Battery Powered Strapping Tools - What are the different types?

What is a Battery Powered Strapping Tool?

A battery powered strapping tool is a portable handheld tool used to tighten, seal and cut plastic strapping. Powered by a rechargeable battery, these tools help secure cartons, pallets, bundles and heavier consignments without the need for separate metal seals or buckles.

Depending on the model, a battery strapping tool may complete the full process automatically, including tensioning, friction welding and cutting. Other models may require the operator to manually tension the strap first, with the tool then completing the weld and cut. Tension capacity, strap width, battery performance and tool weight can vary, so it is important to choose a model that suits the load being strapped.

Battery strapping tools are commonly used in warehouses, dispatch areas, transport yards, manufacturing sites and industrial packaging operations where speed, mobility and reliable load security are required.

Types of Battery Powered Strapping Tools

Light-Duty Battery Strapping Tools

Light-duty battery strapping tools are suited to general packaging, office dispatch, commercial packing and light industrial applications. They are ideal for cartons, smaller bundles and lighter pallet loads. As tension capacity increases, the tool becomes better suited to heavier or more demanding applications.

Zapak 20 – Electric Strapping Tool

The Zapak 20 is an electric strapping tool that uses a lever system to manually tension the strap. Once the correct tension has been applied, the tool friction welds and cuts the plastic strapping to produce a secure finish.

Features include:

• Suitable for Polypropylene, or PP, strapping in 12mm and 15mm widths
• Maximum tension up to 100kg
• Friction weld sealing without the need for seals or buckles
• Compact option for lighter strapping applications

ZenithPack ZBST16 – Battery Powered Strapping Tool

The ZenithPack ZBST16 is a portable battery strapping tool designed to tension, friction seal and cut plastic strapping in one operation. It is a practical option for general warehouse and dispatch use where fast and consistent strapping is required.

Features include:

• Suitable for Polypropylene, or PP, and Polyester, or PET, strapping up to 16mm wide
• Maximum tension up to 285kg
• Rechargeable lithium battery capable of approximately 100 to 220 straps per charge
• Battery recharge time of approximately 90 minutes
• Lightweight design at only 2.7kg

BettaPack – Battery Powered Strapping Tool

The BettaPack is an all-in-one battery powered strapping tool used to tension, friction seal and cut PP or PET plastic strapping. It is designed for fast operation and is suited to regular warehouse, packing and pallet strapping applications.

Features include:

• Suitable for Polypropylene, or PP, and Polyester, or PET, strapping up to 16mm wide
• Maximum tension up to 285kg
• Rechargeable lithium battery capable of up to 800 straps per charge
• Battery recharge time of approximately 30 to 40 minutes
• Weighs only 3.3kg

ZenithPack V3 – Battery Powered Strapping Tool

The ZenithPack V3 is a higher-tension battery strapping tool suitable for applications where stronger strap tension is required. It performs the tensioning, friction sealing and cutting process in one portable tool.

Features include:

• Suitable for Polypropylene, or PP, and Polyester, or PET, strapping up to 16mm wide
• Maximum tension up to 326kg
• Rechargeable lithium battery capable of approximately 200 to 350 straps per charge
• Battery recharge time of approximately 90 minutes
• Weighs only 3.2kg

Heavy-Duty Battery Powered Strapping Tools

Heavy-duty battery strapping tools are designed for stronger pallet loads and more demanding industrial applications. These tools are commonly used for heavy consignments such as paper, bricks, timber, building materials and other dense or difficult-to-secure products.

Zapak SW25B – Friction-Weld Only Battery Strapping Tool

The Zapak SW25B is a battery powered friction weld tool designed to work with a separate manual tensioner. It is commonly used with 19mm and 25mm PET strapping. Once the strapping has been manually tensioned, the Zapak SW25B welds the strap together. The strap must then be cut manually.

Features include:

• Friction weld sealing only
• Does not tension or cut the strap
• Suitable for Polypropylene, or PP, and Polyester, or PET, strapping up to 19mm or 25mm wide
• Rechargeable lithium battery with an approximate 30 minute recharge time
• Bevelled bottom sealing base for easier placement under pre-tensioned strapping
• Fast sealing time of approximately 0.6 to 4.8 seconds
• Reliable and cost-effective option for heavy-duty PET strapping applications

Zapak 97A – Battery Powered Strapping Tool

The Zapak 97A is a heavy-duty battery powered strapping tool designed to tension, friction seal and cut plastic strapping. It offers high tension performance while remaining lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for demanding pallet strapping applications.

Features include:

• Suitable for Polypropylene, or PP, and Polyester, or PET, strapping in 16mm and 19mm widths
• Maximum tension up to 400kg
• Rechargeable Bosch Li-Ion 18V 4.0Ah battery with an approximate 30 minute recharge time
• Patented brushless motor for higher torque and improved battery efficiency
• Pre-programmable touch panel for accurate tension and sealing time control
• Weighs only 3.4kg

Zapak CT32 – Battery Powered Strapping Tensioner for Woven Cord and Composite Strap

The Zapak CT32 is a heavy-duty battery powered strapping tensioner designed for woven cord and composite strapping. Unlike plastic strapping tools that friction weld the strap, the CT32 tensions and cuts the strap, which is then secured using a metal buckle.

Features include:

• Tensions and cuts woven cord or composite strapping
• Designed for use with metal buckles
• Suitable for woven cord and composite strapping from 19mm to 32mm wide
• Maximum tension of 800daN with 6 tension force settings
• Can be operated in manual, semi-automatic or automatic mode
• Rechargeable Bosch Li-Ion 18V 4.0Ah battery capable of up to 350 cycles per full charge
• Weighs only 3.6kg

Choosing the Right Battery Powered Strapping Tool

When selecting a battery powered strapping tool, consider the strap type, strap width, required tension, battery life and the type of goods being secured. Lighter tools are suitable for general warehouse packing, cartons and light pallets, while higher-tension models are better suited to heavy-duty pallet strapping and industrial applications.

For woven cord or composite strapping, a dedicated battery tensioner such as the Zapak CT32 is required, as these straps are secured with buckles rather than friction weld seals.