How to engrave dog tags – The 6 best methods explained

Dog tags are more than just accessories – they can carry important information, personal messages, or individual style statements. Whether you want to personalize pet tags, military-style ID badges, or stylish gifts, engraving makes each piece meaningful and lasting.

In this guide, we present 6 practical methods for engraving dog tags – from professional laser machines to DIY tools – so you can find the right method for your skills, budget and design requirements.

Method 1: Engrave the dog tag with a laser engraving machine

Laser engraving is one of the most precise and professional methods for personalizing a dog tag. Whether you want to add a name, contact information, or a custom design, a laser engraver delivers clean, permanent results on metal, plastic, or acrylic surfaces.

What you need for laser engraving a dog tag:

• - Fiber laser engraving machine
• Dog tags (stainless steel, aluminum, etc.)
• Design software (e.g. LightBurn, LaserPecker Software & App )

Step 1: Create or select a design

Use the design software to create the text, pattern or logo and adjust the size to fit the dog tag.

Step 2: Clean the surface of the brand

Remove dust, oil, or fingerprints to ensure a clean engraving.

Step 3: Securely fix the brand

Place the dog tag on the laser bed and make sure it does not move during engraving.

Step 4: Adjust laser settings

Adjust the power, speed, and focus height according to the material. (e.g., for stainless steel: lower speed, higher power)

Step 5: Check the engraving area

Use the preview/frame function to align the design with the brand.

Step 6: Start engraving

Start the engraving process and monitor it for safety and accuracy.

Step 7: Cleaning and finishing

Once finished, remove any residue and polish the surface if necessary.

Advantages and disadvantages of engraving a dog tag with a fiber laser

Advantages:

High precision and attention to detail

Fast and efficient for small to medium production runs

Non-contact method (no tool wear or damage)

Works on a wide variety of materials

Disadvantages:

Requires expensive specialized equipment.

Method 2: Engrave the dog tag with a rotary tool

Using a rotary tool or engraving pen is a practical and cost-effective method for engraving dog tags. This method is excellent for DIY projects or one-off customizations, especially if you enjoy crafting or don't have access to a laser.

Materials needed:

• Rotary tool or electric engraving pen
• Screw clamp, vise or non-slip mat
• Polishing cloth or fine sandpaper

Step 1: Plan and mark the design

Use a stencil or marker to pre-draw the text or pattern on the dog tag.

Step 2: Fix the brand

Attach the dog tag to your work surface to prevent it from slipping.

Step 3: Select the appropriate milling cutter

Use a fine engraving cutter that is suitable for the brand's material.

Step 4: Start engraving slowly

Hold the tool like a pen and trace the design evenly. Light pressure is most effective.

Step 5: Cleaning and polishing

Remove dust and polish the dog tag if necessary to make the engraving stand out more clearly.

Advantages and disadvantages of engraving dog tags with a rotary tool

Advantages:

Affordable and easily accessible

No software or machine setup required

Disadvantages:

Requires a steady hand and practice

Less precise than laser or CNC engraving

Time-consuming for complex designs

Can lead to uneven depth or clarity.

Method 3: Engraving a dog tag with a chisel and hammer

Hand engraving with chisel and hammer is a traditional technique that offers a robust, handcrafted finish. It is best suited for those who appreciate craftsmanship and desire a more personal, artisan-style engraving on metal dog tags.

Materials needed:

• Small metal chisel or engraving stamp set
• Ball hammer or light engraving hammer
• Engraving block or vise (for securely fixing the dog tag)
• Pencil or scribing needle (for sketching the design)

Step 1: Select design

Lightly draw or etch the desired design or text onto the dog tag as a guide.

Step 2: Fix the brand

Place the dog tag on a firm surface and secure it firmly to prevent movement.

Step 3: Position the chisel or punch

Align the chisel or stamp with the first letter or line of your design.

Step 4: Hit with a hammer

Strike the chisel or stamp with controlled force. Repeat the process for each letter or element.

Step 5: Cleaning and finishing

Remove any residue and polish the dog tag for a clean finish.

Advantages and disadvantages of hand-engraving dog tags

Advantages:

Requires neither electricity nor complex tools.

Durable and long-lasting engraving.

Disadvantages:

Time-consuming, especially with detailed designs.

Requires precision and practice.

Limited to simple texts or forms.

