Which Strapping Is Best For You?
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO
STRAPPING AND BANDING
Everything you need to know about steel, poly, and paper strapping so you can choose the right solution for your load, environment, and budget.
WHY STRAPPING SELECTION MATTERS
Strapping is one of the most direct ways to prevent load failure. The wrong choice, too light, too rigid, or wrong for the environment, means damaged product, safety hazards, and replacement costs that easily exceed the cost of the strapping itself.The right strapping depends on load weight and rigidity, whether the load may shift or settle during transit, environmental conditions like moisture or UV exposure, and whether you are applying it by hand or machine. This guide covers each strapping type Benchmark carries, when to use each one, and what accessories and tools you need to apply it correctly.
02 Steel Strapping
03 Poly Strapping
04 Paper Strapping
05 Tools and Accessories
06 How to Choose
07 FAQs
08 Related Articles
Steel Strapping or High-Tensile Steel
MEDIUM TO HEAVY LOADS
Polyester (PET) Strapping
LIGHT TO MEDIUM LOADS
Polypropylene (PP) Strapping
ECO-FRIENDLY / LIGHT BANDING
Paper Strapping
SECURING CARGO IN TRANSIT
Ratchet Straps
HOW STRAPPING WORKS
Strapping secures loads by applying tension around a package, pallet, or bundle and holding that tension through a sealed joint. The material, width, and tension all determine how much force the strap can resist before it fails or loosens.There are three properties to understand before choosing a strapping type:
BREAK STRENGTH
The maximum tension the strap can withstand before it breaks. Higher break strength is needed for heavier loads and loads that experience shock or impact during transit.
ELONGATION
How much the strap stretches before breaking. Higher elongation absorbs shock and accommodates load settling. Lower elongation means the strap holds tension rigidly without giving.
TENSION RETENTION
How well the strap maintains its tension over time. Loads that compress or settle need a strap material that gives slightly and retains tension rather than going slack.
STEEL STRAPPING
Steel strapping is made from cold-rolled steel and offers the highest break strength of any strapping material. It does not elongate or recover, which makes it ideal for rigid, heavy loads that will not compress or settle during transit. Steel is the standard in construction, metal fabrication, lumber, and heavy industrial applications.
REGULAR STEEL STRAPPING
Standard steel strapping for general heavy-duty applications. Used to secure building materials, machinery, lumber, and large industrial bundles. Available in a range of widths and thicknesses to match load requirements.
BEST FOR: General heavy loads, lumber, building materials, palletized industrial goods
HIGH-TENSILE STEEL STRAPPING
Heat-treated for extra break strength and shock resistance. Used where regular steel strapping is not sufficient for the load weight or where extreme handling conditions are expected during transit or storage.
BEST FOR: Steel beams, heavy machinery, extreme shock loads, export and long-haul freight
STEEL STRAPPING SAFETY NOTE
Steel strapping has sharp edges and can snap back under tension when cut. Always use proper cutting tools and wear cut-resistant gloves and eye protection when applying or removing steel strapping.
POLY STRAPPING: PP, PET, AND POLY CORD
Poly strapping is the most widely used strapping category. It is lighter than steel, safer to handle, and available in three materials that cover a wide range of load weights and applications. Choosing the right poly type depends on how heavy the load is, whether it may settle during transit, and whether machine or hand application is required.POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
The most economical poly strapping option, designed for light to medium-weight loads. Flexible and available in both hand-grade and machine-grade rolls. Elongates under tension, which helps absorb minor load movement. Not ideal for loads that experience high shock or heavy sustained stress.
BEST FOR:
Retail and consumer goods bundling
Palletizing light to medium cartons
High-speed automated strapping machines
Short-distance domestic shipping
POLYESTER (PET)
The closest plastic alternative to steel strapping. High tensile strength and excellent shock resistance, with better tension retention than PP. UV-resistant and stable across temperature fluctuations, making it well-suited for outdoor storage and long-distance freight. Safer and lighter than steel for comparable applications.
BEST FOR:
Medium to heavy loads
Loads that may shift or settle in transit
Outdoor storage and UV exposure
Long-distance or international freight
POLY CORD
Woven poly cord strapping combines the break strength of steel with the advantages of plastic. It will not scratch or mar product surfaces, is corrosion-resistant, and provides long-lasting tension and impact resistance. Safer to handle than steel and easier on finished or sensitive surfaces.
BEST FOR:
Finished or surface-sensitive products
High-tension applications without scratch risk
Corrosion-prone environments
Applications where steel is over-specified
PAPER STRAPPING
Paper strapping is a 100% recyclable banding option for light-duty applications. It is the lightest and often lowest-cost strapping available, and it is the right choice for operations that prioritize sustainability or only need to bundle light loads.Paper strapping is not a substitute for poly or steel on loads with meaningful weight or transit stress. It works best for retail bundling, light product grouping, and eco-conscious packaging programs where recyclability at the point of delivery matters.
