This guide covers the use of the plastic edge protector for strapping: identifying the load's critical points, placing it over the edges, passing the strapping over the top, tensioning to the optimal tension and a final check. Follow these steps so the strapping does not mark or damage the product's edges and the tension is distributed evenly across the pallet.
Product specifications
The edge protector comes in a box of 700 units, designed to supply a professional palletizing operation for several weeks. These are the technical details taken directly from your product:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 974747 |
| Manufacturer | Fortemo |
| Format | Box of 700 edge protectors |
| Material | Industrial-grade plastic |
| Strapping compatibility | Polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) strapping |
| Function | Edge protection and centering of the strapping over the load |
| Reusable | Yes, under normal use conditions without cracking |
Step-by-step use
The edge protector is placed before tensioning the strapping, not after. The procedure assumes you already have the load palletized and are about to apply the strapping:
Identify the load's critical points
Before placing the edge protectors, identify the edges where the strapping will make the sharpest angle: typically the four vertical corners of the pallet at the top. These are the points where the strapping tension concentrates all the force and where the cardboard runs the greatest risk of being cut.
Place the edge protectors over the edges
Position one edge protector on each corner the strapping will cross. For a standard pallet, this usually means 4 edge protectors per horizontal loop of strapping. The edge protector must rest firmly on the edge, with the plastic angle fully covering the corner and the sides of the cardboard. If it sits at an angle, the strapping will move it when tensioned.
Pass the strapping over the edge protectors
Pass the strapping around the load so it crosses over the center of each edge protector, not over one of the sides. If the edge protector has lateral guides or tabs, make sure the strapping sits in the central channel; this prevents it from sliding diagonally when tensioned.
Tension the strapping to its optimal tension
Apply the normal tension of your tensioner or strapping tool. With an edge protector, you can reach the real tension the load needs without fear of cutting the cardboard: the edge protector distributes the pressure over the entire corner instead of concentrating it at a single point. That is exactly what they exist for.
On tall pallets or loads sensitive to crushing (boxes with fragile product, electronics, packaged food), use edge protectors also on the intermediate edges where the strapping wraps around the load, not only on the top corners. The extra protection costs a few cents per pallet and prevents crushing incidents that can ruin the entire shipment.
Check after strapping and release the pallet
When the strapping is sealed, check that the edge protectors are still in their original position and that none has slipped. If one moved out of place, the strapping was probably not centered in its channel: on critical loads, undo the strapping and start over with the edge protector well positioned.
Complementary products
The edge protector always works together with the strapping and the tensioning and sealing tools. These are the products of the complete system:
PP strapping is the most common consumable in standard logistics; PET strapping is the option for heavy loads or export. Both are compatible with this edge protector. The manual tensioner for PP strapping and the manual sealer for PP strapping complete the basic manual strapping kit; if you work with PET, replace both tools with the polyester-specific versions.
Maintenance and care
The edge protector is plastic and, under normal conditions, withstands several use cycles if the pallet arrives intact at its destination and can be recovered. Some guidelines:
- After unpacking a pallet, recover the intact edge protectors and store them in their original box or a closed container to keep them from getting dirty or breaking when stacked.
- Before reusing an edge protector, inspect it visually: if it has cracks, cracking at the angle or bent tabs, discard it. A compromised edge protector does not protect correctly and may break when tensioning the next pallet.
- Store the edge protectors in a cool place, out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Continuous UV radiation makes the plastic brittle over time, especially in warehouses with a translucent roof.
- Do not reuse edge protectors that have been under crushing load: even if they look intact, their ability to absorb tension may have been compromised.
Do not skip the edge protector on loads with sharp edges (plywood, metal profiles, pallets without rounded edges): the highly tensioned strapping digs into the edge and can end up being cut during transit, releasing the entire load. The edge protector is cheap insurance against an expensive claim.
Frequently asked questions
Is an edge protector necessary with polypropylene (PP) strapping?
On standard corrugated cardboard loads with moderate PP tension, it is not strictly essential, but we use it as good practice: it protects the cardboard and centers the strapping. Where it becomes mandatory is with PET strapping or heavy loads, where the real palletizing tension can cut the cardboard without the protection of the plastic angle.
How many edge protectors do I use per pallet?
Typical consumption is 4 edge protectors per loop of strapping (one for each vertical corner of the pallet in the horizontal plane of the strapping). If you strap with two loops at different heights and reuse the edge protectors (pallets that are unpacked internally), net consumption drops. The box of 700 covers from 175 pallets without reuse to several hundred with reuse.
Do the edge protectors work for horizontal loads (coils, tubes) in addition to vertical pallets?
Yes. The edge protector works in any load configuration where the strapping makes a sharp angle over an edge. On coils or bundled tubes, place it at the points where the strapping wraps around the group and rests on the external geometry. The function is the same: distribute the pressure and protect the contact surface.