Steel Strapping Sealer
Strapping is only useful if it is tightened properly around a load. Often, seals are used to maintain the tension that is placed in the strap, holding everything in place until the strap is cut free. To compress the seal around two ends of a strap, a steel strapping sealer is the right tool for the job. With a firm seal in place, the strap will be able to maintain its tension nicely, and the materials secured within should hold steady during transit or storage.
Product Details
Get The Right Model
The key when picking out your sealer is to select the appropriate model for the job at hand. That means selecting the right sealer for the type of seals you’ll be using and the size of the straps—taking into consideration both width and thickness.
At Vulcan, we have sealers available for both open seals and closed seals, and we have models for a variety of strap sizes. As long as you pick the right tool for your situation, this device should prove handy and easy to use. If you have any questions when trying to find the right sealer, feel free to contact us for assistance.
| Load Type | Strap Width (inches) | Strap Thickness | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPEN SEAL | 3/8 – 3/4 | .015 – .023 | REG DUTY DOUBLE NOTCH FRONT |
| 1/2 – 3/4 | .025 – .031 | HD DOUBLE NOTCH FRONT | |
| 3/4 – 1 1/4 | .025 – .035 | HD DOUBLE REVERSE NOTCH SIDE | |
| CLOSED SEAL | 3/8 – 3/4 | .015 – .023 | REG DUTY SINGLE REV. NOTCH FRONT |
| 3/4 – 1 1/4 | .025 – .035 | HD SINGLE REVERSE NOTCH SIDE | |
| 3/4 – 1 1/4 | .025 – .035 | HD DOUBLE REVERSE NOTCH SIDE |
Complete Your Toolkit
Purchasing a strapping sealer is a step in the right direction, but this is far from the only tool involved in the process. Without the other pieces of equipment on hand—like a tensioner, cutter, and seals—you won’t be able to get very far with your straps. Whether you decide to purchase these tools individually or opt for a combo tool that does it all, Vulcan is ready to fill your order.
Shop All Steel Strapping Tools
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Strapping Sealers
What is a steel strapping sealer?
A steel strapping sealer is the hand tool that locks a steel strap around your load. After the strap is tensioned, you place a metal seal over the overlapping ends and squeeze the sealer’s jaws. The tool notches the seal and both layers of strap together, forming a mechanical joint that holds the tension you just applied. The tensioner does the pulling, the sealer does the holding.
How does a steel strapping sealer work?
Steel strap seals are notched rather than crimped. The sealer’s jaws punch offset cuts through the seal and the strap layers underneath, bending the metal so the layers interlock. That notched joint is what gives steel strapping its holding power. Because the joint is mechanical, it works the moment you squeeze; there is no heat, no cure time, and no waiting before the load can move.
What is a notch seal steel strapping tool?
Notch seal is simply the standard sealing method for steel strapping, and a notch-type sealer is the tool that produces it. It is worth knowing the term because it is the main difference from plastic banding; steel seals are notched or crimped depending on the load requirements, while poly strap seals rely on smooth/serrated crimps or friction welds.
What is the difference between a steel sealer and a poly strapping sealer?
The tools sound alike — tensioner, sealer, dispenser — but the compatibility is very specific to the type of banding and its size. A steel sealer notches the joint; a poly sealer crimps or friction-welds it. The jaw geometry and the force involved are built around the thickness and behavior of each material.
Using a poly sealer on steel strap will not form a joint that holds, and using a steel sealer on plastic banding can shred the band. Even when the widths sound the same, the strap thicknesses vary greatly, so the strap will not fit or grip correctly in the wrong tool. Keep a dedicated sealer for each banding type you run.
What is a push-type steel strapping sealer?
A push-type (or pusher) sealer is specifically engineered for round, narrow, or irregular loads—such as pipe, tubing, coils, and small bundles—where there is no flat surface to rest a tool on. It works with closed/overlap seals, pushing directly against the seal’s nose to lock the joint in tight quarters. For flat loads and pallet tops where you work directly over the strap, front-action sealers are the standard choice.
What is a sealless steel strapping crimper?
A sealless steel strapping tool joins the strap without a separate metal seal. Instead of notching a seal over the overlap, the tool punches interlocking cuts directly through both layers of strap. That removes seals from your consumables list and speeds up the cycle, which appeals to high-volume operations. Sealless joints are typically used on lighter and regular-duty strap; heavier, high-tensile applications generally still call for a sealer and metal seals.
Do I need a specific seal for my strap size?
Yes. Seals are sized to the strap width, so a 1/2″ strap takes a 1/2″ seal, a 3/4″ strap takes a 3/4″ seal, and so on. Your sealer must match that same size as well. Mismatched seals will not hold tension and can fail under load. We carry open and closed metal seals across common strap widths, so you can match strap, seal, and tool in one place.
What kind of steel strapping do most operations use?
Most of our customers run painted and waxed steel strapping with metal seals. Stainless steel strap is the premium option — the filet mignon of steel strapping — and is more commonly paired with wing seals, though it is not typically what shows up in day-to-day shipping. If you are unsure what grade fits your loads, we can walk you through it.
How do I seal steel strapping safely?
Steel strap joints are typically notched or crimped. Notch sealers punch offset cuts through the seal and strap layers to interlock the metal for high-tension applications. Crimp sealers deform or press the metal seal inward without cutting through the strap. Both methods form an instant mechanical joint with no heat or cure time required.
Wear cut-resistant gloves and eye protection, keep your body out of the strap line, and inspect the joint before the load moves. A partial or off-center notch is the most common cause of a joint letting go in transit.
Why buy your steel strapping sealer from us?
We have been in the wire and strapping business for over 50 years, and as an employee-owned American manufacturer and distributor, we back what we sell. We stock sealers alongside steel strapping, seals, tensioners, and cutters, so every piece of your strapping station is compatible from the start. When your loads have to survive the road, the rail, and the yard, that consistency matters.
How do I order a steel strapping sealer?
Request a quote online, or order by phone, fax, email, or EDI. Tell us your strap width and grade, whether you want a sealed or sealless system, and how your crew works the load, and we will recommend the right tool. Call 510-887-2495 or email sales@vulcanwire.com.
