Your new mil-spec Dog Tag set is easy to assemble, and can be configured and worn in a variety of ways depending on your preference. We can either pre-assemble your Dog Tags for you prior to shipping, or you can do it yourself with minimal dexterity. The traditional military configuration requires the following assembly:
How to put together a set of Dog Tags?
- Install the silicone silencer onto each Dog Tag.
- Insert the long chain into the hole of one of the dog tags. Connect the last ball of the chain to the connecter by inserting the ball into the cavity and then pulling with both hands on either side of the chain until you hear it snap into place.
- Insert the short chain into the hole of the other Dog Tag. Then pass the short chain through the loop of the long chain. Then close the short chain the same way as above.
This video shows detailed visual instructions on how to assemble your new dogtags:
How do I install a silencer on a Dog Tag?
The circular silencers are elastic and are designed to stretch around the rounded-rectangle shape of the Dog Tag. Be careful not to pull too hard as it may cause the silencer to tear. Learn more about or order extra silencers here.
- Ensure that the internal groove of the silencer is not stuck together anywhere, if it is carefully separate the edges.
- Insert the end of the Dog Tag with the hole into the internal groove of the silencer on the side with the hole.
- With the holes lined-up, stretch the silencer around the entire Dog Tag while inserting the edge of the tag into the groove.
- Manipulate the silencer with your fingers so that it does not cover up any text on the edges.
What is the Dog Tag shaped sticker for?
If you received a Dog Tag shaped decal with your order, you can optionally stick it to the back of your Dog Tag (we do not apply it by default!). This sticker smoothes out mirror-image reverse side lettering of the embossed characters and to remind you of the high quality of your MyDogtag.com Dog Tags.
Take care when applying it so that the notch in the sticker lines up with the hole, and the edges are parallel with those of the Dog Tag. Once in place, it cannot be adjusted, and if removed will leave a sticky residue. The sticker is water resistant and will not peel off when exposed to water.
If you are looking for something a little more functional, we also offer a Dog Tag shaped reflective decal (SOLAS TAPE) that is ideal for nightime visibility and rescue signalling.
How can I darken Debossed letters?
- Rub in good quality (not from the dollar store) waxy black shoe polish across the face of the debossed Dog Tag with your finger or cloth. Make sure to get it into all of the indentations.
- Immediately wipe the surface of the tag clean with your bare finger, do not wait for it to dry. Using a clean finger rather than a cloth tends to only remove the surface polish, leaving the polish in the letter indentations behind. You may have to do a few passes with other clean fingers to remove all the residual polish from the surface.
Over time the polish will dry and harden and will not be easily removed. Mineral spirits and a tooth brush can be used to remove the polish if desired in the future.
We also offer this as an add-on service (for Debossed Dog Tags only).
This video shows detailed visual instructions on how to darken your debossed dogtags:
How do I wear my Dog Tags?
Dog Tags are typically worn around your neck with one tag hanging lower than the other as per the photo:
How do I wear the Dog Tag Paracord Bracelet?
The leather-cuff dogtag bracelet comes pre-assembled, however the dogtag will be flat and you will need to manually bend it to conform to the curvature of your wrist. A person with average finger strength should be able to bend and manipulate the dogtag (while attached to the bracelet) until the desired curvature is achieved.
How do I use your templates to make replica Dog Tags?
A 'how-to' video on using our website to make replica Dog Tags using pre-made military branch & era templates.
