.5 inch Steel Strapping

1/2" Steel banding has been a staple in warehouses for a very long time.  Steel strapping is very strong, and it does not stretch (low elongation).  1/2" steel strapping has 3 main thicknesses: .015", .020", and .023”.  Coils are wound on standard strapping coil with a 16" x 3" core size.  These 1/2" coils will fit on almost all dispensers.  Our favorite 1/2" steel strapping cart is the 3100 (click to link).  The 1/2" steel strapping is painted black, and then waxed.  The wax allows the band to slip on feedwheel style tools (like the 1425), and is standard in the US per ASTM D 3953.  All of our 1/2" strapping meet or exceed these specifications.  

The general formula to figure out the number of bands and strength is to take your pallet weight, multiply by safety factor, and divide by the number of bands.  For example, if you have a 1,000 pound pallet, and a 2X safety factory, and 2 bands (1,000 pounds x 2 safety factor / 2 bands= 1000 pound break strength strap), you would use the 1/2" x .020" steel strapping that has a minimum break strength of 1,150 pounds.  

Safety factor for using steel strapping on pallets, bunks, or bundles*:

For internal packaging (moving WHIP product in your own factory) 1 X

For over the road with a square bunk 1.5-2X 

Shipping by rail/container 2-3X

Round applications 2-3X

Round and stacked applications 5X, but depending on bundle height this can be higher.

*You need to make sure your load is safe before you send it out.  If you need help, contact Allstrap to get the appropriate steel strapping safety ratios.

1/2 inch x .015 inch has break strength of 860 pounds and 39.3 feet per pound, or about 4,000’ per coil.

Type: Steel strapping is edged, painted black, and waxed.

Weight: Coil weight 102 lb. +/- 10%, 12 Coils per skid, core 16” x 3” mill (oscillated) wound.

1/2 inch x .020 inch has break strength of 1,150 pounds and 29.4 feet per pound, or about 3,000’ per coil.

Type: Steel strapping is edged, painted black, and waxed.

Weight: Coil weight 102 lb. +/- 10%, 12 Coils per skid, core 16” x 3” mill (oscillated) wound. 

1/2 inch x .023 inch has a break strength of 1,320 pounds and 25.6 feet per pound or about 2600’ per coil.

Type: Steel strapping is edged, painted black, and waxed.

Weight: Coil weight 102 lb. +/- 10%, 12 Coils per skid, core 16” x 3” mill (oscillated) wound.

Allstrap Opinion:  Generally we prefer PET strapping over steel strapping for light duty applications, so check out the P328 or BXT3-16 tools to see if they can work for you.  If you do not use very much banding, and already have tools, it is fine to stay with 1/2” steel strapping.