Miscellaneous
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Strapping Tape?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Strapping tape is a type of tape which is intended for use in shipping. This tape is heavily reinforced so that it will not give way during transit, and it can be used to reinforce shipping boxes, and to seal containers for shipping. It is readily available at mailing centers, dry goods stores, hardware stores, and many drugstores which stock miscellaneous items. It can be a very useful thing to keep around the house.

This tape includes filaments which increase its tensile strength. Fiberglass is a popular choice for making the filaments, since it is a strong and durable material, although some companies use cotton or synthetics. The filaments are typically embedded into the tape, running longwise along the tape to provide support. The tape may be made from clear plastic, in which case the threads can be clearly seen, or brown paper, which sandwiches the filaments between layers of paper and adhesive.

Strapping tape is intended for use in shipping.
Strapping tape is intended for use in shipping.

Strapping tape can withstand a great deal of strain, such as twisting, side to side pulling, and tearing. Occasionally, it will tear lengthwise as one of the filaments peels away, but the rest of the tape will be left intact. Some companies make this tape with stamps or markings which can be used in identification, and this type of tape is often used to secure boxes with contents which must be left uncompromised, such as evidence in a criminal case.

Strapping tape may be used to repair the damaged spine of a book.
Strapping tape may be used to repair the damaged spine of a book.

Most people find it helpful to use a dispenser with strapping tape. The dispenser holds the tape in place, and includes a cutting blade which is designed to quickly cut through the tape. Most also have handles which allow people to run the dispenser along a box to dispense tape, and then tug down sharply to cut the tape. It is usually necessary to smooth the tape down with the hands after dispensing it to ensure that it adheres to the surface being tapes.

Using strapping tape in shipping ensures that a box will not pop open during transit, which can be a major problem. Strapping tape can also be utilized to reinforce a heavy box, by running strips of tape around the box to help hold it together. There are some other innovative uses for strapping tape, including quickie book repair, in which the tape can be used to create a snug and flexible spine for a damaged book, and securing bundles of loose objects such as curtain rods for transit.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

BabaB

Scotch strapping tape is stronger than regular strapping tape. It is sold in bulk - big cases and is used mostly for industrial needs. The filaments are made from glass, for very high tensile strength.

This is very sticky tape and can tolerate below freezing temperatures and high temperatures. It works very well for bundling things together and for holding industrial items securely.

Great products!

Clairdelune

Strapping tape is wonderful stuff. I remember getting a box ready to ship required binding the box very tight with heavy duty string winding around and around.

Strapping tape makes it oh so much easier! And, having the dispensers makes it doubly convenient.

Besides using it for shipping and moving, I've used it to bind items together,and to tape screws to the item so the screws won't get lost.

The filaments running along the tape make it incredibly strong. I don't know what we would do without it.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Strapping tape is intended for use in shipping.
      By: Rhonda Roth
      Strapping tape is intended for use in shipping.
    • Strapping tape may be used to repair the damaged spine of a book.
      By: Erik Schumann
      Strapping tape may be used to repair the damaged spine of a book.