Size #117B Rubber Bands: The Complete Guide
Size #117B rubber bands are among the most versatile and widely-used rubber bands in commercial and industrial applications. With their 7-inch flat length and 1/8-inch width, these rubber bands strike the perfect balance between strength and flexibility, making them the go-to choice for businesses ranging from postal services to newspaper distribution companies.
What sets size #117B rubber bands apart is their exceptional utility in securing bundles, organizing materials, and handling medium-duty binding tasks. These dimensions make them particularly effective for applications where smaller rubber bands would snap under pressure, yet larger bands would be unnecessarily bulky. Manufactured exclusively by Alliance Rubber Company in Hot Springs, Arkansas – America's last remaining rubber band manufacturer – size #117B rubber bands represent decades of engineering expertise and quality craftsmanship.
Whether you're a procurement manager looking to optimize your office supply budget or a business owner seeking reliable binding solutions, understanding the specifications and applications of size #117B rubber bands will help you make informed purchasing decisions that benefit your bottom line.
Size #117B Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Size Number | #117B |
| Flat Length | 7" |
| Width | 1/8" |
| Bands per Pound (approx) | 425 |
| Material | Natural Rubber / Crepe |
| Color | Natural Crepe |
What Are Size #117B Rubber Bands Used For?
The size #117B rubber band has earned its reputation as a "postal favorite" due to its ideal dimensions for mail processing and distribution applications. The 7-inch flat length provides sufficient stretch to accommodate various bundle sizes while maintaining secure tension.
Postal and Mail Processing
USPS facilities and private mail processing centers rely heavily on size #117B rubber bands for securing mail bundles. The 1/8-inch width distributes pressure evenly across envelopes and packages, preventing damage while ensuring secure bundling during transport and sorting operations. Mail carriers particularly appreciate these rubber bands for organizing route deliveries, as they can easily stretch around varying quantities of mail without excessive force.
Newspaper Distribution
Newspaper publishers and distribution companies find size #117B rubber bands indispensable for bundling newspapers for delivery routes. The rubber bands' natural crepe texture provides excellent grip on newsprint, preventing slippage during handling. Their strength-to-size ratio allows carriers to secure multiple newspapers together without the rubber band becoming a dominant visual element or adding unnecessary bulk to the bundle.
Office and Administrative Applications
In office environments, size #117B rubber bands excel at organizing documents, securing file folders, and bundling supplies. Their professional appearance in natural crepe color makes them suitable for client-facing applications, while their reliability ensures important documents remain securely fastened during storage and transport.
Industrial Packaging and Warehousing
Warehouses and packaging facilities utilize size #117B rubber bands for light to medium-duty bundling applications. They're particularly effective for securing rolled materials, bundling smaller components, and organizing inventory items that require frequent access. The rubber bands' durability ensures they maintain their elasticity even with repeated use.
Educational and Institutional Use
Schools, libraries, and government institutions frequently choose size #117B rubber bands for their versatility and cost-effectiveness. From organizing classroom materials to securing document bundles in administrative offices, these rubber bands provide reliable performance across diverse institutional applications.
Size #117B vs Similar Sizes
Understanding how size #117B compares to similar rubber band sizes helps ensure you select the optimal product for your specific needs. Here's how #117B stacks up against related sizes:
| Size | Length | Width | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| #105 | 5" | 5/8" | Large bundles, heavy-duty applications |
| #107 | 7" | 5/8" | Wide bundles, maximum grip strength |
| #117A | 7" | 1/16" | Delicate items, minimal pressure needed |
| #117B | 7" | 1/8" | Postal, newspapers, general purpose |
Choose size #117B when you need the extended length of a 7-inch rubber band but require more strength and grip than the narrower #117A provides. If your application involves wider bundles or requires maximum holding power, consider the broader #107 size instead.
Buying Size #117B Rubber Bands in Bulk
BulkRubberBands.com offers comprehensive bulk purchasing options for size #117B rubber bands, providing direct-from-manufacturer pricing that consistently beats competitors like ULINE. Our extensive inventory includes multiple product variations to meet diverse business needs:
Standard Natural Crepe Options
Our most popular size #117B products include the Advantage #117B - 25lb Natural Crepe and Advantage #117B - 10lb Natural Crepe options. These provide excellent value for high-volume users who prioritize cost-effectiveness and reliable performance.
