The Complete Guide to Galvanized Perforated Hanger Straps

What is Perforated Hanger Straps?

Perforated Hanger Straps, also known as perforated strap or band iron, is a strong, versatile steel strap that has been coated with zinc to prevent rusting and corrosion. Hanger straps are available in various widths and thicknesses and have holes or slots punched along their length.

The galvanization process applies a thin layer of zinc to the steel through hot-dip galvanizing. This not only protects the steel from corrosion but also allows for paint adhesion if desired.

Hanger straps are used for a wide variety of securing, hanging and bundling applications. The perforations allow for adjustable fastening using bolts, screws, wire or other methods. The combination of strength and corrosion resistance makes galvanized hanger strap a popular choice for industrial, commercial and agricultural uses.

Where did strap hanger come from?

The origins of perforated metal strapping can be traced back to the late 1800s when manufacturers began punching holes and slots into steel strips.

Some of the earliest uses of strap hangers were for bundling bricks together for transportation and construction. The perforations allowed the straps to be tightly secured around loads.

Agricultural uses like bailing hay and binding cotton bales helped drive further development of perforated strap hangers. Being able to tightly compress and secure large loads made transportation and storage more efficient.

Steel companies eventually began galvanizing the straps to improve corrosion resistance for outdoor use. By the 1950s galvanized hanger strap was widely used across many industries.

Continued innovation in metal processing allowed the production of straps in longer lengths and a greater range of thicknesses. New punching patterns also improved adjustability and enabled use with different connection methods.

Today galvanized hanger strap remains a staple product for materials handling, building construction and infrastructure maintenance.

What is the strongest strapping material? Types of Perforated Galvanized Strap

When it comes to industrial strapping the strongest materials are steel and polyester. Galvanized steel hanger strap provides an excellent balance of high tensile strength, durability and corrosion resistance.

There are several types of perforated galvanized steel strapping available:

• Plain strap – This basic hanger strap has slotted holes punched evenly along its length. Plain strap allows for adjustable connections and smooth rounded edges.
• Serrated edge strap – Features saw-tooth edges that can grip and bind to surfaces. The serrated profile offers extra holding power.
• Channel strap – Has a recessed channel shape for additional stiffness. Channel strap provides extra support for heavy loads.
• Embossed strap – Embossed patterns add extra grip and traction. Good for binding items prone to slipping.
• Wire reinforced strap – Contains an internal steel wire for extra tensile strength. Allows thinner straps to be used.

Polyester strapping has very high strength and is popular for extremely heavy loads. However polyester lacks metal’s durability and is more affected by UV exposure and moisture.

How much weight can hanger straps hold?

The amount of weight hanger straps can support depends on several factors:

• Strap thickness – Thicker strap is stronger. Common thicknesses range from 16 gauge (.060”) up to 7 gauge (1/4”).
• Steel grade – Strapping is available in low carbon, high strength and stainless steel. Higher grades increase strength.
• Perforation design – More perforations can decrease strength but allow for adjustability. Solid unpunched areas are strongest.
• Connection method – Proper installation using high quality fasteners ensures maximum load capacity.
• Environment – Wet, humid or corrosive environments can reduce working load over time through corrosion and abrasion.

Under ideal conditions, a 1-1/4″ wide x 16 gauge hanger strap safely support over 1,000 lbs when properly installed. Heavier 7 gauge straps can support loads exceeding 5,000 lbs.

It’s important to leave a safety margin and not exceed working load limits. Consult manufacturer specifications and building codes for recommended load capacities.

What is a steel packing strap?

Steel packing strap refers to thinner, lighter duty steel strapping used for securing and unitizing packages. It serves a similar function to plastic and polyester strapping but provides greater strength.

Key properties of steel packing strap include:

• Materials – Typically made from cold rolled or stainless steel. Some straps have a polyester coating.
• Thickness – Ranges from 0.015” to 0.035” thick. Provides enough strength to securely bind packages.
• Finish – Can be raw steel or galvanized/chrome plated for corrosion resistance. Printed color straps are also available.
• Tensile strength – Up to 3,000 psi. Stronger than plastic straps.
• Seals – Sealed withmetal crimp seals or brass buckles. Does not use heat or adhesives.
• Reusability – Can be re-applied and used for multiple loads.