Method 4: Designing a dog tag by embossing

Metal stamping is a popular and beginner-friendly method for personalizing dog tags. Using metal letter or number stamps and a hammer, permanent impressions can be made on the surface, giving the tag a robust, handcrafted look.

Source: Hand stamped Pet Tag for Teddy

Materials needed:

• Metal stamps (alphabet, numbers, symbols)
• Ball hammer or stamping hammer
• Dog tags (preferably aluminum, brass or stainless steel)
• Polishing cloth

Step 1: Plan and align the design

Use masking tape or an embossing template to mark the position of the design and align the letters.

Step 2: Fix the brand

Place the dog tag on a steel block and secure it with adhesive tape.

Step 3: Position the stamp

Hold the metal stamp vertically above the desired spot.

Step 4: Hit with a hammer

Perform a strong, controlled hammer blow to impress the stamp into the metal.

Step 5: Repeat and complete (optional)

Repeat the process for each character. Fill in the letters with a dark marker or enamel and wipe away the excess ink.

Advantages and disadvantages of embossing dog tags

Advantages:

Very cost-effective and easy to learn

No electricity or software required

Disadvantages:

Limited level of detail

Works well only on flat, soft metal.

Mistakes are difficult to correct.

Method 5: Engrave the dog tag with a small CNC machine

A small CNC engraving machine offers precision and repeatability, making it ideal for custom engraving of dog tags – especially when you need consistent results across multiple pieces. It's an excellent option for small businesses, hobbyists, or experienced DIY users.

Materials needed:

• CNC desktop engraving machine
• Engraving cutter
• CAM/CAD software
• Dog tags (typically aluminum, brass or stainless steel)
• Polishing cloth

Step 1: Create engraving design

Create or import your design using CAD software and convert it into a toolpath using CAM software.

Step 2: Fix the mark to the worktable

Secure the dog tag firmly to the CNC table using strong adhesive tape or clamps.

Step 3: Select and insert a suitable milling cutter

Use a fine engraving cutter and zero the machine on the surface of the mark.

Step 4: Set material and speed parameters

Adjust the spindle speed, feed rate, and engraving depth to suit the brand's material.

Step 5: Start engraving

Start the engraving process and monitor the machine for safety and precision during operation.

Step 6: Cleaning and polishing

Once finished, remove any residue and polish the dog tag if necessary.

Advantages and disadvantages of CNC engraving of dog tags

Advantages:

Extremely precise and detailed

Repeatable results – ideal for series production

Fully automated process after setup

Disadvantages:

High acquisition costs for machine and software

Setup takes time for each new design.

Method 6: Engrave a dog tag with a Cricut Maker

The Cricut Maker, well-known in the crafting and DIY sector, can engrave soft metals like aluminum with its engraving attachment. While it's not suitable for deep engravings or hard metals, it offers an excellent option for light, decorative engravings on dog tags – ideal for crafters and hobbyists.

Materials needed:

• Cricut Maker
• StrongGrip mat
• Aluminum dog tags (Cricut recommends anodized aluminum)
• Painter's tape or masking tape (for fixing the blank)
• Computer with Cricut Design Space software

Step 1: Create a design

Create or import your text or graphic design into Cricut Design Space and adjust the size to fit the dog tag.

Step 2: Place the marker on the mat

Securely attach the dog tag to the StrongGrip mat with adhesive tape to prevent movement.

Step 3: Select engraving tip

Insert the Cricut engraving tip into the machine's tool holder.

Step 4: Define material and settings

In Design Space, select "aluminium sheet" or a similar material to set optimal pressure and throughput.

Step 5: Start engraving

Start the engraving process and wait until the machine has completed the design.

Step 6: Removal and Cleaning

Carefully remove the dog tag and wipe away any residue. Polish the surface if necessary.

Advantages and disadvantages of engraving dog tags with the Cricut Maker

Advantages:

user-friendly

Ideal for decorative or light engravings

Compact and perfect for small DIY setups

Disadvantages:

Only works with soft metals (not suitable for stainless steel)

Flat engraving, mainly for light markings

Conclusion

Engraving dog tags can be as simple or as intricate as you like. From precise laser engraving machines to handheld tools like engraving pens or embossing kits, each method offers its own advantages. Whether you're personalizing a single tag or producing a larger quantity, choosing the right engraving method depends on the material, the desired level of detail, and the tools available.

Now that you know the 6 main methods for engraving dog tags, it's time to choose your preferred method and create something meaningful.