Colored Variations
For applications requiring color coding or enhanced visibility, consider our #117B Rubber Bands Red - 25lb or Advantage #117B - 25lb Red. Colored rubber bands help organize different departments, routes, or product categories while maintaining the same reliable specifications.
Specialty Materials
For environments with specific requirements, we offer specialized options including Non-Latex #117B - 10lb Orange and Non-Latex #117B - 10lb Cyan for latex-sensitive environments. UV-resistant applications benefit from our X-treme EPDM #117B - 10lb Black and X-treme EPDM #117B - 10lb Lime Green options.
Premium Lines
Our premium offerings include Pale Crepe Gold #117B - 10lb and Sterling #117B - 10lb Natural Crepe, which provide enhanced durability and consistent performance for demanding applications.
All our size #117B rubber bands are available in convenient bulk packaging options of 10lb and 25lb cases, ensuring you have adequate inventory while maximizing cost savings through volume purchasing.
How to Store Rubber Bands
Proper storage significantly extends the lifespan and maintains the performance characteristics of your size #117B rubber bands. Follow these guidelines to maximize your investment:
Temperature Control
Store rubber bands in environments with temperatures below 80°F (27°C). Excessive heat accelerates the degradation of natural rubber, causing bands to become brittle and lose elasticity prematurely. Climate-controlled storage areas are ideal for large inventory quantities.
UV Protection
Direct sunlight and ultraviolet light cause rubber to deteriorate rapidly. Store rubber bands in opaque containers or areas away from windows and fluorescent lighting. For outdoor or high-UV environments, consider our X-treme EPDM options, which offer superior UV resistance.
Chemical Isolation
Keep rubber bands away from oils, solvents, and petroleum-based products, which can cause swelling and degradation. Storage areas should be free from automotive fluids, cleaning solvents, and similar chemicals that could compromise rubber integrity.
Humidity Considerations
Moderate humidity levels (30-50%) help maintain rubber flexibility without promoting mold or mildew growth. Avoid extremely dry conditions that can make rubber brittle, as well as high-humidity environments that encourage biological deterioration.
When stored properly, size #117B rubber bands maintain their performance characteristics for 2-3 years, making bulk purchasing an economical choice for most businesses.
FAQs About Size #117B Rubber Bands
How many size #117B rubber bands come in a pound?
Approximately 425 size #117B rubber bands come in a pound. This count may vary slightly depending on the specific product line and manufacturing tolerances, but 425 pieces per pound is the standard specification for planning and inventory purposes.
What is the size #117B rubber band's flat length?
Size #117B rubber bands have a flat length of 7 inches and a width of 1/8 inch. This measurement represents the band when laid flat and unstretched, providing the baseline for determining stretch capacity and application suitability.
Are size #117B rubber bands food safe?
Standard natural rubber #117B rubber bands are not certified for direct food contact applications. For food service environments, consider our FDA-compliant alternatives or use the bands for non-food contact applications such as organizing kitchen supplies or securing packaging materials.
What industries use size #117B rubber bands?
Size #117B rubber bands are widely used in postal services, newspaper distribution, office administration, warehousing, educational institutions, and government agencies. Their versatile 7-inch length and medium-duty strength make them suitable for countless bundling and organizing applications across diverse industries.
Where are these rubber bands manufactured?
All our size #117B rubber bands are manufactured by Alliance Rubber Company in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Alliance is America's last remaining rubber band manufacturer, ensuring you receive genuine American-made quality with every order while supporting domestic manufacturing.
Conclusion
Size #117B rubber bands represent an optimal balance of length, width, and strength that makes them indispensable across numerous industries and applications. From their proven performance in postal operations to their reliability in office and warehouse environments, these 7-inch rubber bands deliver consistent results that businesses depend on daily.
When you choose size #117B rubber bands from BulkRubberBands.com, you're investing in American-made quality from Alliance Rubber Company while accessing direct-from-manufacturer pricing that beats major competitors. Our comprehensive selection of standard, colored, latex-free, and UV-resistant options ensures you'll find the perfect solution for your specific requirements.
Ready to experience the reliability and value of genuine American-made size #117B rubber bands? Explore our complete bulk size #117B rubber band collection today and discover why businesses nationwide trust BulkRubberBands.com for their rubber band supply needs. With bulk packaging options and competitive pricing, you'll reduce costs while ensuring your operations never run short of these essential supplies.
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