If you frequently work with heavy cargo such as steel coils, pipes, and other heavy metal loads, knowing how to secure them properly is vital. At USA Strapping, we provide our customers with the tools and knowledge they need to handle loads of all sizes, including larger loads such as steel coils and other heavy metal materials. Let’s take a closer look at securing large metal loads and how USA Strapping can get you the right tools for the job at the best price.
Choosing the Right Strapping Material for Steel Coils and Industrial Loads
When working with heavier metal loads, such as steel coils, safety and proper strap usage are paramount. The first factor to consider when working with these sizeable loads is the strapping material and its load constraints. The standard for heavier industrial loads has long been steel strapping. Steel strapping offers incredible strength and other benefits for heavy loads, including:
- Ability to withstand sharp edges
- Ability to withstand hot temperatures
- High tensile strength
- Minimal stretching under load
While steel straps are an excellent choice for industrial loads, there are other options available, such as composite strapping. Composite strapping, also known as synthetic steel, is a modern strapping material composed of high-strength polyester fibers coated with a durable layer of polymer. Benefits of choosing composite strapping for industrial loads include:
- High break strength
- Resistance to corrosion and rusting
- Safer to handle for workers than steel straps
- Gentler on more delicate loads
While choosing the right strapping material is vital for shipping heavy industrial loads, it is not the only factor. Let’s take a look at another consideration for heavier loads, which is edge protection.
Edge Protection for Industrial Loads
When you’re working with industrial loads like steel coils, you are almost guaranteed to encounter sharp edges. Sharp edges can quickly lead to load failure, especially when straps are over tightened. Edge protectors work to prevent the risk of strap damage from edges by:
- Protecting straps from sharp edges
- Helping to distribute the strap tension evenly
- Protect surface finishes
- Increase overall load stability
We recommend always using edge protectors for heavy industrial loads, as these types of shipments are where you are most likely to encounter sharp edges.
Maximizing Load Stability by Building a Stable Base
Ensuring that your shipment of industrial materials, such as steel coils, has a proper base to rest on is essential. Besides just making it easier for forklifts to handle the shipment, a solid base also:
- Helps to distribute weight evenly
- Reduce metal-on-metal contact
- Reduce point loading on straps
You can build a solid base for your industrial shipment by using wooden blocks, rubber and composite spacers, and anti-slip mats for added friction. Taking the extra time to build a base for your shipment saves you time during unloading and helps to minimize load shifting during transit, a common cause of load failure. Next, we’ll examine the proper strapping techniques to use for industrial shipments.
Using Proper Strapping Techniques for Industrial Shipments
Proper strapping techniques for industrial shipments involve selecting the correct strap for the job, employing the appropriate strapping methods, and utilizing the proper strapping tools. For industrial loads, the right strap for the job is typically steel or composite strapping. Ensure that the strap you choose is rated to handle the weight of your shipment. Once you have selected the right strap, you’ll need to use proper strapping techniques. Proper strapping methods involve:
- Downward strapping to secure loads vertically
- Cross strapping for lateral stability
- Proper tensioning
- Use of edge protectors
- Building an appropriate base for your shipment
Finally, ensure your team has the right tools for the job to secure industrial loads safely and securely. We recommend using calibrated tensioners, steel and composite strap cutters, personal safety equipment, and edge protectors. You’ll find all the tools you need for industrial shipping, along with the best prices, right here at USA Strapping.
Get The Most for Your Money at USA Strapping
At USA Strapping, we are your source for strapping materials and strapping tools rated for industrial shipments. We are proud to outperform the national average by 10% and offer excellent bulk deals on straps and strapping tools to save you even more money. To get started shopping for industrial shipping supplies, contact our team today at 888-768-0001 and make sure to ask about our bulk deals!