There are 2 main types of winding when specifying your steel banding.

Ribbon Wound Steel

Ribbon wound is wound one layer on top of another. The width of the entire coil is the same as the width of the strap. This is best described as wound like a roll of sellotape. Ribbon wound is available in most grades of steel and usually suits lower users of the product as there is less on a coil than oscillated wound.

Other measurements which may differ from one supplier to another is the inside diameter of the opening. This can affect the use of some dispensers.

Coil weights change for each width of strap and 25mm & 32mm steel is most commonly found in ribbon wound steel for the simple reason that the weight is very heavy to handle on a oscillated coil.

Dispensers for ribbon wound are usually adjustable to suit each different width.

Oscillated Wound Steel

This steel is wound in a spiral motion onto a core. Again this core size can differ from one supplier to another. Coil weights are usually the same and are approx 48-50kgs across the range of standard width straps such as 13mm, 16mm & 19mm regardless of strap thickness. Special oscillated coil dispensers are needed for this strap and it can be difficult to handle as each coil is heavy. When loaded onto the dispenser the straps holding the coil together are cut, and the strap can spring open as the energy in the coiled metal is released.   

Gloves and eye protection are recommended when handling any steel strapping, whether strapping up or cutting the strap from a pack.