Q-flex® Applicator
Product Details
Ear tag applicator for installing all styles of Q-flex® visual ear tags.
- Powder-coated aluminum resists wear over years of use
- Retention clip keeps tag in place, essential when tagging ornery stock
- Not cumbersome; handles easily for precise tag placement
Use to install the following tags:
Applicator Instructions 
Specs
- 9-1/2" long
- High-quality powder-coated aluminum
- Installs Q-flex 1.2, Q-flex 1.5, Q-flex 3 and Q-flex 5
How to Use
- Female tags will need to be separated from male tags.
- Place the female cap of the tag completely under the spring fingers of the applicator. If numbered, the numbers will be down and the tag will extend away from the tagger. Slide the male tag over the metal pin. If numbered, the numbers will be up and the tag will extend away from the tagger.
- Before you try to insert the tag into the ear, gently squeeze the applicator together to ensure that both the male and female tags are aligned.
- Place the ear between the jaws of the applicator, positioning the male tag on the back side of the ear. Make sure the tag is correctly place.
- Grip the ear quickly and firmly at the proposed position of the tag. Place the point of the tag in contact with the ear close to your thumb. This allows you to feel the vein therefore avoiding it. Completely close the applicator until the tag is inserted through the ear and the female side of the tag.
Tips
Tag placement is critical to success!
For maximum retention and the lowest risk of bleeding and infection, place ear tags in either of the two spots shown in the illustration below. The goal is about 2-3 inches from the head of the animal.
TIP: Inserting Tags in Cold Weather
Plastic tags (all brands) are much easier to install if they are warm. Why? As the temperature drops below freezing, plastic becomes less flexible (more stiff). Forcing the male point of a tag through the female takes many more lbs. of pressure (because the female must expand).
So if you care about your hands it’s a good idea to keep the tags above freezing in very cold weather. It takes very little to do this. One method is to simply store them while tagging in a small bucket, cardboard box or tool box with a lid alongside a sealed pop bottle full of warm water. The warm water will keep both the air and the tags warmer in the container.
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Ear Tags
Q-flex 1.2 (yellow, pkg. 20)
Item #630090 -Small temporary ear tag for lambs and kids. Useful for quick stock identification on the farm.
$10.00 -
Ear Tags
Q-flex 1.5 (yellow, pkg. 20)
Item #630031 -Easy-to-read livestock ear tags for lambs, goats and small sheep breeds. Scrapie approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$13.00 -
Ear Tags
Q-flex 3 (yellow, pkg. 20)
Item #630051 -Livestock ear tag for well-suited for adult rams and ewes. Readable by most. USDA Scrapie Eradication Program approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$18.00 -
Ear Tags
Q-flex 5 (yellow, pkg. 20)
Item #630071 -Largest ear tag in our Q-flex line—very easy to read. For adult sheep only. Scrapie approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$20.00 -
Ear Tag Accessories
SuperLube™, 8 oz
Item #550800 -An all-purpose antiseptic OB lubricant for lambing and kidding. Very useful if a lamb (or kid) goes dry during birth.
$6.00 -
Docking and Castrating
Pine Tar (squeezable bottle), 16 oz
Item #623200 -Cover wounds on sheep, goats, chickens and guardian dogs to repel flies and biting insects. Effective for several days after application.
$16.00 -
Docking and Castrating
Catron® IV, 10 oz spray can
Item #888147 -Used for treating sheep with fly-strike and as a preventative after docking, castrating or ear tagging. 10 oz spray can.
$12.00
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Applicators
Replacement Pin for Q-flex® & Allflex® Applicators
Item #6300880 -Tool for applying all styles of Q-flex visual ear tags. Powder-coated aluminum won’t rust.
$5.00
Write a Review
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Louisa L from Missouri
I have never used a tagger that was this much trouble. It is heavy, requires both my hands to squeeze on, and does not release easily. Today I ripped a lambs ear because she jerked at just the wrong time. I've never had that happen with other tags and about 20 years of working goats, sheep and cows.
Katherine E from Michigan
Tagger worked great for us. We did tag in above freezing weather and found the tags very flexible and easy to apply. The applicator is a bit bulky for small hands and you do have to pull the tag free from the female side after tagging but no real complaints.
Audrey L from Missouri
It works perfectly, I just don’t like the way it’s built. It’s hard to get it unattached from tag after you tag the animal. But I would still recommend it.
Jeremy F from Pennsylvania
Worked well and seems to be built to last a while. The metal loop that keeps the applicators closed fell off on the first use but it doesn't affect the ability to use the tool.
Michael H from Missouri
I wanted to get the Pro model but it was out of stock so got this one instead. Turns out to not be a bad choice and is a lot cheaper for a small operation. I tagged 4 lambs with it. It does take a good bit of strength to get the tags pinned on, but I think it was because it was relatively cold outside (25 degrees) and the tags were cold. I needed to follow the instructions with the tags that said to warm the tags in warm water. I was already using the blue anti-bacterial lubricant. After the first one, I warmed the others in my pocket for a while and that seemed to help. The U-shaped piece of metal at the end of the handle that is meant to keep the tool closed when not in use fell off and was lost almost immediately. Does not impact the utility of the tool. I also purchased a spare pin, but did not need it for this first use. I think it will be OK for a small operation, but for someone who is tagging dozens of animals at a time, it might be better to get the Pro model.
