Steel strap widths and packaging

Steel strap is offered in 16, 19, 25, or 32 mm widths. You can order it as a 25 kg coil, as a set of 10 coils (250 kg), or as a pallet of 40 coils (1000 kg). The 25 kg and 1000 kg packs are coated and painted for better rust resistance than bare steel. Steel strap is used to secure heavy loads in industrial and warehouse settings.

The strap width should match both your tool and the weight of your load. For the same thickness, a wider strap supports a heavier load. For example, if you are strapping heavy stone or metal profiles, a 32 mm strap will hold more weight than a 16 mm strap. Always check the table below to confirm your tool is compatible with the strap width you plan to use.

Store steel strap coils in a dry area and off the floor to prevent moisture and accidental damage. If you order a pallet of 40 coils, plan to unload with a forklift or pallet truck, as the total weight is 1000 kg. In a busy warehouse, keeping coils on racks or pallets helps prevent accidents and makes it easier to track usage.

Selecting a metal strapping tool by drive type

Manual metal strapping tools include the BO-51 for 13–20 mm strap and the A3 for 13–19 mm strap. The A4 is a sealless metal strapping tool for 25–32 mm strap. Pneumatic metal strapping tools are AIR Metal for 19–32 mm strap and AIR DUO32 for 19–32 mm strap. Battery powered tools include the AKU-STEEL DUO and ELECTRA M SERIES. The ELECTRA M SERIES works with 19, 25, or 32 mm strap.

Manual tools like the BO-51 and A3 are used when there is no power or air supply. These tools handle strap widths from 13–20 mm and 13–19 mm, with tension applied by hand. The joint is sealless, so you do not need to purchase or keep clips in stock. Manual tools are ideal for packing lines or warehouses with a low number of straps applied each day, or where mobility is important and power is not available.

Pneumatic tools such as the AIR Metal and AIR DUO32 require a compressed air supply at the work area. Both are suitable for strap widths from 19–32 mm. The AIR Metal uses a clip for the joint, while the AIR DUO32 uses a tensioner and a sealer as two separate tools. In production areas with many loads to strap per shift, pneumatic tools can speed up the process and reduce operator fatigue, but you need to ensure compressed air is available at each strapping station.

Battery powered tools like the AKU-STEEL DUO and ELECTRA M SERIES do not require an air hose. The AKU-STEEL DUO is a strapping tool and tensioner for 19–32 mm strap, while the ELECTRA M SERIES is a tensioner and sealer for 19, 25, or 32 mm strap. These tools are useful when you need to move freely between packing stations or work in areas without a fixed air supply. For example, on a loading dock or in a yard, battery tools allow you to strap loads without being limited by hoses or cords.

The A4 is a sealless tool for 25–32 mm strap. If your warehouse uses wider strap sizes, the A4 lets you work without clips for these widths. Pneumatic and battery tools use a motor to tension the strap, which is important when you need to strap many pallets or bundles in a shift, as it reduces strain on the operator and keeps the tension consistent.

Table of metal strapping tools by drive and joint

The table below lists each metal strapping tool by drive type, compatible strap width, and the type of joint it creates. Use this table to compare the tools in this category.

To use the table, first find the strap width you need for your loads. Then check which drive type you can supply at your packing station: manual for hand use, pneumatic if you have compressed air, or battery if you want to work without hoses. Finally, look at the joint type: some tools make a sealless joint, while others use a clip. For example, if you have 19 mm strap and compressed air, you might use the AIR Metal. If you need a sealless joint for 25–32 mm strap, the A4 is the choice. For 13–20 mm strap, the BO-51 or A3 are sealless tools. The table helps you match your load, your work environment, and your preferred joint method.

Steel strap clips and joint types

A sealless metal strapping tool such as the BO-51, A3, or A4 creates a joint that does not require a clip. The AIR Metal uses a clip for the joint. For manual strapping, the shop offers 16 x 40 mm steel strap clips, packed 1000 per box.

For pneumatic tools, metal strapping clips are available in four sizes: 16 x 40, 19 x 57, 25 x 57, and 32 x 57 mm. These clips are used with pneumatic tools like the AIR Metal. Order clips in the same width as your strap so you can start strapping as soon as your materials are picked up.

A sealless joint is created when the tool cuts and locks the two layers of metal strapping together, so you do not need to buy or keep clips in stock. This applies to the BO-51, A3, and A4 models. Using a sealless tool means fewer consumables to manage and less risk of running out of clips during your shift. For example, if you are strapping bundles of lumber in a yard, you only need the tool and the strap itself.

