A clear nameplate photo is often the fastest way to identify equipment, especially when the manual is missing or the part number has worn off. But many photos we receive are blurred, cropped or taken at an angle.
Five tips for a useful photo
- Clean the plate first. Oil and paint hide characters.
- Shoot straight on, not at an angle, and fill the frame with the plate.
- Use a torch from the side if the lettering is stamped rather than printed.
- Take a second photo showing the whole equipment, so the plate's position is clear.
- Add a photo of the old part next to a ruler or tape measure.
With the maker, model and serial number readable, we can usually identify the correct part and its current revision without further questions.