Pallet Strapping Tool: A Guide to Securing Pallets for Shipping
If you’re shipping or reselling pallets of any kind, a pallet strapping tool is what keeps everything from shifting, tipping, or falling apart in transit. Here’s a practical guide to what these tools do and which type fits your volume.
What Is a Pallet Strapping Tool?
A pallet strapping tool tensions and seals plastic or steel banding around a stacked pallet load, holding boxes and cases firmly in place during shipping or storage. Without proper strapping, even well-wrapped pallets can shift enough in transit to damage inventory or cause a load to become unstable.
Types of Pallet Strapping Tools
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Manual Tensioner & Sealer | Low-volume shipping, occasional pallet prep |
| Battery-Powered Strapping Tool | Regular shipping, faster and less physically demanding |
| Pneumatic Strapping Tool | High-volume warehouse or distribution use |
📦 Pallets Worth Strapping Properly
Why Proper Strapping Matters for Resellers
If you’re reselling or reshipping goods off a liquidation pallet, re-strapping smaller bundles for local delivery or storage protects your inventory from damage and makes loads easier to move safely. It’s a small tool investment that prevents costly breakage on higher-value items like electronics or glass-topped furniture.
Pro Tip: Match Strap Material to Your Load
Use polyester or polypropylene strapping for lighter general merchandise, and steel strapping for heavier, denser loads like tool pallets or furniture. The wrong strap material can snap under tension or fail to hold a heavy load securely.
Basic Strapping Safety Tips
- Wear gloves and eye protection: strapping under tension can snap back sharply if it breaks
- Use corner protectors: prevents straps from cutting into boxes or damaging product edges
- Don’t over-tension lightweight loads: excessive tension can crush boxes or damage contents
- Inspect straps before reuse: worn or nicked strapping is more likely to fail under load