A clip joint is made by crimping a metal clip around the two overlapping ends of the strap. The clip must match the strap width for the joint to hold securely. The AIR Metal tool makes this type of joint. If you use the wrong size clip, the strap may slip or the joint could fail during transport. For instance, using a 16 x 40 mm clip on a 25 mm strap will not secure your load and could result in product damage.

Steel strap dispenser cart for safe handling

The HS5 steel strap dispenser cart holds the coil and lets you feed out the strap in a controlled way. Never unwind a coil by hand, as this can cause tangling or create safety hazards.

Place the dispenser cart next to the load you are strapping. Pull out the needed length of strap and use a strap cutter to cut it from the coil. This keeps the strap under control and helps reduce waste. For example, when strapping pallets in a shipping area, using the cart speeds up your work and keeps the area free of loose strap, which can be a tripping hazard.

When steel strapping is the right choice

Metal strapping is used for loads that are heavy, have sharp edges, or must not shift. This includes metal coils and profiles, pipes, lumber, bricks and stone, and crates. Steel strap barely stretches, so it holds tight on loads that do not settle during storage or transport.

If a load settles or shrinks, steel strapping can become loose, since the strap does not stretch to take up slack. For goods that may compress or change shape, another strapping material may be a better fit. Steel strapping is chosen for its stability and strength when movement must be prevented.

If your goods might settle or shrink during storage or transport, a plastic strap that stretches slightly can keep its tension better than steel. For example, on a packing line for cartons of compressed fibers, plastic strap may be the better option. Metal strapping is used when movement must be prevented and the load is stable, not when the load changes shape after strapping.

Safe handling and cutting of steel strap

The edges of steel strapping are sharp, so always wear gloves when working with steel strap. When cutting a tensioned strap, use a strap cutter and wear eye protection. A tensioned steel strap can snap back when cut and may cause injury.

Stand to the side when cutting steel strapping, not directly in front of it. Using a dispenser like the HS5 keeps the coil from unwinding by itself and helps prevent tangling. Safe handling helps reduce the risk of workplace accidents.

Keep the coil in the dispenser to prevent it from unwinding on its own, which can cause tangling or create a hazard. After cutting, remove strap ends from the floor right away to prevent trips and punctures. In a busy packing area, leaving cut strap on the floor can cause accidents or damage equipment like pallet jacks or forklifts.

What affects the price of a steel strapping tool

The price of a metal strapping tool depends on the drive type, the strap width it supports, and whether it uses clips or makes a sealless joint. Ongoing costs are set by the price of metal strapping and, if needed, clips. The price for each tool is shown on its product card.

A sealless tool does not require clips, which can lower your consumable costs over time. Each product card has a Get offer button for a quote, for example, for a tool with strap and clips, and an Add to inquiry button so you can collect several products in one request. This helps you plan your purchase and compare the total cost for your packing line.

What to check before ordering steel strap

Before ordering metal strapping, check the type and weight of your load. The strap width must fit your application. Steel strap is available in 16, 19, 25, or 32 mm widths. The number of straps you use per day affects whether you choose manual, pneumatic, or battery powered tools.

Check if compressed air is available at your work site for pneumatic tools. Decide if you need a clip joint or a sealless joint. Plan how you will handle the coils: steel strap comes as a 25 kg coil, as 10 coils (250 kg), or as a pallet of 40 coils (1000 kg).

Check if compressed air is available at your location. Pneumatic tools like the AIR Metal and AIR DUO32 require a compressed air supply. If there is no air supply, use a manual or battery powered tool. For example, in a remote storage yard, a battery tool lets you work without air hoses.

Questions about steel strapping

Which steel strap widths are available?

Steel strap is available in 16, 19, 25, and 32 mm widths. Some tools, such as the BO-51 and A3, also work with 13 mm strap.

Do I need clips for steel strapping?

Sealless tools like the BO-51, A3, and A4 make a joint that does not need a clip. The AIR Metal makes the joint with a clip; clips come in several sizes.

Should I choose a pneumatic or battery steel strapping tool?

Pneumatic tools like the AIR Metal and AIR DUO32 run on compressed air. Battery powered tools such as the AKU-STEEL DUO and ELECTRA M SERIES use a battery and do not need an air hose.

How is steel strap packed?

Steel strap is supplied as a 25 kg coil, as 10 coils (250 kg), or as a pallet of 40 coils (1000 kg). The 25 kg and 1000 kg packs are coated and painted.