A Complete Guide to Strapping Tape: What It Is and How to Use It

Your regular tape keeps failing on heavy boxes. You worry that your packages will burst open during shipping. You need a stronger, more reliable solution for real security.

Strapping tape, also known as filament tape, is a heavy-duty packaging tape reinforced with fiberglass strands. This reinforcement gives it exceptional strength, making it ideal for sealing heavy boxes, bundling items, and securing shipments that require extra support.

This powerful tape is very different from the standard tape you might have in your desk drawer. Its unique construction makes it the top choice for tough jobs where failure is not an option. If you’re ready to learn how this tape can solve your biggest packaging challenges, read on to learn more.

Introduction to Strapping Tape

Your boxes are too heavy for normal tape. You worry they will burst open. Strapping tape provides the strength and security you need for peace of mind.

Strapping tape, also called filament tape, is a heavy-duty adhesive tape. It has strong fibers inside it. This makes it much stronger than regular packing tape for securing heavy items.
Strapping tape is a special kind of pressure-sensitive tape ¹. You might know it by its other name, filament tape. This name comes from the thousands of tiny fiberglass filaments, or threads, that are embedded inside the tape itself. These filaments are the secret to its great power. They act like a strong skeleton, giving the tape exceptional tensile strength ². Tensile strength is the measure of how much force is needed to pull something apart until it breaks. Because of these reinforcing filaments, strapping tape has a very high tensile strength. This means it can handle heavy loads and rough handling without snapping or tearing.

Unlike standard tapes that might split or peel under pressure, strapping tape is designed for durability. It resists splitting, cracking, and scuffing. It also holds up well against moisture and solvents, which helps when packages are in transit or storage for a long time. This combination of features makes it a utility-grade solution for the most demanding jobs. It’s the tape professionals turn to when they need to bundle, reinforce, or secure heavy items with complete confidence. Its main purpose is to provide a level of security that other tapes simply cannot match.

What is Strapping Tape Made Of?

Ever wonder what gives strapping tape its power? It’s not just sticky plastic. The secret lies in its special construction, which makes it very tough.

Strapping tape is made of a strong plastic backing, like polypropylene. It has fiberglass or polyester threads, called filaments, embedded inside. A strong rubber-based adhesive provides a long-lasting bond.
The strength and reliability of strapping tape come from its unique, multi-layered construction. Each component has a specific job in its performance. Understanding these parts helps to see why it’s so effective for heavy-duty applications.

The Backing Material

The main body of the tape is a backing made from tensilized polypropylene ³. Polypropylene is a type of plastic known for being durable and resistant to fatigue. The term “tensilized” means the plastic film has been stretched in one direction during manufacturing. This process aligns the plastic molecules, making the film much stronger along its length and less likely to stretch further. This pre-stretching is a main reason why the tape can hold heavy loads without elongating and becoming loose.

The Reinforcing Filaments

This is what separates strapping tape from all other tapes. Embedded within the polypropylene backing are thousands of high-strength filaments. These are typically made from glass yarn (fiberglass) or sometimes polyester yarn. These filaments run lengthwise along the tape. They act like the steel rebar used to reinforce concrete. They absorb the stress and force applied to the tape, preventing it from tearing or snapping under tension. The number and pattern of these filaments can vary, which is why you can find strapping tape in different strength grades for different levels of work.

The Adhesive Layer

The last component is the adhesive. Strapping tape uses a powerful, pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) ⁴, usually made from synthetic or natural rubber. This type of adhesive forms a strong, long-lasting bond when you apply light pressure. It is designed to stick aggressively to a wide variety of surfaces, especially cardboard and other common packaging materials. The rubber-based formula creates a secure hold that can withstand the vibrations and shifting that occur during transit, keeping your packages sealed from start to finish.

Strapping Tape vs. Packing Tape: What’s the Difference?

Using the wrong tape can lead to problems. Regular packing tape is fine for light boxes, but it will fail on heavy loads. Understanding the difference is a good idea.

The main difference is strength. Strapping tape is reinforced with fiberglass filaments, making it much stronger and tear-resistant. Standard packing tape is not reinforced and is for lighter-duty tasks.
While both strapping tape and standard packing tape ⁵ are used to seal packages, they are designed for very different purposes and have key differences in their construction and performance. You need to choose the correct one to keep your items secure. The biggest difference is their internal structure.

Composition and Strength

The core difference is reinforcement. Strapping tape contains those strong fiberglass or polyester filaments we discussed. This reinforcement gives it a much higher tensile strength, often three to four times greater than standard packing tape. For context, a good quality strapping tape can often withstand over 100 pounds of force per inch of width before breaking. Standard packing tape, which is typically a simple film of non-reinforced plastic like acrylic or polypropylene, might only handle 25 to 35 pounds of force. This means strapping tape is built to resist tearing and splitting under the stress of heavy loads, while packing tape is not.

