Manual pallet strapping requires two complementary tools: a tensioner that pulls the strap taut over the load, and a sealer (or crimper) that closes the metal seal to secure the joint. Both are manufactured in specific versions for PP and PET because the required force and strap width are different. This comparison of the four Fortemo tools will help you choose the correct set for your operation.
🎯 Choose in 10 seconds
- If you need to tension plastic strapping (PP) on light and medium warehouse loads: go to PP Tensioner
- If you need to close seals on plastic strapping (PP) after tensioning: go to PP Sealer
- If you need to tension heavy strapping (PET) in construction, export, or agro-industry: go to PET Tensioner
- If you need to close seals on heavy strapping (PET) after tensioning: go to PET Sealer
What to consider before choosing
Before purchasing tools, evaluate these four criteria. They determine whether the strapping will remain securely closed during transit or loosen within a few hours of travel.
- Material of the strapping in use: PP (polypropylene) strapping works at moderate tensions and requires tools calibrated for that specific force. PET (polyester) strapping works at much higher tensions and needs a lever mechanism with a superior force ratio. Using a PP tensioner on PET will not apply the necessary tension; using a PET tensioner on PP will break the polypropylene due to over-stress.
- Width of the strapping to be handled: PP tools are dimensioned for 13-16 mm strapping (standard light palletizing widths); PET tools cover 13-20 mm to include wide industrial load strapping. Verify the compatibility of the seal with the strap width and the sealer before purchasing the set.
- Operating frequency of use: Sporadic operation with a few pallets a day tolerates moderately priced tools. Industrial operation with dozens of pallets daily requires a heat-treated steel body, reinforced joints, and an ergonomic grip to reduce operator fatigue during long shifts.
- Tensioner + sealer combination: Both tools work together: the tensioner pulls tight and the sealer seals. Buy the set in the same version (both for PP or both for PET) and verify that the seals used are compatible with the sealer's bite width. Combining PP with PET does not work: neither the strap nor the seal will be correct.
Manual tensioner for PP strapping: compact light tensioning
- Mechanism specifically calibrated for 13-16 mm PP strapping
- Compact and lightweight design (reduces operator fatigue)
- 100% mechanical operation (no power or compressed air required)
- Compatible with standard polypropylene plastic strapping
- Ergonomic non-slip handle with controlled tolerances
- Not suitable for PET strapping (does not apply necessary tension)
- Limited compatibility to 13-16 mm widths
Manual tensioner for 13-16 mm (1/2 - 5/8 in) wide polypropylene (PP) strapping. Lever mechanism calibrated for the specific strength of PP, without the over-dimensioning of tools for PET. Designed for warehouses, hardware stores, workshops, and packaging operations where PP strapping is the dominant format: palletizing corrugated cardboard boxes, daily bundle closing, grouping light pipes, and packaging operations in the field or on site without access to a power source.
Manual sealer for PP strapping: sealing seals in light strapping
- Heat-treated steel jaws for intensive use
- Long handles with multiplied leverage (little physical force required)
- Calibrated for 13-16 mm PP strapping seals
- Non-slip grip for gloved hands
- Reinforced joints with controlled tolerances
- Not suitable for PET strapping seals (insufficient bite)
- Limited compatibility to 13-16 mm widths
Manual sealer for 13-16 mm (1/2 - 5/8 in) wide polypropylene (PP) strapping. Heat-treated steel with a lever mechanism and long handles to multiply the operator's manual force. Designed for closing palletized corrugated cardboard boxes in logistics warehouses and distribution centers, sealing bundles and light groupings in hardware stores and parcel operations, closing plastic pipe bundles or light profiles in workshops, and sealing regional export boxes.
Manual tensioner for PET strapping: heavy-duty tensioning in stainless steel
- Stainless steel body resistant to humidity, rain, and Caribbean salinity
- High force ratio lever for true PET tension
- Compatible with PET strapping from 13 to 20 mm wide
- 100% mechanical operation for on-site or field use
- Reinforced joints with controlled tolerances
- Higher unit cost than PP tensioner
- Over-dimensioned for PP strapping (can break it)
- Heavier than the PP version due to reinforced structure
Manual tensioner for 13-20 mm (1/2 - 3/4 in) wide polyester (PET) strapping. Stainless steel body that resists humidity, rain, and saline environments of the Caribbean without oxidizing, especially suitable for outdoor use on construction sites or coastal areas. Lever with a high force ratio dimensioned for the actual tension that PET requires. Designed for securing pallets of heavy construction materials (bricks, blocks, grouped sacks), strapping timber and metal profiles, agro-industrial operations with dense sacks, and closing bulky loads where PP is insufficient.
