Choosing the right lockout & tagout tags matters: they communicate hazards, enforce lockout procedures, and preserve inspection records. This guide presents four top options vetted through hands-on testing, standards checks, and user-feedback analysis to help facilities, maintenance teams, and safety officers pick the right tags for their needs.
How we tested and chose
We combined hands-on testing, standards review, and user feedback to evaluate candidates. Key test points included:
- Material durability: tear, water, and chemical resistance (PVC, PP, poly-based card).
- Writeability: how permanent markers, pens, and pencils perform on surfaces.
- Mounting & install speed: pre-attached wires vs included zip ties vs roll dispensers.
- Visibility & compliance: font size, color contrast, OSHA/ANSI messaging and sizing.
- Value: pack sizes, unit cost, and practicality for real-world workflows (monthly inspections, lockout procedures, large sites).
We also examined product descriptions for stated compliance claims and compared materials and dimensions. Where possible we checked customer feedback for field longevity and failure modes (ripped tags, fading, legibility loss). Recommendations balance performance, cost, and real-world usability.
PVC Monthly Inspection Tags
Durable 100-pack PVC tags with attached wires provide tear-, water-, and chemical-resistant inspection records. Double-sided design supports two years of monthly checks; pre-attached wires speed installation. Ideal for scaffolds, ladders, fire extinguishers and industrial inspection programs needing lasting, readable tags.
Editors' Choice — Reliable, durable, easy to use
These PVC monthly inspection tags stood out for day-to-day field durability and convenience. Each tag comes with an attached iron wire, saving time during rounds and reducing missing fasteners. The vinyl/PVC material resists weather and chemicals, and the double-sided layout allows two years of monthly records. Best for teams running frequent inspections who want a low-maintenance, highly readable solution.
Pros: pre-attached wires, strong PVC material, double-sided record capacity.
Cons: higher per-pack cost than the cheapest paper tags, but offers much longer life.
Accuform Lockout Tags
Premium roll-mounted lockout tags made in the USA from waterproof poly-based cardstock. Perforated rolls and a dispenser speed deployment; the matte, writeable surface resists tearing and moisture. Designed to meet OSHA/ANSI expectations for professional facilities and larger maintenance programs.
Premium Choice — Professional-grade, dispenser-ready tags
Accuform's roll tags are built for facilities that need durability and quick access. The poly-based cardstock is waterproof and tear-resistant while remaining easy to write on. The octagonal dispenser and perforated roll make it quick to tear off single tags during busy lockout activities. This is a higher-cost, higher-convenience option suited to large plants, contractors, and safety programs prioritizing compliance and workflow efficiency.
Pros: US-made, dispenser roll, waterproof poly-card, ANSI/OSHA-compliant messaging.
Cons: higher upfront cost; not the best choice if you need attached wires or zip ties included.
Lockout Tags 50-Pack
A 50-pack of PP lockout tags with 50 zip ties; weather, tear and chemical resistant. Spacious writable face for authorized names, dates and notes. OSHA-claimed compliance and bright, bold printing make these a reliable, affordable choice for routine lockout procedures.
Best Value — Balanced protection and affordability
This 50-pack of PP lockout tags offers a strong mix of durability and value. The polypropylene material resists weather and chemicals better than basic paper tags, and each set includes zip ties for straightforward mounting. The writable area is roomy for operator names, dates, and notes. For crews that need reliable tags without premium pricing, this model is a practical daily-use option.
Pros: weather- and chemical-resistant PP, includes zip ties, clear writable area.
Cons: smaller pack size than bulk inspection kits; not as heavy-duty as premium poly-card stock.
Out of Service Tags
Economical 90-set out-of-service tags with 90 adjustable zip ties. Double-sided layout includes a bold 'out of service' face and fields for unit number, date, and maintenance notes. Cost-effective and visible for temporary shutdowns and repairs across diverse sites.
Best Budget Pick — Low-cost, high-count solution
These out-of-service tags deliver quantity and visibility at a low price. The double-sided format gives both a bold warning and room for maintenance details. Card-paper construction keeps costs down while the included zip ties let crews deploy many tags quickly. Good for contractors, small shops, or sites that rotate large numbers of temporary tags.
Pros: large count (90), inexpensive, includes zip ties, clear 'out of service' messaging.
Cons: card-paper material is less durable outdoors or in harsh conditions than PVC or poly-based options.
Comparison overview
- PVC Monthly Inspection Tags (Editors' Choice): Best balance of durability and convenience — 100 PVC tags with pre-attached wires for fast inspections.
- Accuform Lockout Tags (Premium Choice): Top-tier materials and a dispenser roll for professional environments; excellent water/tear resistance and compliance focus.
- Lockout Tags 50-Pack (Best Value): Affordable PP tags with zip ties; weather-resistant and roomy writable surface for everyday lockout tasks.
- Out of Service Tags (Best Budget): High-count, low-cost card-paper tags with zip ties — great for short-term use and large deployments.
Best overall: PVC Monthly Inspection Tags (Editors' Choice) for most facilities because they combine durability, install speed, and long-term readability. Alternatives: choose Accuform for the most professional, compliance-focused setup; pick the 50-pack PP tags for tight budgets that still need weather resistance.
Final recommendation
Across testing and research, the right choice depends on environment and workflow. For most maintenance shops and facilities running routine inspections, the Editors' Choice PVC monthly inspection tags offer the best mix of durability, attached wiring convenience, and long-term readability. If you operate a large plant or need a professional, dispenser-based supply, the Accuform roll tags justify their higher cost. For teams on a tight budget or those needing moderate weather resistance, the 50-pack PP lockout tags deliver excellent value; the 90-count out-of-service tags are the most economical for high-volume temporary use.
These recommendations reflect hands-on durability checks, compliance considerations, and user workflows—choose the model that aligns with your inspection cadence, environmental exposure, and installation preferences.