Crime Scene FD-258 Fingerprint Kit: Five Cards, Ink and Directions for use
Quick take
The Crime Scene FD-258 Fingerprint Kit is a bundled set for applicant-level fingerprinting using FD-258 cards. It includes five FD-258 applicant cards (version 10/31/2023), ink strips, a retainer pad, and printed directions. It can be a cost-saving option for careful DIY fingerprinting, but rolling usable prints at home can take practice and often requires a second person.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Includes FD-258 applicant cards plus ink strips, retainer pad, and directions, so you can start without extra basics.
- Ink strips peel open to become more inked strips, which can help if you need redo attempts.
- Ink is designed to produce dark, clear prints.
- FD-258 cards are widely used for applicant-level processing (example uses include employment screening, licensing, and immigration-related applications).
Cons
- DIY fingerprinting is not quick, and correct rolling takes care, often with help from a second person.
- Card sets are limited (five cards), so if you botch multiple tries, you may still need professional re-capture.
- There is some buyer education involved to ensure you have the right card type for your specific form or agency requirements.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is mixed but theme-rich. Several shoppers report the kit is straightforward to use for applicant-related background or licensing contexts, and they appreciated having multiple cards available for mistakes. Other feedback suggests that getting prints right at home can be challenging, even with a partner, and that some people ended up going to a local service after struggling with usable rolls. Overall, the most consistent message is that this kit supports at-home fingerprinting, but your results depend heavily on technique and patience.
What’s in the kit, and what FD-258 means
This kit is built around FD-258 applicant cards, the card type commonly used for applicant-level fingerprint processing (for example, employment screening, professional licensing, and immigration applications). It includes:
- Five applicant cards (FD-258), version dated 10/31/2023
- Five ink strips that peel open to become 10 inked strips
- One ink strip retainer pad
- Directions for use
Performance and usability: where this kit shines
Ink and card readiness. The kit is designed so you are not piecing together consumables. The ink strips peel open to give additional inked strip sections, which can reduce downtime if you need to redo a fingerprint set.
Planned, careful sessions tend to go better. Reviews that describe success often emphasize “easy and simple” use, suggesting the overall setup is accessible when you follow the directions closely. Dark, clear print output is a stated goal of the ink, and that aligns with why many buyers choose paper-and-ink kits for official processing.
The main limitation: getting “acceptable” rolls at home
The biggest practical tradeoff is technique. Fingerprints require consistent pressure and correct rolling to capture enough detail. Reviews that turned negative around difficulty describe how botched prints can happen even when you have extra cards, and that the process can end up taking longer than expected. If you cannot afford multiple attempts, or if time is tight, you may want to factor in the possibility of professional re-capture.
Who should buy this kit
- You need FD-258 applicant cards for an employment, licensing, or immigration-related process (and your requirements call for this card type).
- You are comfortable following directions and can set aside time for a careful, two-person workflow.
- You want a bundle (cards plus ink plus basics) rather than buying ink and cards separately.
- Your application includes room for reattempts if the first attempts do not turn out usable.
Who should avoid (or think twice)
- You only have one chance to get prints submitted, because technique mistakes can happen.
- You are unsure which fingerprint card type your agency requires. FD-258 is for applicant-level processing, while other forms (for example, different FD card types used for different workflows) may be required for other purposes.
- You need instant results. At-home fingerprinting typically takes more time than digital capture and may require multiple tries.
Price and availability
The kit is positioned as a low-cost alternative to professional capture when you are able to take usable prints at home. For the most accurate value comparison, check the current total cost against what you would pay for local fingerprinting, especially if you anticipate reattempts.
Verdict
The Crime Scene FD-258 Fingerprint Kit is a practical DIY option if you specifically need FD-258 applicant cards and you can commit to a careful, patient process. It includes the essential components to get started and can be convenient for at-home background and licensing-type submissions. The main caveat is DIY difficulty, so if you cannot afford imperfect rolls, consider budgeting for professional capture.
FAQs
Is this the right kit for FD-258 applicant fingerprinting?
If your instructions call for FD-258 applicant cards, this kit is designed around that card type and includes FD-258 cards and ink for applicant-level processing.
Can you roll your own fingerprints with this kit?
Yes, you can use the kit for at-home fingerprinting, but it typically takes careful technique and often goes better with a second person to help.
How many chances do I get with the cards and ink strips?
The kit includes five FD-258 cards and ink strip components designed to provide multiple inked strips by peeling open the supplied ink strips. Still, usable outcomes depend on technique, so plan for the possibility of reattempts.
What if my prints do not come out right?
Some buyers report ending up going to a local service when prints were difficult to do correctly. If your application is time-sensitive or you cannot risk reattempts, you may want to plan accordingly.
What is included in the box?
You get five FD-258 applicant cards (version 10/31/2023), ink strips (peel-open to create more inked strips), an ink strip retainer pad, and printed directions for use.
Specifications
| Product Title | Crime Scene FD-258 Fingerprint Kit: Five Cards, Ink and Directions for use |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Security & Surveillance > Biometrics |
| Brand | Crime Scene |
| Manufacturer | Crime Scene |
| Size | Full |
| Item Weight | 4.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 8 x 8 x 0.1 inches |
| Item model number | CSI-FD258-LG-KIT |
| Manufacturer Part Number | CSI-FD258-LG-KIT |
Available variants
Size
- Full
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