Manual sealer for PET strapping: sealing seals in heavy-duty strapping
- Reinforced jaws with deep serrations and heat-treated steel
- High force ratio lever (long handles)
- Compatible with PET strapping seals from 13 to 20 mm
- Non-slip grip for a firm hold with gloves
- Reinforced joints for heavy pallet strapping
- Higher unit cost than PP sealer
- Over-dimensioned for PP strapping seals
- Heavier due to reinforced structure
Manual sealer for 13-20 mm (1/2 - 3/4 in) wide polyester (PET) strapping. Heat-treated steel with deep-serrated jaws calibrated to deform metal seals over polyester without the seal slipping under tension. Designed for closing palletized heavy construction materials, sealing timber loads, metal profiles, and industrial parts for transit or export, agro-industrial operations with dense sacks, and closing bulky loads with heavy-duty strapping for prolonged storage or inter-island transit.
Comparison table
| Feature | PP Tensioner | PP Sealer | PET Tensioner | PET Sealer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Tension strapping | Close seals | Tension strapping | Close seals |
| Compatible strapping material | PP | PP | PET | PET |
| Compatible widths | 13-16 mm | 13-16 mm | 13-20 mm | 13-20 mm |
| Construction | Compact and lightweight | Heat-treated steel | Stainless steel | Heat-treated steel |
| Operation | 100% mechanical | 100% mechanical | 100% mechanical | 100% mechanical |
| Corrosion resistance | Standard | Standard | High (stainless) | Standard |
| Ideal use | Boxes, light parcels | Warehouses, hardware stores | Construction, export | Construction, export |
| Non-slip grip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Use case → recommended product matrix
| If your case is... | Recommended product |
|---|---|
| Palletizing cardboard boxes with PP strapping in a logistics warehouse | → PP Tensioner |
| Tensioning polypropylene plastic strapping in a hardware store | → PP Tensioner |
| Sealing a PP strap clip after tensioning a light pallet | → PP Sealer |
| Closing package groupings with PP strapping | → PP Sealer |
| Tensioning PET strapping on a pallet of bricks for export | → PET Tensioner |
| Stretching heavy strapping in an outdoor or coastal operation | → PET Tensioner |
| Tensioning PET strapping on a load of wood or metal profiles | → PET Tensioner |
| Sealing a PET strap metal clip after tensioning a heavy load | → PET Sealer |
| Closing export pallets with PET strapping | → PET Sealer |
| Closing bulky packages in heavy agro-industrial operations | → PET Sealer |
Before buying, define two data points: the strapping material you use (PP or PET) and the usual strap width and clip in your operation. Buy the complete set (tensioner + sealer) in the same version: both for PP or both for PET. Combining tools of different versions does not work — the PP tensioner does not apply the necessary tension to PET, and the PET sealer has jaws too deep for a PP clip. If your operation handles both materials in comparable quantities, consider two separate sets.
Do not use PP strapping tools on PET strapping. The PP tensioner does not apply the tension that polyester requires, leaving the load loose at the first movement of transport; the PP sealer has insufficient grip to secure clips on PET, which produces seals that slip under real load. The investment in correct tools pays for itself with the first load that arrives at its destination without shifting.
Not sure what tool set your operation needs?
If you work with strapping in different materials or widths, or need guidance on the correct combination of tensioner, sealer, and clips for your operational flow, ask the virtual assistant with details of the strapping, strap width, and daily pallet volume. You will receive an instant technical recommendation with the appropriate set.
All compared products
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need two different tools for manual strapping?
Because they are complementary operations in the strapping cycle. The tensioner passes the strapping around the load and tensions it to the appropriate degree for the material and the weight of the pallet. The sealer (or crimper) closes the metal clip that fastens the two ends of the strapping, forming the definitive joint. Without a tensioner, the strapping remains loose; without a sealer, the strapping is not fixed and loosens when cut.
Can I close clips with common pliers instead of a sealing crimper?
No. A sealing crimper has jaws with calibrated teeth and specific geometry that deforms the clip to fix it onto the strapping without slipping under tension. Common pliers apply force but without the correct geometry, leaving a seal that yields at the first movement of transport. The difference is measured in loads that arrive at their destination with the same securement as when they left.
Do Fortemo tools work with clips of any brand?
Commercial clips follow width standards (13, 16, 20 mm) and specific geometry that Fortemo tools respect, so they are compatible with clips of the same size. Always check that the clip matches the width of the strapping in use and the jaws of the crimper before proceeding.