Choose the DYMO RHINO 4200 for entry-level van labelling, the RHINO 5200 kit for a complete portable setup, the RHINO 6000+ kit for PC-prepared batches, or the M1011 kit for stamped metal tags. This DymoOnline guide pairs each tool with materials for plumbing identification, from curved pipework to valves and outdoor equipment.
- RHINO 4200 suits direct QWERTY entry in the van and RHINO cartridges up to 19mm.
- RHINO 5200 kit includes a hard case, rechargeable battery, adaptor and two vinyl cartridges.
- RHINO 6000+ adds USB PC connection, imported data and cartridges up to 24mm.
- M1011 stamps 12mm aluminium or stainless steel tags for mechanical attachment.
- Match polyester, vinyl, flexible nylon, heat shrink or metal strip to the surface and job.
Choose the marking method first
A flat equipment plate, curved pipe and mechanically fixed valve tag need different materials. Choose adhesive tape for a printed label, heat shrink for a conductor sleeve, or metal strip for an embossed tag. Check the job and compliance requirements before selecting the material and applying the label.
For wider trade applications, see our DYMO RHINO picks for tradies.
Plumbing label makers at a glance
| Tool | Suited to | Useful features | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DYMO RHINO 4200 | Entry-level van labelling | QWERTY keyboard; 6mm to 19mm cartridges | No PC connection; power accessories and case are separate |
| DYMO RHINO 5200 hard case kit | Portable installation and maintenance work | Battery, adaptor and case; over 100 saved formats | No PC connection; maximum width 19mm |
| DYMO RHINO 6000+ hard case kit | PC-prepared equipment labels and batches | USB with DYMO ID; 6mm to 24mm cartridges; 200-label storage | PC workflow requires DYMO ID on Windows |
| DYMO M1011 metal embosser kit | Stamped tags for valves, meters and outdoor equipment | 12mm metal strip; hole and cable-tie-slot punches | Manual character entry; tags need mechanical fixing |
1. DYMO RHINO 4200: suited to the van and entry-level work
The RHINO 4200 is a handheld industrial labeller with a QWERTY keyboard and backlit display. Type a short equipment identifier beside the job and use hot keys for fixed-length labels, wraps and flags.
It prints RHINO vinyl, flexible nylon, permanent polyester and heat shrink cartridges from 6mm to 19mm. Favourites and Custom keys recall frequently used settings.
Advantages: QWERTY entry and reusable settings.
Limitations: No PC connection or 24mm cartridge support. The box includes a vinyl starter cartridge, but not a case, battery pack, adaptor or the six AA cells.
Choose the RHINO 4200 for direct label entry in the van.
2. DYMO RHINO 5200 kit: suited to a complete portable setup
The RHINO 5200 kit includes the labeller, hard case, rechargeable lithium ion battery, AC adaptor and two white industrial vinyl cartridges. It has an ABC keyboard and a backlit two-line display.
The tool saves and recalls over 100 label formats and prints up to five lines on 19mm tape. Reuse layouts for equipment references and descriptions.
Advantages: Carry case and power accessories included; saved formats; multi-line printing on wider tape.
Limitations: No PC connection, and the 19mm maximum width is the same as the 4200.
Choose the RHINO 5200 kit for portable work with rechargeable power.
3. DYMO RHINO 6000+ kit: suited to PC and batch work
The RHINO 6000+ connects through USB to a Windows PC running DYMO ID software. Prepare layouts and imported data for repeated equipment labels.
It accepts RHINO cartridges from 6mm to 24mm, stores up to 200 labels and has a label preview with zoom.
Advantages: PC preparation, wider cartridge support and stored labels for repeat work.
Limitations: PC preparation requires Windows and DYMO ID.
The hard case kit includes a rechargeable battery, mains adaptor, 9mm vinyl cartridge and 24mm flexible nylon cartridge.
Choose the RHINO 6000+ for prepared label lists, repeat batches or compatible 24mm materials.
4. DYMO M1011 kit: suited to stamped metal tags
The M1011 manually presses 4.775mm characters into 12mm aluminium or stainless steel strip. Use it for valve, meter and outdoor equipment identifiers where the job calls for an attached metal tag.
The tool has a hole punch, cable-tie-slot punch, measuring gauge and scissor cut-off. Its hard case kit includes standard and reverse-image character wheels, a 12mm x 3.65m aluminium roll and a 12mm x 4.8m stainless steel roll.
Advantages: Embossed lettering, no power supply and built-in punches for attachment.
Limitations: Each character is entered manually. Non-adhesive tags need fixing with a rivet, screw or wire through a punched hole; RHINO printer cartridges do not fit.
Choose the M1011 for mechanically fixed metal tags.
Tools for plumbing identification
Tapes for plumbing jobs
Permanent Polyester: flat equipment labels
RHINO Permanent Polyester Tape suits smooth, flat equipment panels and asset plates. Each cartridge contains 5.5m, with 9mm, 12mm, 19mm and 24mm widths in the range. The 19mm options include black on clear and black on metallic.
Use it for a flat pump or equipment identifier. Up to 19mm fits all three RHINO picks; 24mm requires the 6000+.
Vinyl: general identification and contrasting colours
RHINO Vinyl Tape is conformable tape for indoor and outdoor labels, with 5.5m per cartridge. The range includes black on white in 9mm, 12mm and 19mm, plus white on black in 9mm and 12mm.
Print “HOT WATER” or “COLD WATER” for line descriptions; choose the listed colour combination for contrast.
Flexible Nylon: curved pipe and conduit
RHINO Flexible Nylon Tape follows curved and textured surfaces, including conduit and fittings. Each cartridge contains 3.5m. Black on white comes in 12mm, 19mm and 24mm; black on yellow comes in 12mm and 19mm.
Choose it for a wrap around curved pipework rather than flat polyester. The 12mm and 19mm sizes fit all three RHINO tools; 24mm requires the 6000+.
Heat Shrink Tube: conductor sleeves
RHINO Heat Shrink Tube is printable polyolefin sleeving with a 3:1 shrink ratio and 1.5m per cartridge. It comes in 6mm, 9mm, 12mm and 19mm, in black on white or black on yellow.
Size it by conductor outside diameter: 6mm suits 1.18–2.33mm, 9mm suits 1.73–3.73mm, 12mm suits 2.97–5.13mm and 19mm suits 4.64–8.70mm. Print, slide the sleeve into position and shrink it with a separate heat gun. All four cartridge sizes fit the three RHINO picks.
Metal Embossing Tape: M1011 tags
DYMO Metal Embossing Tape comes in non-adhesive 12mm x 4.8m rolls: aluminium 301241 and stainless steel 301242. Both are for the M1011.
Aluminium suits general indoor and outdoor identification. Stainless steel is the option for environments involving salt air, wash-down, solvents or sustained heat.
FAQ
Which RHINO suits a plumber starting with van labelling?
Choose the RHINO 4200 for QWERTY entry and cartridges up to 19mm. The RHINO 5200 kit adds a hard case, rechargeable battery and adaptor.
Which tool suits PC-prepared plumbing labels?
The RHINO 6000+ connects by USB to a Windows PC using DYMO ID. It supports imported data and compatible cartridges up to 24mm.
Which tool makes metal valve tags?
The M1011 embosses 12mm aluminium or stainless steel strip. Its built-in punches provide attachment holes and cable-tie slots.
Which tape suits curved pipework?
RHINO Flexible Nylon is the curved-surface option. Use Permanent Polyester for smooth, flat equipment labels instead.
For office filing only, the DYMO LabelWriter 550 is a separate desktop option.
