subject: Using Stainless Steel Strapping Tools [print this page] Using Stainless Steel Strapping Tools Using Stainless Steel Strapping Tools
Bundling or strapping materials are used mainly to hold payloads or building materials together or to secure them on pallets for convenient handling and transport. Plastic and stainless steel are the two most commonly used materials for strapping, especially for shipping purposes. Each has a tool specifically designed to reinforce and secure the strapping of the materials to be packaged or contained.
Strapping tools for both plastic and stainless steel perform a similar purpose but are done in different ways. As a rule of the thumb, you cannot use a strapping tool intended for stainless steel strapping for tightening and securing plastic strapping. The same concept goes on the other way around.
On securing stainless steel strapping manually, first, you have to wind a length of steel strapping around the object that you want to reinforce or secure. Put the stainless steel strapping on the top of itself, making a length of stainless steel strapping with a minimum of about twelve inches or a foot with double of its thickness, since it is placed over itself. Then, pull the steel strapping tightly around the object being secured.
Next, slide the stainless steel straps into the stainless steel strapping tool. Put your hand on the sealing handle of the stainless steel strapping tool. Pull the tension towards you with your other hand.
Then, you have to hold the stainless steel strapping tool firmly with the hand that holds the tensioning handle of the tool. Push the sealing handle away from you until it snaps in the stop spot which is found on the front part of the stainless steel strapping tool. Pull the sealing handle towards you until the cutting blade of the sealing handle cuts through the uppermost layer of the stainless steal straps.
As for safety precautions, if the gauge of the stainless steel strapping requires both hands to complete the cut, turn your head away before cutting the stainless steel strapping. Also, cover your exposed body parts such as the neck or the mouth with your arms if possible. Lastly, do not use another tool to substitute a proper stainless steel strapping tool, as it might fail and hurt you at the end.
