FAQ

What size should I make my branding iron?

First, if you are in a state or province that requires a certain size brand you will need to abide by the laws of your local brand office. If you have the option to choose, size is typically determined by the age of the animals you are branding, the location of the brand on the animal, and the brand design itself. All must be taken into consideration when ordering. Remember that a brand will grow as the animal grows.

What type of branding iron should I use?

The type of iron is determined by your needs. If you are looking to identify your animals in a timely, effective, and cost-efficient manner, an electric branding iron may work best for you. If you want to identify horses or dogs, a freeze branding iron may be the better choice — when done properly, freeze branding turns the affected hair white or colorless in the shape of your brand. This process is more time consuming than hot branding but the results are clean and easily visible, making it the preferred choice for many horse owners worldwide. We also offer a complete line of fire heated branding irons for use where power is not available.

Where do I get coolant for freeze branding?

Freeze branding requires cooling the irons to a temperature that produces a clean, consistent brand. The coolants used are either liquid nitrogen or dry ice and alcohol. Both are typically available at welding supply companies. Liquid nitrogen is also carried by artificial insemination suppliers for livestock semen storage.

How long does it take to get a branding iron made?

Production time depends on the type of iron you need. On average, electric branding irons and stainless steel fire brands take 1–2 weeks to produce. Freeze brands also typically take 1–2 weeks due to the manufacturing process involved. If you need your iron by a specific date, let us know and we will do our best to meet your timeline. Rush Order options are also available.

Can you repair an electric branding iron?

Yes — all electric branding irons can be repaired. In a worst-case scenario the element would need to be replaced, with a repair cost of $115.00 plus return shipping. A worthwhile savings compared to purchasing a new iron. Please use our Repair Form when returning an iron for an estimate or repair.

Can a brand be changed after it has been manufactured?

Yes, however this is not always ideal. Minor changes can sometimes be made to an electric iron. Freeze and fire heated irons generally cannot be modified without completely remanufacturing the iron.

Can I order a new iron to match an existing one without sending in a drawing?

Yes — if you have an existing Husky or L&H Branding Iron, all we need is the serial number found on the handle of the iron. We keep drawings of all electric brands we have manufactured. Simply provide the serial number, give us a call, or fill out our online order form and we can duplicate the iron for you. If you would like to change the size or design we can accommodate that at the same time.

Can I choose the wattage of my electric branding iron?

No — wattage on an electric branding iron is determined by how much element is needed to build the iron. The larger and more complex the iron, the higher the wattage. Please keep in mind that wattage alone does not determine how hot a branding iron will get.

I feel a shock when I brand my animals. Why is this happening?

As with any electrical appliance, there is a risk of electrical shock if the iron is not properly maintained or is not used on a properly grounded circuit. If your circuits are grounded and the iron fails, the chance of an accident is very slim. If you notice the animal reacting differently or feel a shock during branding, discontinue use immediately. Always use a 3-wire grounded circuit.

How do I pay for my order?

We accept personal checks paid in advance, as well as all major credit cards. For online orders we accept PayPal and credit cards.

Why isn't my electric branding iron heating at all?

There may be several reasons your iron is not heating. First, check that all connections are secure and that your electrical plugs are in good working order. Try plugging the iron into a different outlet. If the iron still does not heat, the problem may be in the heating element. You will need to take the iron to an electrician or send it to us for diagnosis and repair.

Why isn't my iron getting hot enough to produce a clear brand?

There are two likely causes. First, the power supply may be inadequate — using an extension cord with too small a gauge for the distance from your power source can cause this. The longer the distance, the larger the gauge required. See our cord length chart for recommended gauges. Second, the element in the iron may be shorting out and preventing the iron from heating properly.

Can someone else repair my electric branding iron?

No — we have one manufacturing facility equipped to make and repair electric branding irons. Please send your iron to us for any repairs.

What size should I make my branding iron?

First, if you are in a state or province that requires a certain size brand you will need to abide by the laws of your local brand office. If you have the option to choose, size is typically determined by the age of the animals you are branding, the location of the brand on the animal, and the brand design itself. All must be taken into consideration when ordering. Remember that a brand will grow as the animal grows.

What type of branding iron should I use?

The type of iron is determined by your needs. If you are looking to identify your animals in a timely, effective, and cost-efficient manner, an electric branding iron may work best for you. If you want to identify horses or dogs, a freeze branding iron may be the better choice — when done properly, freeze branding turns the affected hair white or colorless in the shape of your brand. This process is more time consuming than hot branding but the results are clean and easily visible, making it the preferred choice for many horse owners worldwide. We also offer a complete line of fire heated branding irons for use where power is not available.

Where do I get coolant for freeze branding?

Freeze branding requires cooling the irons to a temperature that produces a clean, consistent brand. The coolants used are either liquid nitrogen or dry ice and alcohol. Both are typically available at welding supply companies. Liquid nitrogen is also carried by artificial insemination suppliers for livestock semen storage.

How long does it take to get a branding iron made?

Production time depends on the type of iron you need. On average, electric branding irons and stainless steel fire brands take 1–2 weeks to produce. Freeze brands also typically take 1–2 weeks due to the manufacturing process involved. If you need your iron by a specific date, let us know and we will do our best to meet your timeline. Rush Order options are also available.

Can you repair an electric branding iron?

Yes — all electric branding irons can be repaired. In a worst-case scenario the element would need to be replaced, with a repair cost of $115.00 plus return shipping. A worthwhile savings compared to purchasing a new iron. Please use our Repair Form when returning an iron for an estimate or repair.

Can a brand be changed after it has been manufactured?

Yes, however this is not always ideal. Minor changes can sometimes be made to an electric iron. Freeze and fire heated irons generally cannot be modified without completely remanufacturing the iron.

Can I order a new iron to match an existing one without sending in a drawing?

Yes — if you have an existing Husky or L&H Branding Iron, all we need is the serial number found on the handle of the iron. We keep drawings of all electric brands we have manufactured. Simply provide the serial number, give us a call, or fill out our online order form and we can duplicate the iron for you. If you would like to change the size or design we can accommodate that at the same time.

Can I choose the wattage of my electric branding iron?

No — wattage on an electric branding iron is determined by how much element is needed to build the iron. The larger and more complex the iron, the higher the wattage. Please keep in mind that wattage alone does not determine how hot a branding iron will get.

I feel a shock when I brand my animals. Why is this happening?

As with any electrical appliance, there is a risk of electrical shock if the iron is not properly maintained or is not used on a properly grounded circuit. If your circuits are grounded and the iron fails, the chance of an accident is very slim. If you notice the animal reacting differently or feel a shock during branding, discontinue use immediately. Always use a 3-wire grounded circuit.

How do I pay for my order?

We accept personal checks paid in advance, as well as all major credit cards. For online orders we accept PayPal and credit cards.

Why isn't my electric branding iron heating at all?

There may be several reasons your iron is not heating. First, check that all connections are secure and that your electrical plugs are in good working order. Try plugging the iron into a different outlet. If the iron still does not heat, the problem may be in the heating element. You will need to take the iron to an electrician or send it to us for diagnosis and repair.

Why isn't my iron getting hot enough to produce a clear brand?

There are two likely causes. First, the power supply may be inadequate — using an extension cord with too small a gauge for the distance from your power source can cause this. The longer the distance, the larger the gauge required. See our cord length chart for recommended gauges. Second, the element in the iron may be shorting out and preventing the iron from heating properly.

Can someone else repair my electric branding iron?

No — we have one manufacturing facility equipped to make and repair electric branding irons. Please send your iron to us for any repairs.