How to choose a site marker: felt-tip pen, pencil or spray

For marking wood, use a carpenter's pencil; for metal, masonry and dirty surfaces, take a permanent marker; for marking out on the ground, outdoors, you need a marking spray. The tip determines the precision: 1 mm or ultra-fine for exact lines, chisel tip for wide, clearly visible lines. In the collection you will find pencils up to 300 mm long and markers sold singly, in pairs, in blister packs of 3 or in packs of 72.

The types

• Carpenter's pencils and large pencils: these are the long, flat, sturdy pencils for marking wood and rough surfaces. They come with hard or soft lead, such as the 300 mm hard-lead pencils and the soft-lead pencils of the same length. There are also marking pencils with a replaceable lead for when it wears down.
• Permanent markers: ink that stays on metal, plastic and masonry. They have a round, chisel or ball tip; there are single, twin and colour-set versions, and mini markers in packs of 72.
• Dura-ink series markers: ink markers for heavier use, with an ultra-fine, fine or chisel tip.
• Marking sprays: paint in an aerosol can for marking the ground and large surfaces. There are fluorescent marking sprays, including non-permanent ones, for temporary marks.
• Oil crayons and pastels: a thick, clearly visible mark, useful for identifying parts and materials.
• Display stands: pencil or marker displays (including 144-piece ones) designed for resellers or for anyone keeping stock for several crews.

How to choose by job

The features to check

• Tip: in the collection you will find 1 mm, ultra-fine, fine, round, ball and chisel tips. A fine tip is for precise marking out; a chisel tip gives a wider line that is easier to read.
• Lead hardness: hard lead gives a thin line that lasts longer; soft lead gives a darker, more visible line but wears down sooner.
• Colour: black, red, blue, white, yellow, green and mixed sets. Choose a colour that stands out from the background: white or yellow on dark material, black on light.
• Length: pencils range from about 9 cm to 30 cm, markers from about 15 to 19 cm. The longest are easier to hold, the short ones fit in a pocket.
• Pack size: from 1 piece to 144, including 2, 3, 12, 72 or 100. A single piece is enough for someone working alone; large packs are better value for anyone using them every day across several crews.
• Permanent or not: check on the product sheet whether the mark can be erased. Non-permanent fluorescent sprays are made for temporary marks.

Common mistakes

• Marking on a dirty surface. Dust and oil make the tip slide and the mark comes off: clean and dry the surface before marking out.
• Using a chisel tip for exact marking out. The wide line has a thickness that throws off the measurement; for precise cuts you need a fine tip.
• Forgetting the cap. A marker left open dries out in a short time; put the cap back on straight after use.
• Choosing the wrong lead. With a lead that is too hard, the mark on rough wood is barely visible; with one that is too soft, the tip wears down constantly.
• Buying huge packs for occasional use. A 144-piece display makes sense for a reseller, not for a site with a few crews.

Frequently asked questions

Which marker do I use to mark metal?

A permanent marker with a fine or round tip, such as the FatMax permanent marker. Before marking out, remove oil and dust from the spot you are going to mark.

What is the difference between hard lead and soft lead?

Hard lead leaves a thin, precise mark that lasts a long time. Soft lead leaves a darker, more legible mark, but wears down faster.

Can I get several colours in the same pack?

Yes, there are mixed sets, for example with different colours of permanent markers, such as the FatMax Colour set of 3 pieces. For a single colour there are packs of 12 pieces.

Does marking spray stay on the ground?

It depends on the product: there are non-permanent fluorescent sprays, designed for temporary marks. Always check the product sheet before choosing.

You will find the whole range in the Markers and marking sprays collection: if you are not sure which tip or which pack size you need, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.