We’ve got 50 pieces per package sitting in stock right now, lead time is typically 3-5 days unless you need expedited shipping—cold chain doesn’t apply here, it’s just pliers. The aluminum alloy body with stainless steel pins is what makes it worth buying, because of that it doesn’t flex under the torque of punching through thick ear cartilage on a mature bull, and we’ve seen these last years on dairy operations without the hinge loosening up.
The precision mechanism is basically a compound system that cuts the tag pin cleanly through the ear and locks it in one motion—it’s not a cheap stamped steel jaw that drifts after 200 tags. Most buyers go with the green handle, and it’s actually a textured grip that stays tacky even when wet, though we’ve had some ranchers complain it stains after repeated iodine dips. For sheep and goats you’ll want to adjust the jaw gap slightly, but we usually ship them set for cattle out of the box—roughly 3-4mm opening at rest.
Anyway, the thing works with standard RFID ear tags and visual tags from all major manufacturers, but it’s not suited for those thick plastic management tags with the locking button—those need a different applicator with a wider throat. The pin is replaceable if it eventually dulls (usually after 5,000-8,000 tags), and our company can include spare pins in shipment if you ask—just specify quantty when ordering.
HS code is 8203200000, so it clears customs as hand tools rather than veterinary instruments, which saves you on import classification headaches in most countries. 50 units or so per carton means the shipping weight is about 12kg, give or take half a kilo depending on packging. We don’t always have the batch MOQ broken down by color, but green is what we stock in volume—blue handles are special order with a 20-day lead time.
One detail that catches buyers off guard: the pivot bolt is a metric M8 thread with nylon locknut, not a standard machine screw, so if you lose it mid-run you’ll need a specific replacement—keep a spare in your toolbox. The stainles steel components aren’t marine-grade 316, but for dry barn conditions it’s better than the cheaper zinc-plated alternatives that flake after two seasons.
We typically require a 50-piece minimum, which matches one full package. If you need less, we can sometimes arrange a sample order — just ask.
For 200 pieces, expect around 7-10 working days. We keep a decent stock, so bigger orders might need a bit more time depending on current demand.
Yes, we provide a Certificate of Analysis and a material compliance sheet upon request. The aluminum alloy and stainless steel components meet standard livestock handling specs.
Definitely. It's designed to work with standard RFID ear tags and visual tags of similar size. Just make sure the tag pin aligns with the applicator's jaw before squeezing.
Keep them in a dry place — ideally a tool chest or plastic bin. The stainless steel parts resist rust, but the aluminum alloy can oxidize if left damp. A quick wipe after use helps.