Strapping Tape vs. Packing Tape: Which One Is Stronger & When to Use Each?
Choosing the right tape for your packaging needs can save you time, money, and frustration. But with so many options available, how do you determine whether to use strapping tape or packing tape?
My guide compares the two based on: ✔ Strength – How much weight can they hold? ✔ Thickness – How durable are they? ✔ Sizes – What widths and lengths are available? ✔ Temperature Resistance – Can they handle heat or cold? ✔ Cost – Which is more budget-friendly? ✔ Best Uses – When should you use each type?
Let’s break it down!
Strength: Which Tape Holds More Weight?
Strapping Tape (The Heavy-Duty Champion)
Designed for extra strength, strapping tape is reinforced with materials like fiberglass or polyester to prevent snapping under pressure.
Standard Strapping Tape Strength: 100–600 lbs per inch Top-Performing Options:
- Scotch® Strapping Tape 8896 → 170 lbs
- SinoPack Fiberglass Tape → 200+ lbs per inch
- Bi-Directional Filament Tape → 220 lbs (holds strong in all directions)
Packing Tape (Good for Everyday Use)
Best for sealing boxes but not for heavy loads.
Regular Packing Tape Strength: 25–35 lbs of pulling force Heavy-Duty Packing Tape:
- Scotch Tough Grip Moving Tape → Holds up to 80 lbs per box
- Recommended for heavy boxes: 20+ lbs tensile strength
Key Takeaway: Strapping tape is 3–20 times stronger—perfect for shipping heavy items like machinery or furniture. Packing tape works best for light to medium-weight boxes.
Thickness: How Durable Is Each Tape?
Thicker tape = More resistance to tearing.
Strapping Tape (Thick & Tough)
- Standard Thickness: 3.6–5.5 mil (about 2–3 times thicker than packing tape)
- Reinforced Options: Fiberglass backing for extra durability
Packing Tape (Thinner & More Flexible)
- Standard Thickness: 1.9–3.1 mil
- Heavy-Duty: Up to 3.1 mil (still thinner than strapping tape)
Key Takeaway: Strapping tape is thicker and harder to tear, while packing tape is lighter and easier to handle for daily use.
Sizes: What Widths & Lengths Are Available?
Strapping Tape (Strong but Limited Sizes)
- Widths: 0.47 in, 0.7 in, 0.94 in, 1.41 in, 1.88 in, 3.77 in
- Lengths: Usually 50–60 yards per roll
Packing Tape (More Size Options)
- Widths: ½ in (12 mm), ¾ in (18 mm), 1.5 in (36 mm), 2 in (48 mm), 3 in (72 mm), 4 in (96 mm)
- Long Rolls Available: Up to 1,000 yards (great for businesses)
Key Takeaway: Packing tape comes in more sizes, while strapping tape is optimized for strength, not variety.
Temperature Resistance: Which Tape Handles Heat or Cold?
Strapping Tape (Built for Tough Conditions)
✔ Handles high moisture & extreme temperatures (exact range varies)
Packing Tape (Specialized for Storage & Shipping)
✔ Cold Room Tape → Works from 0°F to 150°F ✔ Vinyl (PVC) Tape → Resists freezing temps (fridge/freezer safe) ✔ Acrylic Adhesive Tape → Survives hot & cold extremes (great for moving/storage)
Key Takeaway: Packing tape has more temperature-specific options, while strapping tape is built for general rugged use.
Cost: Which Is More Budget-Friendly?
Strapping Tape (Pricier but Stronger)
- Economy Filament Tape: $5–15 per 60-yard roll
- Premium Strapping Tape: Up to $300+ for industrial-grade
Packing Tape (Cheaper for Everyday Use)
- Most Affordable: Water-based adhesive tapes
- Best Value: PVC rubber adhesive tape
Key Takeaway: Packing tape is cheaper for daily sealing, while strapping tape is a higher investment for heavy-duty needs.
Best Uses: When Should You Use Each?
✅ Use Strapping Tape For: ✔ Heavy boxes (furniture, machinery, appliances) ✔ Extra reinforcement (preventing box bursts) ✔ Rough handling (shipping, pallet securing)
✅ Use Packing Tape For: ✔ Everyday box sealing (e-commerce, moving) ✔ Light to medium packages (under 80 lbs) ✔ Temperature-sensitive storage (cold rooms, hot warehouses)
Final Decision: Which Tape Should You Choose?
| Feature | Strapping Tape | Packing Tape |
| Strength | 100–600+ lbs/inch | 25–80 lbs |
| Thickness | 3.6–5.5 mil | 1.9–3.1 mil |
| Sizes | Limited widths (up to 3.77 in) | Many options (up to 4 in) |
| Temperature Resistance | General rugged use | Specialized (cold/hot) |
| Cost | More expensive | Budget-friendly |
| Best For | Heavy-duty shipping | Everyday sealing |
Quick Pick Guide:
Heavy, bulky, or fragile items? → Use Strapping Tape
Light to medium boxes, daily use? → Use Packing Tape
FAQs
Can I use packing tape instead of strapping tape for heavy boxes?
Packing tape is designed for sealing boxes rather than supporting heavy loads. While heavy-duty packing tape can hold up to 80 lbs per box, strapping tape can withstand 100–600+ lbs per inch, making it the better choice for securing heavy or bulky shipments.
Does strapping tape leave residue when removed?
Most high-quality strapping tapes use adhesives that minimize residue, but certain types, like reinforced filament tapes, may leave some stickiness behind. If residue is a concern, look for strapping tape with a clean-removal adhesive.
Is there a waterproof option for strapping or packing tape?
Yes, both tapes have waterproof options. Strapping tape, especially those with fiberglass or polyester reinforcement, resists moisture well. Packing tape with acrylic or PVC adhesives also provides water resistance, making it suitable for humid environments.
What is the best tape for sealing boxes in cold storage?
For cold storage, choose cold-room packing tape or acrylic adhesive tape, as they remain effective in freezing temperatures (0°F and below). Strapping tape is durable but may not adhere well in extreme cold.
How do I choose between filament tape and regular strapping tape?
Filament tape (reinforced with fiberglass) is stronger and ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as bundling pipes or reinforcing pallets. Regular strapping tape is better for general securing and medium-weight packages.
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