Be careful when selecting any strapping tools. Some tools can be used on any plastic strap, some can only be used on polyester or polypropylene, and some can only be used on one type of strap. Most are also limited to a certain size range (width and/or thickness). There are no tools that cover every strap size and/or type. Tools for steel strapping are always exclusive to steel strap only.
Hand Application
No tools are required, only buckles that the strap is wound through. The strap is hand-tightened.
Advantages - No tools required, most convenient
Disadvantages - Maximum working range of the strap is not achievable
Strap Type - Cord only
Manual Tools
Requires a tensioner, a sealer, and seals. This is the most common way of applying strapping.
Advantages - Allows the achievement of the maximum, or near maximum, working range of the strap; secure
Disadvantages - Requires multiple tools and the appropriate seals
Strap Types - All: Polypropylene, polyester, cord, steel
Battery Operated Tools
Combines all the necessary operations in one tool - tensioning, sealing, and cutting. Offered in varying strengths to accommodate the unique needs of the user.
Advantages - Consolidates all strapping functions in to one tool, portable, efficient, requires no seals, enables achievement of a specific amount of tension
Disadvantages - Can be lost or damaged due to their portability, least durable of the powered tools
Strap Types - Polypropylene, polyester
Pneumatic Tools
Combines all the necessary operations in one tool - tensioning, sealing, and cutting. Offered in varying strengths to accommodate the unique needs of the user and the type of strapping.
Advantages - Consolidates all strapping functions in to one tool, efficient, powerful, requires no seals, enables the achievement of a specific amount of tension
Disadvantages - not portable (requires a compressed air source), heavier than battery tools
Strap Types - Polypropylene, polyester, steel
Machines
There are a variety of strapping machines depending upon your needs. Low volume machines include semi-automatic arch and table-top machines. They extend in to high-volume automatic machines custom made for your application.
Advantages - Consolidates all strapping functions, fast, efficient, automatic or semi-automatic, requires no seals, can integrate with an assembly line or conveyor system, allows achievement of a specific amount of tension
Disadvantages - The most expensive strapping option, relatively large footprint, require and power and/or pressurized air source, limited as to the size/weight of the box that they can strap
Strap Types - Polypropylene (smaller machines), polypropylene or polyester (larger machines)
