How to choose the right strap

Strapping is the obvious choice when you need to secure shipments in transit and for medium or long term storage. There are three main ways to use strapping: to secure contents on pallets, to hold 2 packages together and finally as extra reinforcement. It can be used to secure most things, whether fragile products or bulky packages.

But how do you choose the right strap from the wide range on the market? This blog post will give you tips and advice to help you choose the strap that suits your needs.

What is strapping?

After a cardboard box has been sealed with tape, and we’re talking about even the sturdiest cardboard boxes, strapping can be used to provide a complete seal. It is laced all the way around the box and the ends are tied or welded together to create a tight and strong seal that is difficult to break.

Strapping can be used regardless of the size of the box, whether it is a standard box, a large export box or a pallet. It is particularly useful when several crates need to be held together – this way they are considered as one unit and transport costs are reduced. It is also ideal for bulky and heavy items where ordinary packing tape is not sufficient.

Strapping machines and accessories

Strapping can be done manually using the right accessories or using strapping machines, which ensure a fast and efficient process. If you use a strapping machine, then you don’t need any additional tools or accessories to tighten and secure the tape. In fact, the machines automatically weld the straps together.

If you prefer manual strapping, you will need tools that can tighten the tape and then secure it with, for example, seals or buckles. For companies that transport products of varying size and shape, a tool that tightens and seals is necessary, and if it can be used both horizontally and vertically, it is useful for even the most difficult packages. Combination tools make the process easier, and if you are dealing with mostly uniform shipments, a tool that can only be used horizontally can also be an effective solution.

Handheld strapping machines are ideal for a wide range of packages because they can be used for different sizes and product variations. In addition, they are mobile and can be used both vertically and horizontally.

If you need to pack a large number of boxes, a strapping machine is clearly recommended. Semi-automatic strapping machines and automatic strapping machines are available with up to 15 strapping operations per minute. It goes without saying that this makes the process much more efficient.

How to choose the right strapping for your products

There are many types of strapping, and to achieve the best results it is important to choose the type that best matches your products.

Below are a number of questions you should ask yourself before buying strapping. With them answered, you should have a good idea of what you need: what strength and qualities are needed to protect your shipments. So ask yourself:

• What is the purpose of the strap?
• What is the weight? And is it a static or dynamic shipment?
• Does the strapped shipment need to withstand special weather conditions?
• Is the strapping done manually with tools or automatically with a machine?
• How far does the consignment have to travel and how long does it have to be strapped?

The different types of strapping

We have listed the different types of straps below, so you can easily get an overview of the advantages and qualities of the different materials. The order follows their strength, starting with the least resistant. This should help you make the right decision when buying straps. If you still need advice, our experts are ready to help you Monday to Friday, 8.00-16.30, on 44 58 77 00.

Polypropylene straps

PP or polypropylene strapping, with its very light and versatile material, is ideal for strapping, reinforcing and securing lighter gaskets. It is elastic and therefore does not deform or break down, and it can withstand shocks and impacts. It is therefore the obvious choice for pallets that need to be stored for long periods or transported over long distances.

It can withstand up to 250 kg and its lightweight plastic qualities make it easy to work with. It can be closed with self-locking plastic buckles and plumber. If you use a manual or semi-automatic strapping machine, you can use polypropylene machine strapping only.

Polyester straps

Polyester strapping is the strongest type of plastic strapping, making it perfect for securing heavier packages and pallets. Because it is made of polyester, it is slightly flexible and can therefore be tightened extra when sealing.

It has good resistance to moisture and UV rays, making it ideal for long-term storage that requires high strength for extended periods. It can withstand up to 340 kg and can replace steel strapping in many cases. It is also made from a minimum of 80% recycled materials and is therefore more environmentally friendly than other straps. It can be sealed with seals.

Steel strapping

Among the strongest straps we find steel straps, perfect for heavy and rigid packings with sharp or rough ends such as iron or concrete that cannot be compressed. The qualities of steel mean that it is not flexible like the other types of strapping, but it is precisely this property that makes it ideal for solid and bulky seals. We recommend the use of industrial gloves for protection when working with this type of strapping.

This extremely resistant steel strap is ideal for very heavy seals of up to 740 kg and can be sealed with or without a plumber. However, it can only be used in conjunction with suitable buckles, tensioners and combination devices.

Textile straps

The most resistant strap material by far! Textile strapping is ideal for fixing and sealing delicate and/or fragile products. The lightweight textile material means it is easy to work with. It does not rust, rot or leave marks on surfaces. The tape is best used in conjunction with tighteners and seals.

The strap can withstand up to 950 kg, is extremely tear-resistant and is therefore the best choice for very heavy seals. In addition, the strap can be knotted, which means that the strap can be placed horizontally on the gasket for additional security.

If you’d like to know more about the strapping and strapping solutions we offer, or are curious about our range of hand tools, machines, plumbers and other accessories, our experts are on hand to help you find the best solution for you and your business.

Contact us at info@rajapack.dk or Monday to Friday 8.00-16.30 on tel: 44 58 77 00.