Selecting The Best Strapping For Your Business

2021 Strapping Guide

What is strapping?

Strapping is the process whereby items are tied together or secured to a pallet/skid. 
Key attributed are:
- Safety of the load
- Time spent in strapping
- The length or breaking strain of the strap or strapping seals
- The safety of the person using strapping
- Cost of materials

What are the major types?

What are their advantages and disadvantages?

• Polypropylene Strapping
  • Advantages:
    • Great for light loads
    • 12mm and 15mm can be used with plastic buckles - no tools required
    • Inexpensive
    • 12mm strapping used in conjunction with a semi-automatic machine is a fast way to bundle or strap boxes
    • 19mm has a 400kg breaking strain and when used with the right seals and tooling is a secure and inexpensive solution for medium loads
  • Disadvantages:
    • Not suitable for heavy loads
    • Can be time-consuming
• Polyester Strapping
  • Advantages:
    • In many applications a much cheaper, and just as strong substitute for steel strapping
    • Can be used with manual tooling
    • Amazing time efficiency when used with appropriate battery-operated hand strapping tools. Battery tools don't need seals.
    • Rust resistant
    • Inexpensive
  • Disadvantages:
    • Not appropriate with very heavy loads
    • Care is needed when tensioning - often strap protectors are needed
    • Full productivity benefits require battery operated hand strapping tools
• Composite Strapping
  • Advantages:
    • Soft and pliable - Great for medium weight 'sensitive products'
    • Cheap in comparison to steel strapping but much dearer than polyester
    • Good shock resistance
  • Disadvantages:
    • Can't automate - requires manual tooling
• Polywoven Strapping
  • Advantages:
    • Soft, pliable and strong
    • Very safe - no sharp edges
    • Can be re-used and re-tensioned
    • No rust
    • Relatively inexpensive
  • Disadvantages:
    • Can't automate - requires manual tooling
    • Must be correctly buckled 
• Steel Strapping
  • Key Info:
    • Standard steel strapping is painted
    • Zinc or galvanised strapping is needed for underground or rust-prone external use
    • 'Ribbon' steel strapping is most common - Coils are like a ribbon style and weigh 10-16kg. Often they are fitted to an 'A Frame' dispenser
    • 'Rope' or 'Oscillated' steel strapping coils weigh 43-50kg and require a large wheeled dispenser
    • Safety is key - Always wear riggers gloves and eye protection!
  • Advantages:
    • Great for heavy, awkward items
    • No flex means safety for heavier loads strapped to pallets
    • 32mm metal strapping has a breaking strain of 2200kg!
    • Many sizes are Australian made
    • Wide variety of seals, tools and dispensers available
  • Disadvantages:
    • Needs care when using
    • Expensive in comparison to other technologies