Types
Blue painted steel strap: painted and waxed to resist rust in normal storage and to slide smoothly through tools. This is the most widely used type.
Galvanised steel strap: zinc-coated, so it copes better with damp and outdoor storage.
What it's used for
- Steel coils and sheet
- Pipes and profiles
- Marble and granite
- Heavy timber
- Machinery and equipment
- Wooden export crates
- Scrap and compressed cotton bales
Common sizes
| Width | Typical thickness | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 13 mm | 0.4 – 0.5 mm | Crates and medium loads |
| 16 mm | 0.5 – 0.6 mm | Pallets — the most used size |
| 19 mm | 0.5 – 0.8 mm | Pipes and coils |
| 25 – 32 mm | 0.8 – 1.0 mm | Steel coils and very heavy loads |
How it is closed
- Seal and sealer: the traditional method. The seal must match the strap width.
- Sealless: a combination tool notches the strap itself to lock it, saving the cost of seals on high volumes.
- Pneumatic: an air tool tensions and seals wide strap quickly.
Steel strap has sharp edges and is under high tension. Wear gloves and eye protection, hold the free end when cutting, and never stand in line with it.
