Flash Drive/Thumb Drive Storage: Since I keep photos on these storage devices I'm guessing I'm OK in this category. Regardless, do any of you have clever ways to label your thumb...

bobforman Loc: Anacortes, Washington State

Since I keep photos on these storage devices I'm guessing I'm OK in this category. Regardless, do any of you have clever ways to label your thumb drives? I used to put Harbor Freight paper tags on them which worked well until I pulled them out of a drawer one time an the strings attaching the tags had wound together like spaghetti. Ended up cutting them to free the drives. Wondering if there is a storage container with labels or whatever your ideas may yield would be of interest.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

bobforman wrote:

Since I keep photos on these storage devices I'm guessing I'm OK in this category. Regardless, do any of you have clever ways to label your thumb drives? I used to put Harbor Freight paper tags on them which worked well until I pulled them out of a drawer one time an the strings attaching the tags had wound together like spaghetti. Ended up cutting them to free the drives. Wondering if there is a storage container with labels or whatever your ideas may yield would be of interest.

I use masking tape and a sharpie marker

Buck1949 Loc: Phoenix

There are some very small zip lock type bags available that I use ( like for pills etc.) that can hold a couple of the flash drives. Just label the bag. I keep all of these bags in a box in one easily accessible location.

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

I use small-FAT medicine bottles for EMPTY thumb drives,will hold 4. I number my thumb drives, and keep a list of what is stored on each one by number, on card files.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Use the ones with loops and key tags. This is not the actual tag name - those are done with sharpie razor point. Thumb drives and SDHC cards are stored in a gasketed waterproof hardcase.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Store them in a case, each pouch labeled 01 thru 10, then rename USB, like 01-Trips, 02-Events, etc. Just use one USB at time so know slot to return. About to start on case #2, already labeled 11-20.

https://www.amazon.com/JBOS-Electronic-Accessories-Organizer-DriveThumb/dp/B07RTMTV92

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

I have a little label maker machine that print out stickers. My main issues with labels is that I can't read my handwriting.

Of all the storage media I've used, I've found that USB thumb drives have the highest failure rate. So, if you are using them for storage of originals, I'll suggest you also have a number of good backups. Sorry, I know that is off topic.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

I use Avery package labels. Print titles for a bunch of different drives on a label, using a small font. Sliced down to just the title, these make excellent identifiers and will stay attached indefinitely.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I use the little ‘return address’ labels that organizations rain upon me, hoping that I will feel guilty and send more money than the are worth. I just print a few letters on them, but that is enough to remind me what the ‘thumb drive’ contains.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

sandiegosteve wrote:

I have a little label maker machine that print out stickers. My main issues with labels is that I can't read my handwriting.

Of all the storage media I've used, I've found that USB thumb drives have the highest failure rate. So, if you are using them for storage of originals, I'll suggest you also have a number of good backups. Sorry, I know that is off topic.

I too have a label maker. It's quick, easy, they stick well and look good. I use a generic name like "my name #2" because nothing stays on them long. I just use then to deliver pics or files or store a show for specific use. Then I wipe them for the next event. They are not my storage device. I like the ones that are big enough and robust enough to put some sort of string or little strap through so they are easier to keep track of.
...Cam

asimodulex Loc: Atlanta, GA

I use Air Lines Luggage Tags.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

For those who use Avery labels and print their own return address for snail-mail, I find that a SanDisk Cruiser works well with Avery 5267 labels for this. The Cruisers I use have a "broad" 5/8" x 1 7/8" backside. and the 1/2" x 1 3/4" labels snug in there nicely.

roaddogie

bobforman wrote:

Since I keep photos on these storage devices I'm guessing I'm OK in this category. Regardless, do any of you have clever ways to label your thumb drives? I used to put Harbor Freight paper tags on them which worked well until I pulled them out of a drawer one time an the strings attaching the tags had wound together like spaghetti. Ended up cutting them to free the drives. Wondering if there is a storage container with labels or whatever your ideas may yield would be of interest.

Brother PT65 labeler. Small tapes, different fonts, sizes and colors. stick em right on the stick.

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

Hopefully you have another form of backup for these files. Flash drives are not a very good "permanent" storage tool since they can be easily damaged and the electronics on them are rather susceptible to power issues when plugging and unplugging them. Make sure you use the "disconnect device" icon in the Hidden icons area of your task bar before unplugging the flash drive to safely remove it. This allows the system to cut the power to the drive and help prevent damage to it and the files on it.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Years ago when I was working off-shore I found a quick easy method of labeling electronic barrel plugs and cables was to 'paint' a section with Liquid Paper correction fluid, then write whatever I needed with an ink pen.