Before asking for a price, know three things: how many packages you strap a day, which strap you use, and where you work. These decide the right tool more than anything else.
1. Packages per day
- Fewer than 50–100: hand tools (tensioner and sealer, or a combination tool) are plenty and cost the least.
- 100 to 300: a battery tool saves time, effort and the cost of seals.
- More than 300: for cartons, a semi-automatic machine. For heavy pallets, a pneumatic tool.
2. Strap type
Carton machines are made for PP. Battery tools take PP and PET. Steel strap needs its own hand or pneumatic tools. Choose the strap first, then the tool that fits it — not the other way round.
3. Work site
- No power or air? Hand or battery.
- A compressor and a fixed packing line? Pneumatic.
- A packing table and a steady flow of cartons? Semi-automatic machine.
- Moving between sites? Battery is easiest.
Summary table
| Tool | Power | Strap | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | Your hands | PP, PET, steel | Low volume, sites without power |
| Battery | Lithium battery | PP and PET | Medium volume, moving around |
| Pneumatic | Compressor | PET or steel | Heavy, continuous work |
| Carton machine | 220 V | PP | A steady flow of cartons |
A common mistake
Many people buy a tool sized exactly for today's volume. If you expect growth next year, go one step up, or keep a hand tool as a backup next to the machine.
See every type on the strapping tools and machines page, or try the finder on the home page.
