fairly simple process that can create stunning results. This helps to explain why hand stamping metal jewelry and other pieces of art is becoming more and more popular.

Steel hand stamps make clear, permanent marks. Steel hand stamps are also durable and economical for a long marking life. These advantages have made hand stamping attractive to artists and hobbyists alike.

Hand stamps make customization easy without complicated machinery or tools. Hand stamps are available in a huge variety of character styles and images so the options for customization are almost limitless.

It is fairly easy to achieve clean, clear marks with hand stamping. In fact, we recommend a 5-step method if you are looking for the easiest way to mark metal with a stamp. This method is straight-forward and allows you to avoid some of the common hand stamping problems like double impressions.

1. Make sure you mark on a solid, stable bench, located over a support or leg to eliminate any bounce or flexing of the bench surface. Use a large, flat piece of soft steel as a base to lay your parts on when marking with a steel hand stamp.
2. Choose the proper marking hammer size based on the following criteria: If you're marking a single 1/4” tall character into mild steel you'll need approximately 2.1 tons of pressure. Choose a 3/4 to 1-1/4 lb. hammer. (Note - a more experienced operator can usually use a lighter marking hammer.) 
3. When marking multiple characters using a hand stamp or hand held type holder the amount of striking force required is dramatically increased.
4. Place the hand stamp onto the part to be marked and rock it back-and-forth to make sure the stamp is laying perfectly flat on the part.
5. When hitting the hand stamp with a hammer only strike the stamp once; hit the stamp and pull the hammer away. If the hammer bounces on the stamp more than one time, you will end up with a double or triple impression. Speed and accuracy of the hammer blow when striking the stamp is very important. We recommend using a handstamp holder to ensure operator safety during the stamping process.                    

CAUTION: Wear safety goggles/eye protection whenever using a hammer and marking with hand stamps.

Contact us today to see how Durable Technologies can help you with your hand stamp and steel stamp requirements.