You are thinking about using stainless steel straps. Very smart. Stainless steel is an incredible metal.
Tensile strength refers to the maximum load a material can bear without breaking. Steel offers a very high tensile strength when compared to its weight and size.
Steel straps are an excellent option for lots of different applications.
You can use steel straps to secure signs and for signal mounting. Stainless steel straps are also excellent an excellent means for securing objects that are exposed to the weather. Stainless steel is an alloy that produces a protective film that protects it from corrosion.
There are many types of steel strapping seals. For example, you can use closed seals, magazine seals, snap-on seals and, thread-on seals.
This begs the question, is there a difference between them in terms of their strength?
In this article, you will learn about 5 types of seals and why you should be using them and also 3 tips on using them safely.
1. Push-on
These clever seals are very well designed. The steel strapping is threaded through the seal and forms a lasso. The lasso goes around the load. This type of strapping suits loads that are round or regular shaped.
The strapping is pulled tight and the seal is forced tighter as the lasso constricts. This type of seal is high strength and can take high tension.
2. Magazine Seals
Another brilliant idea. This type of seal is used in combination with sealing tools or machinery. The magazines can be stacked and then used with power strapping machines. These seals are also high strength.
The advantage here is the way the seals are applied using seal feeding technology.
3. Snap-on
This type of seal is very common. This type of seal can help maintain strap alignment as the straps are tensioned. The seal is situated on the overlapping straps and tightened after the correct tension has been applied to the load.
One of the great advantages of this type of seal is the speed with which it can be applied.
4. Thread Seals
These seals are excellent but they require more preparation. They require threading onto the strapping first. They are also useful for larger strap sizes.
In fact, they can be used on straps up to 2 inches. When the seals are tightened you can double notch or double crimp them.
Like the other seals, they also need to be positioned on the overlapping straps before tightening.
5. Microgrip
These steel seals are coated on the inside with a high grip surface. A little bit like sandpaper. When the seals are tightened this additional layer of grip attaches itself firmly to the load.
This can help to maintain the seal and protect the load during impact. Under normal circumstances, an impact could displace the seal and liberate the load.
Microgrips are designed to help in situations like that.
Stronger and Safer
Steel strapping and seals are extremely adaptable and if used correctly they are extremely strong. You do not need to be overly concerned about the strength of steel straps and the various ways of sealing them.
Far better to make sure that you use the steel straps safely.
Here are 3 tips to help you use your steel stapping so it is at its strongest and safest:
1. Let the Strapping Do Its Job
When you have gone to great lengths to secure the load with your steel strapping you do not need to add anything else. There is no need to staple or nail and add any other ‘securing attachments.’
These will, if anything, only weaken your strapping. Also if the strapping breaks for any reason, the lose strapping will be more dangerous.
2. Don’t Mishandle
The steel strapping is the main tool that you are using to secure your load. It is not the tool you should be using to move your load.
Yes, the strapping will be very strong but using the strapping to move your object is using it in a way it was not designed. This is dangerous. Don’t forget that the steel strapping is not the handle.
Always move the load appropriately using lifting equipment.
3. You’re Not Superman
That may sound obvious but if you have strapped together a small load, you may find you can now get your arms around it and lift it. Just because you can do that doesn’t mean you should lift it yourself if it is very heavy.
If possible, always get help. If you must lift it yourself make sure you know how to lift in a way that is not dangerous for your back. If you pull your back out you will not care about the strength of steel.
Steel Straps – Final Word
It is true, there are lots of different options when it comes to using steel straps Nothing though can replace experience.
We work with a wide range of clients including Government suppliers as well as Military suppliers and many more.
IMS is very proud that everything we produce is 100% American. We stay very close to the manufacturing process and ensure our products are top quality at reasonable prices.
Another big advantage comes from the fact that we are in a unique position to control our stock as the manufacturer and supplier. That means if you need something we will have it, we do not have to wait for production overseas.
Get in touch to here to learn more about how we can help you decide exactly what you need.