117B Rubber Bands: Complete Buying Guide for Bulk Orders

When it comes to versatile, reliable rubber bands for commercial and industrial applications, #117B rubber bands stand out as one of the most popular choices among procurement professionals. These 7-inch by 1/8-inch bands offer the perfect balance of length and durability for a wide range of bundling and securing tasks.

What Are 117B Rubber Bands?

The #117B rubber band is a standard size designation that refers to bands measuring 7 inches in length and 1/8 inch in width. This specific size has become a staple in offices, warehouses, and industrial facilities due to its versatility and strength. The "117B" designation follows industry-standard sizing conventions, making it easy to reorder consistently across different suppliers.

These rubber bands are manufactured by Alliance Rubber Company, America's last remaining rubber band manufacturer, based in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This domestic production ensures consistent quality and reliable supply chains for businesses that depend on these essential supplies.

Key Specifications

• Length: 7 inches
• Width: 1/8 inch
• Standard commercial grade
• Available in multiple colors and formulations
• Bulk packaging options available

Available Colors and Formulations

Understanding the different color and material options helps you choose the right 117B rubber bands for your specific needs. Each variation serves different purposes in commercial applications.

Natural Crepe

The most economical option, natural crepe 117B rubber bands offer excellent value for general-purpose applications. These bands provide reliable elasticity and durability for everyday bundling tasks. Available in 10-pound and 25-pound bulk cases, they're perfect for high-volume users looking to minimize costs per unit.

Golden Crepe

Golden crepe formulation provides enhanced durability and longer life compared to natural crepe bands. The golden color also offers better visibility in many work environments, making these bands ideal for applications where identification and retrieval are important.

Colored Options

Red 117B rubber bands serve multiple purposes beyond basic bundling. The bright color provides instant visual identification, making them excellent for color-coding systems, temporary marking, and applications where bands need to stand out. Red bands are available in both standard and bulk packaging options.

Non-Latex Orange

For environments where latex allergies are a concern, non-latex orange 117B rubber bands provide a safe alternative without compromising performance. These bands maintain the same 7-inch by 1/8-inch dimensions while offering peace of mind in healthcare facilities, food service operations, and other sensitive environments.

X-treme Performance

X-treme 117B rubber bands represent the premium option in this size category. Available in lime green and black, these bands offer superior elasticity, extended life, and enhanced resistance to environmental factors. While they carry a higher price point, the improved performance often justifies the investment in demanding applications.

Bulk Packaging Options

Smart procurement professionals understand that packaging size directly impacts total cost of ownership. The 117B rubber band line offers several bulk options designed to meet different volume requirements and budget considerations.

10-Pound Cases

Standard 10-pound cases contain ten 1-pound boxes, making them ideal for medium-volume users. This packaging format provides good value while maintaining manageable inventory levels. The individual pound boxes help maintain freshness and make distribution within larger organizations more convenient.

25-Pound Bulk Cases

For high-volume users, 25-pound bulk cases offer the best per-pound pricing. These cases contain twenty-five 1-pound poly bags, maximizing cost savings for organizations with significant rubber band consumption. The bulk format is particularly popular with distribution centers, large offices, and industrial facilities.

Applications and Use Cases

The 7-inch length of 117B rubber bands makes them particularly suitable for specific applications where shorter bands would be inadequate and longer bands would be wasteful.

Document Management

Law firms, government agencies, and corporate offices rely on 117B rubber bands for securing large document bundles. The 7-inch length accommodates thick file folders and multi-page reports while the 1/8-inch width provides secure hold without excessive bulk.

Warehouse and Distribution

In warehouse environments, these bands excel at bundling items for shipment, securing protective materials, and organizing inventory. The consistent size ensures reliable performance across different applications, while bulk packaging keeps costs manageable.

Manufacturing Support

Manufacturing facilities use 117B rubber bands for temporary assembly, parts organization, and process control. The variety of colors available supports lean manufacturing principles by enabling visual management systems.

Cost Considerations and Value Analysis

When evaluating 117B rubber bands, total cost analysis should include more than just the per-pound price. Consider factors such as band count per pound, durability, and packaging efficiency.

Volume Pricing

Bulk purchasing significantly reduces per-pound costs. The 25-pound cases typically offer savings of 15-25% compared to smaller quantities, making them attractive for organizations with predictable consumption patterns.

Quality vs. Price

While natural crepe bands offer the lowest initial cost, premium formulations like X-treme bands may provide better value in demanding applications due to their extended life and superior performance characteristics.

Storage and Handling Best Practices

Proper storage extends the life of rubber bands and maintains their performance characteristics. Store 117B rubber bands in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight and ozone sources. Avoid temperature extremes and maintain consistent humidity levels when possible.

For bulk users, implement a first-in, first-out rotation system to ensure optimal freshness. While rubber bands have excellent shelf life when properly stored, rotation helps maintain consistent performance across your inventory.

Choosing the Right 117B Rubber Band

Select your 117B rubber bands based on your specific application requirements, volume needs, and budget constraints. Natural crepe bands work well for general applications, while specialized formulations like non-latex or X-treme bands serve specific operational needs.

Consider starting with a 10-pound case to evaluate performance in your application before committing to larger quantities. This approach allows you to verify that the 7-inch by 1/8-inch size meets your needs while minimizing initial investment.

For procurement teams managing multiple locations or departments, the consistent sizing and reliable supply of Alliance-manufactured 117B rubber bands simplifies ordering processes and ensures uniform performance across your organization.