How to Prevent Steel Banding From Loosening

Lumber is held together with steel bands that sometimes loosen.

When steel bands loosen, it's always the result of inadequate tension on the band clips. Steel banding is stretched tight by a leverage tool with a tremendous amount of force. It is then clamped shut with a small metal clip. Most often, these clips are permanent, but when shipping large loads such as lumber or machinery, the constant swaying of heavy loads puts too much strain on these clips and they slip. Before they do slip, it's a good idea to check and tighten each one.

Things You'll Need

• Locking pliers, (Vise grips)
• Claw hammer

Instructions

1. Remove any canvas or plastic coverings from the load. Walk around the unit of lumber, pallet or machinery that the band is holding tight. Locate where the bands are crossing over the load.

2. Trace the bands individually by eyesight until you locate one steel clip that is holding each band.

3. Slip the end of the claw hammer under the band one inch from the band. Pry up gently on the hammer to lift the band up. Insert the jaws of the pliers over the clip. Pull the hammer out.

4. Squeeze the jaws of the pliers together. Use the adjusting knob on the back of the pliers to apply more pressure on the jaws. When you can just barely shut the jaws of the pliers with your hands, stop turning the adjusting knob.

5. Smash the clip shut with the pliers. Release the pressure, move the pliers to one side and smash the clip again. It's okay if the clip smashes flat. Move to the next clip and smash each clip shut to prevent any of the steel bands from loosening.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear heavy gloves when working around steel banding.

• Always wear safety glasses when working around steel banding. Never get your face directly opposite a steel band if possible, always stay to the side. They are under great pressure, and if they break, can fire back at you like a missile. Also stay back when you or someone else cuts the bands, they also pop loose fiercely.