# Braille labeler not working.

Category: Daily Living

## Post 1 by TheLeslieThing (I can't call it a day til I enter the zone BBS) on Saturday, 18-May-2013 16:12:52

Hi all,
I have a braille labeler that is not working. I've tried to label things, but I can't because when I press down on the handle after making sure that everything is alined right, I only get a dot or two on the label when I want to write letters. An example of this was when I was trying to write my name on something, Instead of an L, I got one or two dots. I hope I explained this well enough. I wonder if it's really broken, or if there's something that I'm not doing right. Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to give,
Leslie

## Post 2 by Runner229 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 18-May-2013 17:21:51

I'm assuming you've tried using it multiple times and it still isn't working? Also what sort of labeler is this that you are using? There are so many ways you can label things it's crazy. I would try out several ways if you can, because that will be the best way to find out what you like and works best for you instead of relying on one way.

## Post 3 by TheLeslieThing (I can't call it a day til I enter the zone BBS) on Saturday, 18-May-2013 18:03:27

Yep. I've tried using it several times. I got it from indipendent living aids. I don't know how good this description will be, but It has a dial on the top of it. The letters and stuff are on the bottom part of the dial in braille and print. At the bottom of the handle where you squeeze to get the letters and stuff on the label, there is a door that you open to put the tape in. Sorry if this isn't a good enough description. that's the best way I could describe it. Thanks,
Leslie

## Post 4 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Saturday, 18-May-2013 18:36:06

I know some make fun of using those types of labelers, but I got one of the old kind from someone who had been blind for awhile, then due to stem cell research got his sight back and didn't need it. Anyway, so it's just a straight mechanical device, so there's any number of reasons for why it could fail.
I'd take out the tape first, make sure it's not sticky or covered in dust, then try your best to blow through the opening and wipe / clean it out. What I would do is, if you know a computer person who has a can of air, put the wand into the opening where the tapes comes out with the writing on it, and then spray with one hand and turn the dial with the other, which should force any gunk to fall back into the tape reservoir where the door is. Then wipe that out real good, and maybe start with a new roll of tape.
I had one of the plastic labelers die on me once but I'd had it for around ten years. That was before I got this new one.
Anyway hope this explains things in a way you can use. These labelers are very handy for blind and sighted people alike to label things with.

## Post 5 by Tila Tequila! (Zone BBS Addict) on Saturday, 18-May-2013 21:42:47

Those are junk in my opinion. I have a one line slate and stylous that works so so good. It is easier, you can modify your product, and you do not waist as much tape.

## Post 6 by bea (I just keep on posting!) on Monday, 20-May-2013 19:13:09

Office depot has plastic sheets. I put one in a perkins brailler and make my labels, then cut them the best I can. This works extremely well for me. I never did use a labeling machine well at all. Had the same problems the first poster had. The plastic sheets are such that you peal the back away and the sticky lable is then able to be used. I bet the one line slate would also work.

## Post 7 by Runner229 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 21-May-2013 20:38:13

I think I've used that one before, and I agree with Britney that the slate and stylus is the best way to label things.

## Post 8 by Tila Tequila! (Zone BBS Addict) on Wednesday, 22-May-2013 2:30:14

Also, if you use the slate I know the dymo tape has two pieces of paper on the back. They are placed in two skinny strips. If you gently fold the tape in half and feel around the back you can feel is divide and should make pealing it off a lot easier

## Post 9 by gizmobear (move over school!) on Monday, 03-Jun-2013 6:33:40

how about using a labeling pen? they use puff up ink so yo can write letters when dry the paint rises up

## Post 10 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Tuesday, 04-Jun-2013 22:39:27

I used to have one of those dymo labelers.It eventually did die on me, albeit only after many years of use. I'll still take those over the slate and stylus anyday. I could never get the hang of writing backwards.