How To Use Steel Strapping Tools To Their Fullest Capability

Although many innovative strapping materials have been developed, traditional steel strapping is still a popular type of strapping, because it offers high tensile strength, combined with minimal stretching.

Steel strapping is available in many different grades, depending on the amount of carbon in the alloys of which it’s manufactured. Widely used in the construction, mining, and timber industries, it secures the heaviest and most awkward loads, over the greatest distances.

To apply steel strapping, you need the appropriate tools. In high volume situations, you can buy a steel strapping machine, or a combination strapping tool: this tool tensions and seals in one operation.

However, manual tools are convenient, because you can use them anywhere. You can use the tools to seal strapping around cartons, strap individual items together, or to securely strap loads to pallets, or onto trucks.

Not only will your steel strapping tools help you to avoid product damage, they will also help to prevent injury from shifting or falling loads.

Let’s look at the various types of steel strapping, and then choosing the right tools for the type you’ve chosen.

Types of steel strapping: choose the strapping you need

When you’re choosing the right steel strapping for your applications, many types are available. If you’re uncertain about the type that’s most appropriate, it’s essential to get advice from a supplier: if you choose a higher grade than you need, you’ll pay more than necessary.

Your options include various types of steels: standard low carbon, galvanized, high-tensile, and stainless.

The most common type of steel strapping is standard low carbon steel, which secures low to medium loads, and is relatively inexpensive. However, if you’re looking for steel strapping for extreme environments, or heavy duty applications, choose a high tensile steel.

Although steel maintains its strength over time, it will corrode. If you’ll be storing products longer term, choose a galvanized steel strapping—it’s UV-resistant, and corrosion-resistant too.

Looking for steel strapping to suit environmental and weather extremes? To protect your products, choose stainless steel strapping. Although it’s expensive, it maintains its structure and strength over time. It won’t corrode or break.

After you’ve chosen your strapping, you need tools to apply it.

Steel strapping tools: the right tools for your strapping

Whether you’re buying new tools, or need to choose the right tools for a job, there’s one essential: choose the right-sized tools for your strapping’s width and grade. Steel strapping is available in several widths, and various grades (thicknesses.) When using heavy duty strapping for example, you need heavy duty strapping tools.

The basic tools you need are: a tensioning tool, a sealer (crimper), and strapping seals, as well as a cutter to cut the strap.

If you already have rolls of steel strapping, start by measuring the strapping’s width, so that you buy tools which are the correct size. Alternatively, buy the steel strapping and the tools together. Companies often sell combination packages of strap and tools.

After you’ve purchased your steel strapping and tools, it’s time to become familiar with them.

How to use your steel strapping tools to seal your strapping

Select your tools: steel strapping, tensioner, seals, sealing (crimping) tool, and cutter.

Then:

• * Wrap your steel strapping around the load, overlapping the two ends, with the end closest to you on top;

• * Adjust the strap, pulling it so there’s as little play in the strap as possible;

• * Then slide the ends of the straps under the gripper of your tensioning tool, so you can tighten the strap for a secure hold. Ensure you leave a few centimetres of strap in front of the tensioner—this is essential, because you need to add the seal in front of the tensioner;

• * Tighten the steel strapping by moving the tensioning lever up and down. If you need to add edge protectors to protect your product from damage, do that now, then continue applying tension;

• * When you’ve reached the tension you want, add a seal to the overlapped ends of the strap in front of the tensioner;

• * Crimp the seal with the sealer (crimper), to seal the ends of the strap;

• * Then use the steel strapping cutter to cut the excess ends of strapping in front of the seal;

• * Finally, remove the tensioner, and you’re done.

Be aware of challenges when using steel strapping and tools

Although steel strapping can be used for the heaviest loads under the most extreme conditions, there are challenges too, especially for worker safety.

Not only does steel strapping have sharp edges, it’s dangerous when under tension. If it snaps, the recoiling strap can cause serious injuries.

Ensure that anyone working with steel strapping wears safety gear: gloves, helmets, goggles, and strong boots. Additionally, encourage workers to clear the area around operations in case the strapping snaps.

Get the best advice for steel strapping tools

Choosing the right type of steel strapping, and the right tools for its applications, is challenging.

If you need advice, your supplier can answer any questions you have about brands and individual products.

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