Helpful Hints from joeeze: Engraving your valuables

Nate Herpich's "Quick Fix" column on this subject, which appeared in the February 13, 2007 Wall Street Journal, caught my eye and follows.

Engraving Electronics

The Problem: Theft or loss of consumer electronics.

The Solution: Engrave items such as computers, TVs and portable devices with personal information so that the item may be returned if lost, help police track stolen goods and make it less desirable to steal since it's harder to resell.

The Insurance Information Institute suggests engraving electronics with a driver's license number and state of residence to help authorities contact you. Another option is to engrave the words "in case of loss" and a phone number or email should a good Samaritan find it.

Many police departments and campus safety centers will allow you to borrow their engraving pens, and local jewelers can often handle smaller items. Electric engravers are available for purchase online for as little as $15, and companies such as Apple and Sony also offer options for engraving.

The Caveat: Don't provide your Social Security number or other information an identity thief might use.

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You know our motto (originally promulgated by Edwin H. Land) here at bookofjoe World Headquarters™®: Solve the problem with what's in the room.

Engrave-It — "As seen on TV" — offers a do-it-yourself tool.

From the website:

Engrave-It™

Engrave-It protects your valuables.

Law enforcement won't return stolen property unless identifiable.

Also adds a unique message to picture frames, glassware, jewelry and other keepsakes, or make a gift even more special.

Safe and easy to use.

Works just like a pen on metal, wood, leather, computers, and electronics.

Set comes with three stencils, two ID tags and two replacement tips.

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$19.98.

But why bother paying for a tool when you already have what you need?

Ever seen one of these?

It works just great.

I've been engraving my name on stuff since I was in elementary school with one (no, I'm not still using that same one).

About 79 cents wherever school supplies are sold, or get yourself a fancy-pants Fiskars version (above) for $1.10.

The metal point works much better than the pencil.