When Metal Is Still the Best Choice
While advancements in material science have led to several modern strapping materials that can be used instead of steel straps, sometimes steel straps are still the best tool. Steel straps, the original standard for securing the heaviest loads, are still an excellent option for securing heavy loads for storage or transit. At USA Strapping, we offer an excellent selection of steel strapping products and strapping tools, providing you with the best value for your money when shopping with us. Let’s look at some of the benefits of steel strapping products and when they are still the best option for the job.
The Strength of Steel Strapping Products
Steel straps were the original standard for securing heavy loads as they have an incredible blend of tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and overall durability. Today, steel strapping products are still the frontline choice for securing:
- Heavy machinery
- Lumber
- Metal coils
- Construction materials
Shippers often choose steel straps if their working environment requires a strapping material with excellent tensile strength, heat and UV resistance, and minimal stretch. While newer strapping materials can have some other benefits, steel is the standard if you require:
- Maximum UV resistance
- Maximum tensile strength
- Minimal stretch
We’ll examine some of the alternative strapping materials that are sometimes used in place of steel straps.
Modern Alternatives to Steel Strapping: Polyester and Composite Strapping
If you’re looking for an alternative to steel strapping, polyester straps, and composite strapping products can be effective strapping materials. These modern synthetic strapping materials offer several advantages over steel strapping, primarily their lower cost. Polyester or PET strapping has high strength and breaking strength, and is a more flexible material than traditional steel straps. PET strapping also doesn’t rust and can be safer for workers to handle than steel strapping. We recommend PET straps for:
- Shipping of lighter goods
- Securing of palletized loads
- Long-term storage
- Rust-free performance
Another excellent strapping material is composite strapping. Composite strapping combines flexibility with strength and is known as “synthetic steel,” made from a core of polyester fibers with a polymer coating. This durable strapping material is an excellent option for:
- Heavy and irregularly shaped loads
- Equipment and machinery transport
- Long-term storage
- Agricultural and outdoor use
If you’re concerned about steel strapping products rusting and corroding or seeking a more affordable option for medium—to small-sized loads, PET and composite straps can be an effective alternative.
Choosing the Right Strapping Product for Your Application
At the end of the day, choosing the right strapping material comes down to your intended application. Steel strapping products remain the preferred standard and an excellent option for the heaviest loads. The main drawbacks of steel straps come from the risks of corrosion of untreated steel straps, increased risk of worker injury, and the risk of damage to goods if the straps are overtensioned. If you work with lighter to medium-sized loads and need a cost-effective, general-purpose strap, PET or polyester straps are an excellent option. Finally, composite strapping, also called “synthetic steel,” is another excellent option if you are looking for an incredibly flexible but strong strapping material. At USA Strapping, we can help you get the best prices on all the strapping products you need with our massive inventory of steel, polyester, and composite strapping materials.
Find the Right Strapping Material for the Job and More at USA Strapping!
At USA Strapping, we offer the widest selection of strapping products and strapping tools online, and our prices are 10% lower than the average competition, helping you save even more when shopping with us. Contact us today to hear about our great deals on steel, polyester, and composite strapping at (888) 768-0001.