BEST FOR: Light bundling and retail grouping, eco-friendly packaging programs, products with no significant transit stress
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TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
Strapping is only as secure as the joint that holds it. The right seals, tools, and application method determine whether that joint holds under load. Never mix strapping materials with incompatible seals or tools.SEALS AND BUCKLES
Seals crimp around the overlapping ends of strapping to form the joint. Steel strapping uses regular or heavy-duty steel seals. Poly strapping uses poly seals. Always match the seal to the strapping material and width.
TENSIONERS AND SEALERS
Hand tensioners pull the strap tight before sealing. Poly sealers crimp or heat-weld the seal in place. For steel strapping, a combination tool tensions and crimps in one motion. Combination tools reduce application time and inconsistency.
STRAPPING MACHINES
Automated and semi-automated strapping machines apply consistent tension and sealing for high-volume operations. PP strapping is most commonly used on machines due to its flexibility and unwind consistency. PET machine-grade rolls are also available.
RATCHET STRAPS
Ratchet straps are adjustable webbing straps used to secure equipment or cargo during transport. They are not used the same way as standard pallet strapping but are essential for flatbed, open trailer, and equipment shipping applications.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT STRAPPING
Use this table as a starting point. For high-value or high-risk loads, always test your strapping configuration before committing to a full run.| SITUATION | STRAPPING TYPE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy rigid loads (steel, lumber, machinery) | Steel strapping | Use high-tensile for extreme weights or shock loads; requires seals and proper cutting tools |
| Medium to heavy loads that may shift in transit | Polyester (PET) strapping | Better tension retention than PP; UV-resistant; safer than steel for comparable strength |
| Light to medium loads, high-speed machine lines | Polypropylene (PP) strapping | Most economical poly option; flexible and consistent on automated equipment |
| Finished or surface-sensitive products | Poly cord strapping | Will not scratch or mar surfaces; corrosion-resistant; steel-level strength without sharp edges |
| Light bundling or eco-priority operations | Paper strapping | 100% recyclable; not suitable for heavy or high-stress loads |
| Securing cargo in flatbed or open trailer transit | Ratchet straps | Adjustable webbing for equipment and cargo; not the same application as pallet strapping |
| Outdoor storage or long-distance freight | PET or high-tensile steel | PET handles UV and temperature shifts well; steel for extreme weights in outdoor applications |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to the questions we hear most about strapping and banding.
What is the strongest strapping material?
Steel strapping offers the highest break strength of any strapping material. High-tensile steel is heat-treated for extra strength and shock resistance. For loads where steel is not required, polyester (PET) is the next strongest option and provides better tension retention than polypropylene.
What is the difference between PP and PET strapping?
Polypropylene (PP) is lighter, more flexible, and lower cost, making it the right choice for light to medium loads and high-speed machines. Polyester (PET) is stiffer, stronger, and retains tension better over time, making it the better choice for heavier loads or loads that may compress or settle during transit.
Is polyester strapping a good replacement for steel?
For many medium to heavy applications, yes. PET offers comparable tensile strength to light-gauge steel, with the added benefits of being lighter, safer to handle, rust-resistant, and UV-stable. For the heaviest loads or applications requiring zero elongation, steel is still the stronger choice.
Which strapping is safest to handle?
Poly and paper strapping are significantly safer than steel. Steel strapping has sharp edges and can snap back under tension when cut, creating a laceration risk. Always use cut-resistant gloves and eye protection when working with steel strapping. Poly cord is a good alternative where steel-level strength is needed without the handling risks.
Do I need seals for poly strapping?
It depends on the application method. Hand strapping with a tensioner requires seals to crimp and hold the joint. Some poly strapping tools use friction-weld or heat-weld sealing that does not require a separate seal. Check your tool type before ordering. Steel strapping always requires seals.
What happens if I use the wrong strapping for my load?
Using strapping that is too light can result in load failure, product damage, and safety hazards during transit. Over-specifying adds unnecessary cost. The most common errors are using PP where PET is required for heavier loads, or using light-gauge steel where high-tensile is needed for shock-prone freight.
Is paper strapping strong enough for pallet loads?
Not for most pallet applications. Paper strapping is designed for light bundling and eco-friendly retail packaging, not for securing loaded pallets during transit. For pallet containment, use poly or steel strapping matched to the load weight.
Can Benchmark help me find the right strapping for my operation?
Yes. Our team works with operations across Ohio and the Midwest to identify the right strapping material, width, and tooling for each application. Contact us for a same-day quote or product recommendation.
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Shop Benchmark's full selection of strapping and banding,
or contact us for product recommendations and volume pricing.