How do you cut metal banding safely?

When it comes to cutting steel strapping, the ideal strapping tool is a pair of duck-billed shears with long handles. Make sure to cut the steel strapping squarely to avoid forming sharp, pointed ends which only add to potential hazards of the job.

What is steel strapping used for?

Steel strapping is an excellent material for holding parts or materials with sharp edges and hard corners, such as steel plates or I-beams, that could cut into softer materials. The rigidity of steel strapping makes it ideal for holding loads that are not prone to settling since the steel won’t readily lose its shape.

What precaution should be taken when cutting the steel bands around groups of trusses?

Use the Right Protective Gear If you must handle metal straps, be sure to wear gloves. Steel can have sharp edges, which can cause cuts. While most of these injuries will be small, they could be more serious. Even the smallest of injuries can lead to bigger complications.

How strong is metal strapping?

Working Range of Strapping Materials: In the example above, steel strapping has a break strength of about 1475 pounds. But it is applied at tensions whose typical upper level is only 700 pounds. Polyester and polypropylene strapping of the same dimension may have break strengths of 600 pounds or more.

What is strapping used for?

Strapping materials are used primarily for bundling products together and securing pallet loads during transport and storage. When used for palletizing, it is often complemented with the additional security of stretch wrap.

How is steel strapping made?

They are produced from primary steel that has been cast into slab, heated, rolled to achieve the desired thickness, and slit to the desired width. The slitting process pro- duces microcracks along the edge of the strapping or strip, which reduce tensile strength.

What is the longest span for trusses?

A roof truss can span up to 80′ without support, however in any home that distance would be impractical and incredibly costly. Trusses are designed to span spaces without interior supports, and spans of up to 40′ are the most common in today’s homes.

What does PET strapping mean?

Polyester (PET) strapping has become a popular alternative to steel for all but the very heaviest loads. Pound for pound, PET is stronger than steel, meaning that PET strapping with the same break load will be lighter than its steel strapping equivalent.

What is steel strapping?

Steel strapping is the oldest and most commonly used banding materials to this day. Steel strapping is designed for extreme tasks that require a heavy or very heavy-duty strap. Steel strapping is optimal for packaging industrial equipment, heavy construction materials, and shipping steel coils.

Why do you need to remove steel strapping?

Steel strapping is a useful way to keep rolls of sheet metal from unwinding while it is being transported, and for binding or reinforcing wooden crates and other boxes that contain heavy objects. When these items reach their final destination, someone has to remove the steel banding.

Is it safe to cut a steel strap?

When possible, do not cut when the band is under tension, as this can cause the strapping to spring back and cause damage. If you need to cut vertically tensioned strapping, you should stand to one side, hold the strapping against the item it’s keeping together, and cut below where you’re holding.

How big is an inch of steel strapping?

That’s no surprise, seeing as steel strapping is now manufactured in all kinds of sizes, from three-eighths of an inch by .015 to three-fourths of an inch by 0.30. While these stainless steel tools are used in different ways, the common thread is that workers need to be safe when they’re working with these components.

What’s the best way to cut tensioned strapping?

If you need to cut vertically tensioned strapping, you should stand to one side, hold the strapping against the item it’s keeping together, and cut below where you’re holding. This will cause the strapping to rebound in a downward motion, which will prevent injuries.