Steel strapping: strap, clips, tools and dispenser

Steel strapping in this category includes steel strap in four widths, clips, a dispenser cart and seven strapping tools. You can choose steel strap in 16, 19, 25 or 32 mm widths, with packs from a single 25 kg coil to a pallet of 40 coils. The category also covers clips for manual and pneumatic tools and the HS5 dispenser cart.

Steel strapping tools here are manual, pneumatic or battery powered. Manual tools like the BO-51 and A3 are sealless, so the joint needs no clip. Pneumatic tools such as AIR Metal and AIR DUO32 are driven by compressed air, and the AIR Metal uses a clip to make the joint. Battery models include the AKU-STEEL DUO and ELECTRA M SERIES. The A4 is a sealless tool for wider strap, 16–32 mm.

Choose by strap width, drive and joint type. Below the products, you will find a table that lists all steel strapping tools in this category by drive, strap width and joint.

Steel strap widths and packaging

Steel strap is available in 16, 19, 25 or 32 mm widths. You can order it 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, which resists rust better than bare steel. Steel strap is used to secure heavy loads in factories and warehouses.

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

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

Choosing a steel strapping tool by drive

Manual steel strapping tools include the BO-51 for 13–20 mm strap and the A3 for 13–19 mm strap. The A4 is a sealless steel strapping tool for 16–32 mm strap. Pneumatic steel strapping tools are AIR Metal for 19–32 mm strap and AIR DUO32 for 19–32 mm strap. Battery-powered tools are the AKU-STEEL DUO and ELECTRA M SERIES. The ELECTRA M SERIES works with 19, 25 or 32 mm strap.

Manual tools such as the BO-51 and A3 are used where there is no power or air supply. These tools cover strap widths from 13–20 mm and 13–19 mm, and the tension is applied by hand. The joint is sealless, so you do not need to buy or stock clips. Manual tools are suited to packing lines or warehouses where only a small number of straps are applied each day, or where mobility is important and power is not available.

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

Battery-powered tools such as the AKU-STEEL DUO and ELECTRA M SERIES do not need an air hose. The AKU-STEEL DUO is a strapping tool and a tensioner for 19 mm strap, while the ELECTRA M SERIES is a tensioner and sealer for 19, 25 or 32 mm strap. These tools are useful where 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 let you strap loads without being limited by hoses or cables.

The A4 covers strap widths from 16–32 mm, making it the tool with the widest range in this category. If your warehouse handles different products and you need to switch between strap widths, the A4 allows you to do so without changing tools. Pneumatic and battery tools use a motor to tension the strap, which is important when you have to strap many pallets or bundles in a shift, as it reduces strain on the operator and keeps the tension consistent.

Table of steel strapping tools by drive and joint

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

To use the table, first look for 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, note 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 16–32 mm strap, the A4 is the option. The table helps you match your load, your work environment and your preferred joint method.

Steel strap clips and joint types

A sealless steel strapping tool such as the BO-51, A3 or A4 makes a joint that needs no clip. The AIR Metal makes the joint with a clip. For manual strapping, the shop offers 16 x 40 mm steel strap clips, packed 1000 in a box.

For pneumatic tools, there are clips in four sizes: 16 x 40, 19 x 57, 25 x 57 and 32 x 57 mm. These are used with pneumatic tools such as the AIR Metal. Order the clips together with the strap, in the same width, so strapping can start as soon as the materials arrive.

A sealless joint is made when the tool cuts and interlocks the two layers of strap, so you do not need to buy or stock clips. This applies to the BO-51, A3 and A4. In practice, using a sealless tool means fewer consumables to manage and less chance of running out of clips during a shift. For example, if you are strapping timber bundles in a yard, you only need to keep the tool and strap on hand.

A clip joint is made by crimping a metal clip around the two overlapping ends of the strap. The clip must match the width of the strap, or the joint will not hold properly. The AIR Metal makes the joint this way. If the wrong size clip is used, the strap can slip or the joint may fail during transport. For instance, using a 16 x 40 mm clip on a 25 mm strap will not secure the load and can lead to product damage.

Steel strap dispenser cart for safe handling

The HS5 steel strap dispenser cart holds the coil and lets the strap off in a controlled way. A coil should not be unwound by hand, as this can cause tangling or safety risks.

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

When steel strapping is the right choice

Steel strapping is used where the load is heavy, has sharp edges or must not move. This includes metal coils and profiles, pipes, timber, bricks and stone, and crates. Steel strap hardly stretches, so it keeps its hold on a load that does not settle during storage or transport.

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

If your goods are likely to settle or shrink during storage or transport, a plastic strap that stretches a little can keep its tension better than steel. For instance, on a packing line for cartons of compressed fibers, plastic strap may be the better choice. Steel strapping is used where movement must be prevented and the load is stable, not where the load changes shape after strapping.

Safe handling and cutting of steel strap

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

Stand to the side when cutting steel strapping, not in front of the strap. Using a dispenser such as the HS5 keeps the coil from unwinding on its own and helps prevent tangling. Safe handling reduces the risk of accidents in the workplace.

Keep the coil in the dispenser so it does not unwind on its own, which can cause tangling or create a hazard. After cutting, clear the strap ends off the floor immediately to prevent trips and punctures. In a busy packing area, leaving cut strap on the floor can lead to accidents or damage to equipment such as pallet jacks or forklifts.

What affects the price of a steel strapping tool

The price of a steel strapping tool depends on the drive type, the strap width it supports and whether it uses a clip or makes a sealless joint. The running cost is set by the price of steel strap 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, such as for a tool with strap and clips, and an Add to inquiry button that lets you collect several products into 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 steel strapping, check the type of load and how heavy it is. The strap width must match the application. Steel strap is available in 16, 19, 25 or 32 mm widths. The number of straps used per day affects the choice between manual, pneumatic or battery-powered tools.

Check if compressed air is available at the work site for pneumatic tools. Decide if you need a clip joint or a sealless joint. Plan how to 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 there is compressed air at the place of work. Pneumatic tools like the AIR Metal and AIR DUO32 need a compressed air supply. If there is no air supply, choose a manual or battery-powered tool. For example, in a remote storage yard, a battery tool lets you work without running 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 also work with 13 mm strap, such as the BO-51 and A3.

Do I need clips for steel strapping?

Sealless tools such as the BO-51, A3 and A4 make a joint that needs no clip. The AIR Metal makes the joint with a clip; the clips come in several sizes.

Should I choose a pneumatic or battery steel strapping tool?

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

How is steel strap packed for delivery?

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.