Compared to thicker galvanized hanger strap, steel packing straps are narrower and more flexible for wrapping bundles. Common applications include brick/block bundling, compressing bales, and unitizing pallet loads. The non-stretch nature helps keep stacks stable.

Why use perforated metal?

There are several key reasons perforated metal is advantageous for industrial uses:

• Adjustability – The holes/slots allow for adjustable positioning and attachment of the strapping. This allows binding and securing items of various sizes.
• Connectivity – Perforations enable bolts, screws, wire and other fasteners to securely connect the strap. This provides strong load-bearing capacities.
• Binding – When wrapped around a load the perforations improve grip and friction. This helps prevent loosening and shifting of loads.
• Drainage & airflow – Holes allow liquid drainage and air circulation to reduce corrosion. Important for outdoor uses.
• Weight reduction – Metal with perforations is lighter than solid strap or sheet while retaining most of its strength.
• Economy – Less raw material is used compared to solid strapping. More perforations can reduce cost.

Perforating the metal improves hanger straps’ versatility as a fastening system while reducing weight. The pattern and size of the holes can be customized for different applications.

Benefits of Perforated Galvanized Strap

Galvanized hanger strap stands out from other strapping materials due to its well-rounded properties:

• High strength – Made from thick, rigid steel capable of supporting thousands of pounds.
• Corrosion resistant – The galvanized zinc coating protects against rust and degradation.
• Abrasion resistant – Holds up well to scraping and friction without damage.
• Fire proof – Has high heat resistance and won’t burn or release toxic fumes.
• Adjustable – Perforations allow for custom positioning and tensioning of loads.
• Durable – Long lasting even in harsh environments. Stands up to UV, chemicals and moisture.
• Reusable – Can be removed and re-installed multiple times with proper handling.
• Versatile – Available in different sizes and designs for a broad range of applications.
• Cost effective – Relatively affordable product with excellent strength-to-cost ratio.

The combination of strength, corrosion proofing, durability and design flexibility makes galvanized hanger strap ideal for demanding industrial uses. It outperforms plastic, nylon or polyester strapping in harsh environments.

Perforated Galvanized Strap for Industrial Applications

Perforated galvanized steel strap is commonly used across many industries due to its versatility, durability and high strength. Some of the most common applications include:

Construction

• Hanging ductwork, conduit and HVAC equipment
• Securing scaffolding and shoring towers
• Bundling rebar, tubing, pipes

Transportation

• Cargo control and load securing
• Tying down machinery, vehicles, and equipment
• Strapping in truck beds

Agriculture

• Binding cylindrical hay, straw, silage bales
• Attaching fencing
• Hanging and securing greenhouse components

Shipping & Storage

• Banding pallets, crates and large containers
• Compressing and containing baled materials
• Securing drums, cans, bundles

Infrastructure

• Hanging signs, lighting, traffic signals
• Anchoring channel, strut, conveyors
• Supporting pipe runs

Galvanized strap’s versatility, ease of installation and high strength capacity make it useful across virtually any industry that handles heavy materials or large components. It is commonly found wherever adjustable, solid tie downs are needed.

What is the effect of perforated metal?

Perforating metal strip and sheet stock has a variety of effects that enhance its utility as strap hanger:

• Lighter weight – Holes remove material to reduce density and make it easier to work with.
• Increased flexibility – Allows more bending and conforming to different shapes.
• Better drainage – Allows liquid run-off and air flow-through to reduce corrosion.
• Traction – Edge of holes can grip objects and prevent sliding/shifting.
• Attachment points – Provides access for fasteners like bolts, screws and tie wire.
• Adjustability – Variable positioning along length for securing different sized loads.
• Load distribution – Distributes tension forces across many points instead of just edges.
• Aesthetics – Holes can provide decorative/ornamental look.

The size, spacing and pattern of the perforations can be customized to balance strength requirements, adjustability and aesthetic needs.

Does perforated steel rust?

Untreated steel with perforations is susceptible to rusting and corrosion when exposed to moisture and weather. The holes allow moisture to penetrate and oxidize the raw steel surfaces.

There are several ways to protect perforated steel against corrosion:

• Galvanization – The most common method. Hot-dip galvanizing applies a zinc coating that serves as a corrosion barrier.
• Paint/Coatings – Liquid coatings like paint or powder coating seal the surface from moisture. Effective but can wear over time.
• Stainless Steel – Stainless steel alloys contain chromium that resists corrosion naturally due to a passive oxidized surface. More expensive than galvanizing.
• Indoor/Dry use – Avoiding excess moisture exposure prevents rust. Viable for temporary indoor applications.

