Ear Mark Forceps

Product Overview

The SL-87 ear mark forceps is a hand-operated applicator designed to fit livestock ear tags onto cattle, sheep and other farm animals. Built as a scissor-style plier, it holds the tag stud in the upper jaw and the tag body in the lower jaw, so one squeeze punches the ear and locks the tag in a single motion. The tool shown in the image measures 23.5 cm in total length and weighs about 269 g, giving the operator enough leverage to work quickly without tiring the wrist.

Two handle colors are available in the same model: a blue plastic-coated version and a black version with an exposed metal return spring. The plier frame is made of metal with comfortable non-slip grip handles, and a spring between the handles opens the jaws automatically after each press. This design suits daily tagging work on dairy farms, feedlots, sheep stations and breeding herds where many animals need to be marked during one working session.

Key Features and Benefits

• Single-motion tagging - the upper needle punches through the ear while the lower jaw seats the tag, so each animal is tagged in one squeeze instead of two separate steps.
• Spring return action - the built-in metal spring opens the jaws automatically after every press, keeping both hands free to load the next tag.
• 23.5 cm working length - the long handles multiply hand force, making it easier to punch thick cattle ears without straining the operator.
• Lightweight 269 g body - the tool stays light enough for all-day use, reducing fatigue when tagging large batches of animals.
• Non-slip grip handles - the coated handles give a secure hold even when hands are wet or dusty, improving control during fast work.
• Two handle color options - blue and black versions let farms assign tools to different staff or teams and keep equipment easy to tell apart.

Technical Specifications

• Product name: SL-87 Ear Mark Forceps, ear tag plier
• Model: SL-87
• Overall length: 23.5 cm
• Weight: 269 g
• Handle options: blue coated version, black coated version
• Structure: scissor-style metal plier with return spring
• Application: livestock ear tag applicator for cattle, sheep and similar animals

Materials and Quality

The working frame of the plier is formed from stamped metal, with the pivot screw and jaw tips taking the main punching load. The handles are over-molded with a plastic coating that protects the metal and gives a firm, comfortable grip. The upper jaw carries a stud receiver that lines up with the tag pin, and the lower jaw holds the tag body in a small slot so it cannot slip sideways during the press.

Each tool is checked before shipment for spring tension, jaw alignment and handle finish. A well-aligned plier matters: if the two jaws are not centered, the tag may punch off-center or fail to lock fully, which can lead to tags falling out later in the field.

How to Use and Maintain

Load the tag pin into the upper jaw and the tag body into the lower jaw, then place the plier over the thin middle part of the animal ear, away from the large veins. Squeeze the handles firmly until the two halves click together, then release and let the spring open the jaws. Clean the jaw area with a cloth after each working day, and check that the spring sits flat between the handles. Keep the tool dry and store it in the tool box together with spare tags; the pivot screw can be adjusted if the jaws ever feel loose.

Applications

This ear tag plier is used wherever livestock identification is needed. Dairy farms apply it when marking calves after birth, beef feedlots use it to tag incoming cattle from different herds, and sheep stations rely on it to keep track of ewes and lambs across grazing seasons. It also fits pig farms and goat herds that use standard applicator-compatible ear tags.

Distributors and trading companies can stock this plier as a standard farm tool alongside ear tags, since the two products are usually bought together. Its simple mechanical design needs no power, so it works in open pastures, loading yards and remote farms where electricity is not available.

Why Choose Hebei Yilu Shunfeng Breeding Equipment

Hebei Yilu Shunfeng Breeding Equipment Co., Ltd. specializes in breeding equipment and farm tools for farmers and distributors worldwide. Every product is checked before shipment to ensure consistent quality, and orders are packed with export-grade packaging to protect the goods during transport. Our sales team can provide specification sheets, packing details and shipping advice for any order size. If you need more information about this plier, packaging options or mixed container loads, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which animals can this ear tag plier be used on?

The SL-87 plier is designed for cattle, sheep, goats and pigs that use standard button-style ear tags. The long lever gives enough force for thick cattle ears, while the controlled punch depth still suits thinner ears on smaller animals.

Q2: Does the plier work with ear tags from other brands?

It is built for standard TPU livestock ear tags with a round stud and a flat tag body. Most common ear tag sizes on the market fit the jaw slots, but we recommend ordering tags together with the plier so the stud alignment is confirmed before shipment.

Q3: How do I clean and store the tool?

Wipe the jaws and handles with a dry or slightly damp cloth after use, remove any tag debris from the slot, and keep the plier in a dry tool box. Do not hose it directly, because water around the pivot can speed up wear over time.

Q4: Is the spring or jaw replaceable if it wears out?

The return spring is a simple standard part that can be replaced by the user, and the jaw tips can be wiped and adjusted through the pivot screw. For heavier wear, contact our sales team for spare part information before ordering a new tool.