green text on blue and being background says the top strapping tools you should know

The Top Strapping Tools You Should Know

When bundling and unitizing your loads, strapping is an invaluable product that keeps your pallets safe. Traditionally, companies and teams used hand application methods in order to secure the strap to their loads and this process is augmented by basic tools like strapping cutters, joint sealers, and strap tensioners. More and more often, we hear from businesses that are interested in speeding up the unitizing and palletizing processes, as well as reducing the amount they spend on labor hours for relatively simple tasks. One economical and effective way to achieve both of these goals is by implementing a battery-powered strapping tool into your packaging system. 

What is a Battery-Powered Strapping Tool?

Every type of strapping tool is important and can offer incredible benefits to the people that use them. Today, however, we’re focusing specifically on battery-powered strapping tools, sometimes called automatic strapping tools or semi-automatic strapping tools. These are somewhat self-explanatory in that they are a strapping tool that operates with the help of a battery. There are multiple kinds of battery-powered tools available and each of these performs different functions. One of the most popular varieties is a battery-powered combination tool. Combination strapping tools are able to work as a strap cutter, tensioner, and sealer in just one handy device

Trustworthy Strapping Tool Brands

Just like when you go shopping for a new car or computer, searching for your next strapping tool involves some name recognition. Opting for the cheapest device you can find will maybe work out for a month or two, but seeking a high-quality strapping tool means you’ll get a product that offers outstanding results for many, many years to come. For this kind of success, there are a few brand names that tend to lead the pack, two of which we’ll discuss today – Signode and Fromm. Signode strapping tools and Fromm strapping tools are regarded as two of the highest caliber choices available on the market.  man in safety glasses operating signode bxt3 strapping tool over wood pallets

Signode Strapping Tools

When it comes to battery-powered strapping tools, Signode offers a premium lineup. The company has both battery-powered plastic strapping and steel strapping tools in its inventory. One of the most popular models is the BXT3 lineup of poly strapping tools. There are three different versions of the BXT3 and each tool is lightweight with ergonomic, user-friendly design. Additionally, they all come equipped with a digital touchpad interface, finger pressure controlled variable tension, favorite strapping settings, strap alignment indicators, and real time applied tension force indicators. Here are the key details of each machine: Signode BXT3-13 Combination Strapping Tool 
  • For lightweight strapping applications
  • Weighs 6 lbs.
  • Can accommodate poly strap between 3/8- and ½-inch wide and up to .031-inches thick
  • Tension capacity range of 90-270 lbs.
  • Variable tension speed range of 11.3 inches per second
  • Battery charge time is between 15-30 minutes
[caption id="attachment_23358" align="alignright" width="327"]signode bxt3-16 strapping tool side and front view Signode BXT3-16 Strapping Tool[/caption] Signode BXT3-16 Combination Strapping Tool 
  • For mid-grade strapping applications
  • Weighs 8 lbs.
  • Can accommodate plastic strap between ½- and 5/8-inch wide and up to .040-inches thick
  • Tension capacity range of 200-560 lbs.
  • Variable tension speed range of 8.6 inches per second
  • Battery charge time is between 15-30 minutes
Signode BXT3-19 Combination Strapping Tool 
  • For heavy-duty strapping applications
  • Weighs 9.5 lbs.
  • Can accommodate poly strapping between 5/8- and ¾-inch wide and up to .052-inches thick
  • Tension capacity range of 290-1,000 lbs.
  • Variable tension speed range of 4.7 inches per second
  • Battery charge time is between 25-35 minutes
The BXT3 lineup is incredibly impressive, but it’s not all Signode has to offer. If you’re in the market for a battery-powered steel strapping tool, you’ll want to consider the Signode SLB-34 combination steel strap tool that can tension up to 1,000 lbs. and work with strapping up to ¾-inch wide and .025-inches thick. 

Fromm Battery-Powered Strapping Tools

In the packaging industry and beyond, Fromm strapping tools are considered to be some of the best. The company offers a diverse array of strapping products and it’s clear that they know their niche very well. When seeking a new combination strapping tool, the following are the Fromm options you’ll want to consider: Fromm P318 Combination Poly Strapping Tool 
  • For lightweight plain or embossed strapping applications
  • Weighs 7.5 lbs. 
  • Can accommodate plastic strap between 3/8- and ½-inch wide and up to .031-inches thick
  • 600 strap cycles per load (depends on quality of your strapping)
  • Adjustable tension force range of 35-180 lbs.
  • Adjustable tension speed of 5.8-11.8 inches per second
  • Average seal strength is 75% (depends on quality of your strapping)
Fromm P328 Combination Poly Strapping Tool 
  • For general plain or embossed strapping applications
  • Weighs 9.6 lbs.
  • Can accommodate plastic strap up to 5/8-inch wide and .041-inches thick
  • Tension force range of 56-585 lbs.
  • Tension speed range of 2.6-4.9 inches per second
  • Average seal strength is 75% (depends on quality of your strapping)
  • Semi-automatic and fully automatic models available
Fromm P329 Combination Poly Strapping Tool 
  • For high-demand plain or embossed strapping applications
  • Weighs 9.6 lbs.
  • Can accommodate plastic strap between 5/8- and ¾-inch wide and up to .053-inches thick
  • Adjustable tension force range of 112-900 lbs.
  • Tension speed range of 1.9-3.1 inches per second
  • Average seal strength is 75% (depends on quality of your strapping)
  • Semi-automatic and fully automatic models available
  • Premium brushless motor for less maintenance and longer lifespan
Fromm P331 Combination PET Strapping Tool  [caption id="attachment_23360" align="alignright" width="356"]fromm p331 pet strapping tool Fromm P331 PET Strapping Tool[/caption]
  • For heavy-duty polyester strapping applications
  • Weighs 14.5 lbs.
  • Can accommodate polyester strap between ¾- and 1 ¼-inches wide and up to .060-inches thick
  • Adjustable tension force of up to 7,000 N (270-1,575 lbs.)
  • Tension speed range of 1.5-2.5 inches per second
  • Average seal strength is 75% (depends on quality of your strapping)
  • Premium brushless motor for less maintenance and longer lifespan
  • Outstanding balance for all strapping positions

Strapping Tools You Can Depend On

Just like your next automotive or electronics purchase, it's necessary to ensure that your next strapping tool purchase is worthwhile. You need a device that will perform beautifully, is user friendly, and saves both time and money. Signode strapping tools and Fromm strapping tools do all of that, as well as provide you with peace of mind at the same time. When you buy from these brands, you receive a top-notch quality guarantee. Better yet, IPS Packaging & Automation is always standing by with a dedicated service, tools, and repair program. Whether you need a planned maintenance schedule for your strapping tool or affordable parts repair, our parts technicians have you covered. Contact us today!