Essential Strapping Components: Understanding Strapping Seals and Buckles

Strapping seals and buckles are essential components used in the packaging and securing of various goods and materials. They play a crucial role in ensuring that strapping materials, such as steel, polyester, polypropylene, or corded strapping, are securely fastened, preventing packages from coming loose during transportation or storage.

Here's an overview of strapping seals and buckles:

Strapping Seals:

• Strapping seals are small metal or plastic devices used to secure the ends of strapping material together, creating a secure joint.
• They come in different shapes, sizes, and designs, depending on the type of strapping material and the application.
• For steel strapping, there are open and closed seals. Open seals are applied using a manual sealer or a pneumatic sealing tool, while closed seals are pre-closed and require no additional tools.
• For plastic strapping, there are snap-on seals, push-type seals, and lapover seals. Snap-on seals can be easily snapped onto the strapping by hand. Push-type seals are designed for polyester strapping, applied by pushing the strapping ends into the seal, providing a secure grip. Lapover seals are used with steel strapping and allow the strapping ends to overlap for a secure joint without a sealer.

Strapping Buckles:

• Strapping buckles are devices used to secure the ends of woven or corded strapping together, providing a strong joint.
• They are made of metal or plastic and are available in various designs, including wire buckles, ratchet buckles, cam buckles, and plastic buckles.
• Wire buckles are commonly used with woven or corded strapping, and they offer a simple and efficient way to secure the strapping ends.
• Ratchet buckles are used with nylon and polyester strapping, featuring a ratcheting mechanism for precise tensioning and secure locking.
• Cam buckles are often used in light-duty applications, providing a quick-release mechanism for easy application and removal without additional tools.
• Plastic buckles are lightweight and used with plastic strapping, providing a secure joint without the need for additional tools or seals.

The choice of strapping seal or buckle depends on the type of strapping material, the application, and the required joint strength. Properly selected and applied strapping seals and buckles are crucial for ensuring that packages and cargo remain securely bundled during transit, reducing the risk of damage and improving overall safety in the shipping and logistics process.

Types of Strapping Seals

There are several types of strapping seals and buckles used for securing various types of strapping materials. Each type serves a specific purpose and is designed to provide reliable and secure joint strength. The most common types include:

1. Semi-Open Seals: Flat metal seals used with steel strapping, applied using a manual sealer or pneumatic sealing tool.

2. Closed Seals: Similar to open seals, but with a closed design, providing extra strength for heavy-duty steel strapping applications.

3. Snap-On Seals: Used with plastic strapping (polypropylene or polyester), easily snapped onto the strapping by hand for quick securing.

4. Push-Type Seals: Specifically designed for polyester strapping, applied by pushing the strapping ends into the seal, creating a strong bond with internal teeth.

5. Lapover Seals: Used with steel strapping, these seals have a design that allows the strapping ends to overlap, providing a secure joint.

6. Serrated Seals: Used with plastic strapping, these seals have serrated edges that grip the strapping tightly, providing enhanced joint strength.

7. Wire Buckles: Used with woven or corded strapping, available in single and double-notch designs, offering versatility for different strapping applications.

8. Ratchet Buckles: Used with nylon and polyester strapping, featuring a ratcheting mechanism for precise tensioning and secure locking.

9. Cam Buckles: Commonly used with light-duty applications, featuring a quick-release mechanism for easy application and removal without additional tools.

10. Lashing Buckles: Heavy-duty buckles used with cargo lashing straps to secure cargo on trucks, trailers, or containers, designed to withstand high tension for reliable cargo restraint.

11. TLN (Thread-On) Seals: Used with plastic strapping (polypropylene or polyester), these seals are threaded onto the strapping ends and sealed with a TLN cartridge sealer.

12. Plastic Buckles: Used with plastic strapping, these buckles are lightweight and easy to apply, providing a secure joint without the need for seals or tools.

Each type of strapping seal and buckle is suitable for different strapping materials and applications. When choosing the right seal or buckle for your specific needs, consider factors such as the type of strapping material, the load weight, and the application method. Proper selection and application of the seal or buckle ensure the safe and effective bundling and securing of your packages or cargo.

Standard Seals for Polyprop Strapping

Metal strapping seals, also known as strapping clips, are the strongest and most reliable way of joining polyprop strapping, these are used with standard crimping tools and are suitable for most general applications. If you are strapping heavy pallets consider going for a heavy duty seal or upgrade to a serrated seal.

Serrated Seals for Polyprop Strapping

Serrated seals have a serrated internal surface which helps to grip the strap and prevent it pulling through when under high tension. If you are strapping heavy pallets or if you have experienced your strapping going slightly slack during transit these seals may be the answer.

Plastic Buckles for Polyprop Strapping

Plastic buckles are generally used for low volume and lower tension applications. These buckles can be applied by hand and are a cost effective alternative to metal seals as they do not need any tools. Do not use these buckles if you need higher tension or if you are strapping heavy pallets.

High Performance Sherardized Metal Buckles

The sherardized coating on our high performance sherardized buckles provides a superior grip, preventing strap slippage and improving weather resistance. Buckles are a great option for straps that tend to go slack due to product migration as they can be easily re-tensioned.

Standard Galvanised Metal Buckles

Galvanised buckles are coated to protect from corrosion. Buckles are a great option for straps that tend to go slack due to product migration as they can be easily re-tensioned.

Lapover Steel Strapping Seals

Lapover seals create the strongest seal and are recommended for use when strapping at high tension levels.

Snap-On Steel Strapping Seals

Snap-On seals are faster to use as they can be applied after the strap has been tensioned. They clip over the strap rather than having to thread the strap through the seal like the lapover seals above.

TLN Seals for use with the TLN Combi Tool

TLN seals are a specific seal for use with the popular TLN steel strapping combination tool.

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