Regular cleaning and maintenance is still required even for galvanized or coated steel as damage can allow rust to form. But in most outdoor uses galvanization provides excellent long-term rust prevention.

Is perforated metal sustainable?

Perforated metal is generally considered a sustainable material based on the following factors:

• Recyclable – Steel is 100% recyclable without loss of strength or quality. Scrap steel is melted down and made into new products.
• Reusable – Metal strapping can be removed and re-installed multiple times if kept in good condition.
• Long lasting – Galvanized steel strapping often lasts for decades with minimal maintenance.
• Locally produced – Sheet steel and perforated metal strap are manufactured regionally reducing transport.
• Resource efficient – Perforations use less raw material than solid steel. No coatings/paints required.

However, there are couple caveats:

• Production energy – Making steel and perforating it is energy intensive and involves greenhouse gas emissions.
• End-of-life – If not recycled, steel scrapped to landfills is wasted and can leach toxins.

Overall perforated steel is one of the more sustainable metal products thanks to its durability, recyclability and low maintenance needs. Specifying recycled content steel further reduces its environmental impact.

How strong is perforated steel?

The strength of perforated steel depends on the thickness or gauge of the metal, steel grade, size and shape of perforations.

Some general guidelines on strength:

• Thicker steel is stronger – 14 gauge is stronger than 20 gauge for example.
• Minimum perforation size retains more strength – smaller holes less than 1/8” diameter.
• Square holes are stronger than round holes of the same size.
• Increased perforation density decreases strength. More unpunched area is better.
• Cold rolled and high strength steel is stronger than hot rolled.
• Annealing and work hardening can strengthen perforated steel.

Compared to solid steel, perforating will reduce the ultimate tensile strength. However perforated steel can still achieve high load capacities for structural applications with the right design.

Testing confirms 1/4” thick steel with 1” square perforations retains over half the strength of solid 1/4” plate. Using thicker initial material compensates for losses from the holes.

How do you clean perforated metal?

Effective cleaning keeps perforated metal looking its best and removes dirt, debris and corrosion:

• Blow off loose debris – Use compressed air to blow out loose particles from holes.
• Scrub surfaces – Use a brush and solution of mild detergent in warm water to scrub both sides.
• Rinse thoroughly – After scrubbing, rinse well with clean water to remove all soap residue.
• Degrease if needed – For oily/greasy metal use a degreaser like diluted TSP substitute before soaping.
• Let dry fully – Allow metal to fully air dry to prevent water spots.
• Seal/Coat – Applying sealant or fresh galvanizing can protect cleaned metal from future corrosion.

Clean perforated metal regularly before substances can build up. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that may damage the finish. Proper cleaning removes dirt while leaving an intact corrosion barrier.

What is the best way to cut perforated metal?

Cutting perforated sheet steel cleanly while avoiding damage requires using the proper methods and tools:

• Shears – Electric, hydraulic or manual sheet metal shears provide clean, fast cuts. Best for lighter gauge metal.
• Nibblers – Nibbler cutting tools use pneumatic or electric power to punch out small sections. Leave a smooth cut edge.
• Plasma cutters – Plasma cutters melt and cut the steel using a compressed air plasma jet. Do not damage metal surrounding the cut.
• Angle grinders – Using an abrasive metal cut-off wheel on an angle grinder cuts steel quickly but leaves an abrasive rough edge.
• Band saws – Metal cutting band saws with fine tooth blades can achieve straight smooth cuts in perforated stock.
• Jigsaws – Jigsaws take more time but work for shorter cuts in thinner perforated steel using a metal cutting blade.

For any cutting method, allow extra clearance around holes, clamp material firmly and cut slowly to achieve clean results. Deburring along the cut edge smooths any rough spots.

Conclusion

Galvanized perforated steel strapping provides an optimal balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and adaptability through its specially designed perforations. It clearly demonstrates why perforated metal has remained an integral component for tie-downs, hanging and securing heavy loads across countless industrial applications. With proper care and maintenance, galvanized hanger strap serves as an essential yet cost-effective component in any operation that deals with large materials or equipment. The next time securing or lifting capacity is needed, perforated galvanized steel strapping will prove itself as a reliable, long-lasting solution.