User guide | Manual tensioner for PP strapping
This guide covers the operation of the manual tensioner for PP strapping: preparing the strapping around the package, positioning the closure system, inserting the strapping into the machine, applying tension with the lever, and sealing without losing tension. Follow these steps to tension exactly the right amount on each box and leave the package firm without breaking the strapping.
Product specifications
Before operating the tool, it is advisable to be clear on the exact technical data to confirm that the PP strapping you are going to use falls within the tensioner's working range.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 986950 |
| Compatible strapping type | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Strapping width range | 13 to 16 mm (1/2 to 5/8 in) |
| Mechanism | Mechanical manual lever |
| Compatible closure type | Metal seal (with crimper) or plastic buckle |
| Operation | 100% manual, no battery or compressed air |
| Brand | FORTEMO |
Step-by-step usage
The complete procedure combines four elements: the PP strapping, the tensioner, the closure system (seal + crimper or plastic buckle), and the package you are going to secure. Follow the steps in order: the final result depends on maintaining tension during sealing, not just on applying it.
Prepare the strapping and wrap the package
Unwind the PP strapping from the coil, leaving a surplus of about 30 cm more than the perimeter of the package. Pass the strapping underneath the pallet or around the box until the two ends meet on the top face. Avoid twists: the strapping should lie flat against the surface of the package along the entire path.
Place the closure system over the two ends
If you are going to close with a metal seal, slide the seal over the two overlapping layers of strapping, leaving approximately 5 cm of strapping free above the seal so that the tensioner can grip the surplus. If you are going to close with a plastic buckle, pass the first end of the strapping through the buckle, fold it back, and leave the second end ready to insert after tensioning.
Insert the strapping into the tensioner
Rest the tensioner on the top face of the package, next to the seal or the buckle. Insert the free end of the strapping into the tensioner's slot, following the direction marked by the mechanism. Make sure the strapping is firmly held between the toothed wheel and the base before you start tensioning.
Operate the lever to apply tension
Move the lever back and forth rhythmically. Each movement advances the mechanism and tensions the strapping progressively. Do not force the lever: polypropylene has a low elastic limit and breaks if over-tensioned. Stop when the strapping is firm against the package and you feel clear resistance in the lever.
The correct tension of PP strapping can be felt by touch: the strapping is firm against the package and, when pressed with a finger, barely gives. If it vibrates like a guitar string it is over-tensioned and will break in transit; if it sinks under your finger it is loose and the pallet will fall apart at the first movement. Calibrate with two or three test pallets before starting serial strapping.
Close the system without losing tension
Keeping the tensioner firm to retain the tension, proceed with the closure: if you are working with a metal seal, apply the manual crimper over the seal to close it (see the crimper guide); if you are working with a plastic buckle, fold the second end of the strapping back into the buckle. Only then release the tensioner and cut the surplus strapping.
Complementary products
The tensioner is the tensioning tool, but it does not operate alone: complete strapping requires PP strapping, a closure system and, optionally, a crimper for the metal seals. These are the products that accompany it in any manual polypropylene strapping operation.
PP strapping is the main consumable, available in 13 mm × 1,300 m and 16 mm × 900 m (both compatible with this tensioner). For the closure you have two options: the metal seal for PP strapping, which requires the manual crimper to be closed (professional system, permanent and flat closure), or the plastic buckle, which closes without an additional tool (useful for low volume or occasional re-strapping). Choose one route or the other depending on the frequency of use.
Maintenance and care
A well-maintained tensioner lasts for years in professional operation. These are the basic routines that keep the mechanism in working condition:
- After each work session, remove dust and strapping debris from the toothed-wheel mechanism with a dry brush; dust accumulated in the grip is the most common cause of loss of hold.
- Every two weeks (intensive use) or every month (regular use), apply a drop of multi-purpose oil to the lever joint; this maintains smoothness and prevents premature wear.
- Store the tool in a dry place. Although the main body withstands occasional humidity, oxidation of the toothed wheel degrades the grip over time.
- Visually inspect the wheel teeth at least once a month: if you notice uneven wear or deformed teeth, the tool is at the end of its service life.
Do not use this tensioner with PET (polyester) strapping. PET requires a much higher tensioning force and a mechanism sized for that load; applying PET on a tensioner calibrated for PP deforms the mechanism and ruins the tool in just a few operations. To strap PET, use the specific polyester manual tensioner.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tensioner work with strapping of any width?
No. It is calibrated for PP (polypropylene) strapping 13 to 16 mm wide. Below 13 mm the strapping comes out of the mechanism; above 16 mm it does not fit into the slot. For greater widths or for PET strapping you need a different tensioner.
Can I use the tensioner without a crimper if I work with a plastic buckle?
Yes. The plastic buckle allows the strapping to be closed without a crimper or metal seal: tension with the tool, fold the end over the buckle and release. It is a valid option for low volume or occasional re-strapping. For daily professional strapping, the seal + crimper system offers a more secure and faster closure.
How many turns of strapping should I wrap around the package?
It depends on the weight and geometry of the load. For light cardboard boxes with a stable base, one horizontal turn and one vertical turn are usually enough. For pallets with stacked boxes, the usual approach is two intermediate horizontal turns and one on top. If the load is tall or unstable, increase the number of turns and check the result by pressing the strapping with your finger: it should be firm and barely give.