Rubber Band Guide
Looking for rubber bands that won't snap when you use them? That don't take the strength of a body builder to stretch and apply? Worried about aggravating your latex allergy? Choosing the best rubber bands for your project, your comfort and your budget depends on three key factors:
- Rubber Content
- Cut Width
- Flat Length
OnTimeSupplies.com shows you how to balance these factors and choose the best rubber bands for your office.
Rubber band strength and elasticity determined by rubber content and width.
Despite the name, not all rubber bands are completely made of rubber. Many also contain of filler materials, and that affects band elasticity, tensile strength and weight. Rubber content determines:
- How many times you can use a rubber band before it breaks.
- How hard a rubber band is to stretch and apply.
- How many rubber bands you get in a package.
- How tightly the rubber band binds.
The more rubber a band has, the more times you can use it, the easier it is to apply and remove, and the more you get in a package.
This does not mean bands with lower rubber content are worthless. Lower rubber content bands provide the tightest hold, so they are ideal for binding sturdy items. Then there are latex-free rubber bands that don't contain any natural rubber at all. These bands generally offer the same elasticity and strength as bands with high and mid-range rubber content.
| Best for packaging pliable goods. | Best for fast application and repeat use. | Best for everyday office use. | Best for binding sturdy items. | Best for single applications and tight holds. |
The cut width, or the width of the band perpendicular to the length, is as important as rubber content in picking the right rubber band for your project.
The thinner the rubber band, the easier it is to apply and the softer the hold. The wider the rubber band, the harder it is to apply and the tighter the hold. So, if you have two rubber bands of the same length, but differing widths, the wider rubber band will be tougher to apply and remove, but will provide a tighter hold.
Rubber Band Length - how big is your bundle?
Rubber band length is measured by laying the band flat and measuring the distance from end to end.
The flat length should be less than half the circumference of the item(s) you are binding. If a rubber band is too long, it won't provide any holding power. Use a string to measure the circumference of your bundle if you are unsure of the size.
Now that you've picked the best rubber content, cut width and flat width for your project, use the printable size chart to pick the right size. Rubber bands sizes are universal, so a #64 from one brand is the same length and width as a #64 from another.