Intended Use and Application

These differences in strength lead to very different uses.

• Standard Packing Tape: This is your everyday tape for general-purpose tasks. It’s perfect for sealing light to medium-weight cardboard boxes for moving or storage. It’s not designed for bundling heavy items or for packages that will undergo a lot of stress.
• Strapping Tape: This is a specialty tape for heavy-duty applications. Its strength makes it the right choice for sealing overweight boxes, bundling heavy materials like pipes or lumber, reinforcing package corners, and securing items to pallets for freight shipping.

Because of its toughness, strapping tape cannot be torn by hand. You will always need a sharp blade, a pair of scissors, or a heavy-duty tape dispenser to cut it. In contrast, some standard packing tapes are designed to be torn by hand, though a dispenser is still easier.

Here is a simple table to summarize the key differences:

Feature	Strapping Tape	Standard Packing Tape
Reinforcement	Yes, with fiberglass filaments	No reinforcement
Tensile Strength	Very High (e.g., 100+ lbs)	Low to Medium (e.g., 25-35 lbs)
Primary Use	Heavy boxes, bundling, reinforcing	Light to medium boxes
Tear Resistance	Excellent	Poor
Application	Requires scissors or dispenser	Can sometimes be torn by hand

When Should You Use Strapping Tape?

Have a big shipping job? Moving heavy furniture or equipment? Your standard tape roll won’t be enough. You need a solution designed for serious holding power.

Use strapping tape for heavy-duty jobs. This includes sealing very heavy boxes, bundling items like pipes or wood together, reinforcing packages, and securing loads on pallets for shipping.
Strapping tape is not meant for everyday, light-duty tasks. It is a specialized tool designed for situations where strength and durability are the top priorities. Its ability to adhere to many surfaces and withstand immense force makes it the perfect choice for several challenging applications. If you are facing any of the following jobs, strapping tape is the right tool to reach for.

Sealing Heavy Cardboard Boxes

This is the most common use for strapping tape. If you are shipping or storing boxes that weigh over 40 pounds, standard packing tape may not be strong enough to hold the flaps closed. The weight of the contents can put constant pressure on the seals, causing weaker tapes to stretch, peel, or break. Strapping tape provides an extra-tight, secure seal that will not pop open, even when the box is handled roughly or stacked under other heavy items.

Bundling Tools and Materials

The superior strength of strapping tape makes it an excellent option for bundling heavy or awkwardly shaped items together. Think of it as a flexible, super-strong strap. It is often used to bundle construction materials like lumber, metal pipes, or PVC tubes. It can also be used to group heavy tools, sporting equipment, or other loose items into a single, manageable unit for easier transport or storage.

Reinforcing Packages

Sometimes, the contents of a package need extra protection. If you are shipping valuable or fragile items in a large box, you might want to reinforce the package itself. You can apply strapping tape along the edges and corners of the box. This adds structural integrity and provides more protection against the box being crushed or splitting at the seams if it is dropped or impacted during transit.

Palletizing Large Shipments

In the commercial shipping industry, strapping tape is used for an important task in palletizing ⁶. “Palletizing” is the process of stacking multiple boxes or items onto a wooden pallet to be shipped as a single unit. Strapping tape is often used with plastic stretch wrap to secure the items tightly to the pallet. Its high tensile strength helps the load remain stable and not shift or fall apart during transport by forklift or truck.

How to Choose the Right Strapping Tape

Not all strapping tapes are the same. Choosing the wrong one could mean it’s either overkill or not strong enough. You need to match the tape to your specific job.

To choose the right strapping tape, consider the weight of your items to determine the needed tensile strength. Also, think about the tape’s thickness, width, and adhesive type for your specific application.
Selecting the correct strapping tape is about matching the tape’s properties to the demands of your task. Using a tape that is not strong enough can lead to package failure, while using one that is too strong can be unnecessarily expensive. By thinking about a few key factors, you can choose the most effective and economical solution for your needs.

Tensile Strength

This is the main factor to think about. Tensile strength is measured in pounds and indicates how much pulling force the tape can withstand before breaking. The heavier your package or bundle, the higher the tensile strength you will need. Manufacturers often provide recommendations based on package weight.

• Light-Duty Heavy Boxes (up to 40 lbs): A tape with a tensile strength around 100 lbs/inch is usually sufficient.
• Medium-Duty Heavy Boxes (40-70 lbs): Look for a tape with a tensile strength in the 150-200 lbs/inch range.
• Heavy-Duty Bundling & Palletizing (70+ lbs): For the toughest jobs, you will need a tape with a tensile strength of 300 lbs/inch or more.

Width and Thickness

The dimensions of the tape also contribute to its performance.

