Use of metal strapping

TM 38-260

(g) Wood braces that are positioned between two faces of a container shall be held in place by cleats fastened to

the faces of the container with a sufficient number of clinched nails. When the pressure is from more than one direction,

wood braces shall be held in place by the use of a pocket cleat arrangement. Such braces shall never be held in place by

the use of end-grain nailing or the use of notches cut into the container's face boards.

(2) Use of metal brackets or frames. Many articles have attachment points which provide facilities for bolting, but

the points are not located on a regular base which can be fastened directly to the container. In such instances, specially

constructed brackets or frames made of metal, structural iron, wood or a combination of these can be used.

(3) Use of metal strapping. The use of metal strapping to tie down an article to the base or other face of the

container is often the only procedure that can be used. Metal strapping may be flat strapping or round wire. General

precautions on the use of both flat strap and round wire are as follows:

(a) Use annealed wire or strap only for lighter articles since it stretches readily.

(b) Non-metallic strapping conforming to ASTM D3953 and ASTM D4675, may be used for securing hand wheels

and other light items.

weight of the article.

(d) Place material such as felt or solid fiberboard between the straps and the article to prevent damaging finished

surfaces.

(e) Use one piece strapping whenever possible.

(f) When strapping over a sharp edge of the item, use corner protectors to prevent the strapping from fracturing.

(g) When it is impossible to encircle the item and its support, anchor the two ends of the strap to the container for

flat strapping with anchor plates or, if the strap is annealed, by direct nailing. For round wire, anchor the two ends of the

wire to the container with drive screws and staples. Loop the wire around the shank of the drive screw and further fasten

by the staples.

(4) Use of nails. Nails are the most common fastenings for blocking and bracing, especially standard sinkers or

cooler nails. Clout nails, which are similar to roofing nails, are recommended where plywood of one-half inch (13mm)

thickness or less is used, because of their larger heads.

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