• Width: A wider tape provides better surface grip and holding power, making it ideal for large, heavy boxes. Common widths are 2 inches and 3 inches. A narrower tape may be sufficient for smaller bundles.
• Thickness: A thicker tape is generally more durable and has a higher tensile strength. It offers better resistance to abrasion and scuffs. Yet, thinner tape is more flexible and cost-effective for applications where extreme durability is not required.

Adhesive Type

The type of adhesive affects how the tape bonds to surfaces and performs in different environments.

• Rubber-Based Adhesives: These are very common and offer a quick, aggressive bond to a variety of surfaces. They are great for general-purpose strapping in typical room-temperature settings.
• Acrylic Adhesives: These adhesives may take longer to form their final bond but offer better resistance to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) and UV light. They are a good choice for packages that will be stored outdoors or for long periods.

Flexibility and Elongation

Elongation refers to how much the tape can stretch before it breaks. A tape with more elongation can conform better to irregular shapes and provides better shock absorption. A tape with less elongation offers more stability and control for precise applications on uniform packages.

Customization Options for Strapping Tape

Plain tape is functional, but what if you want it to stand out? Your tape can be more than just a tool. It can be a part of your branding.

Yes, you can customize strapping tape. Options include choosing different widths, printing with one or more ink colors, and even matching specific brand colors for a professional, branded look.
Beyond its functional strength, strapping tape also offers a surprising number of customization options. This allows businesses to use the tape not just for securing packages, but also as a branding and messaging tool. Customizing your tape can improve brand recognition, provide handling instructions, or add a professional touch to your shipments. If you want to go beyond the standard clear or white tape, here are some of the ways you can personalize it.

Choosing the Right Size

The most basic customization is size. While standard roll lengths are common, you can often choose between different widths to best suit your packaging. The two most common widths are 2 inches and 3 inches. A 3-inch width provides more surface area and holding power for very large or heavy cartons, while a 2-inch width is a good choice for a wide range of applications.

Custom Printing and Ink Colors

This is where branding comes into play. You can have your strapping tape custom printed with your company’s logo, name, or a specific message. This turns every package you ship into a marketing opportunity.

• Number of Ink Colors: You can typically choose to print with one, two, or three different ink colors. This allows you to create designs that range from simple and minimalist to bright and bold, matching your company’s brand identity.
• PMS Color Matching: For precise brand consistency, many suppliers offer PMS (Pantone Matching System) ⁷ color matching. This means you can select an ink that perfectly aligns with your official brand color scheme, creating a professional and consistent look across all your materials.

Special Printing Techniques

For an even more different look, some specialty printing processes are available.

• Reverse Print: In a standard print, the ink is printed on top of the clear or white tape. In a reverse print, the background is printed with color, leaving your logo or text in the tape’s original color. This creates a striking design that really stands out.
• Flood Coat: A flood coat is similar to a reverse print, where the ink coats a large surface area of the tape, changing the background color of the entire roll.

These specialty processes can make your packaging highly distinctive, though they may come with extra surcharges.

Strapping tape is your best choice for heavy-duty packing. Its superior strength and durability help keep your heaviest shipments safe and secure.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is filament tape the same as strapping tape?
Yes, filament tape and strapping tape are two names for the same product. It is a strong tape reinforced with fiberglass or other synthetic filaments.

2. Is strapping tape waterproof?
The plastic backing is water-resistant, meaning it will repel moisture. It is not fully waterproof, and submersion in water may weaken the adhesive over time.

3. Does strapping tape leave a residue?
It can leave a sticky residue, especially if it has been in place for a long time or exposed to heat. The strong rubber adhesive is designed to hold, not for clean removal.

4. What is the strongest type of packing tape?
Strapping tape, or filament tape, is generally considered the strongest type of packing tape due to its fiberglass reinforcement and high tensile strength.

5. How do you apply strapping tape?
You must use a pair of scissors, a utility knife, or a heavy-duty tape dispenser to cut strapping tape. It is too strong to be torn by hand.

6. Can strapping tape damage cardboard boxes?
Yes, because the adhesive is so strong, removing the tape will likely tear the top layer of the cardboard. It is designed for a permanent seal, not temporary use.

7. Can you write on strapping tape?
You can write on it with a permanent marker, but the glossy plastic surface may cause some inks to smudge. It is not designed as a writing surface.

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Footnotes

1. An industry council’s explanation of what pressure-sensitive tape is and how it works. ↩︎
2. A scientific overview of tensile strength as a key material property in engineering. ↩︎
3. A guide to the properties and applications of polypropylene, the tape’s backing material. ↩︎
4. An overview of pressure-sensitive adhesives from Wikipedia. ↩︎
5. A helpful guide comparing the different types of packing tapes available for moving and shipping. ↩︎
6. A step-by-step guide on how to properly wrap a pallet for secure and stable shipping. ↩︎
7. The official source for the Pantone Matching System, explaining its role in color standardization. ↩︎