Size #38 Rubber Bands: The Complete Guide

Size #38 Rubber Bands: The Complete Guide

Size #38 rubber bands are part of Alliance Rubber Company's red packer band family. With a 6" flat length and 1/8" width, the #38 is built for larger produce bundles, mailing and shipping batch wrapping, and any 6 inch packaging job where the #36 is in short supply or specific tension is preferred.

The red color isn't decorative. It's a signal used across produce, packaging, and shipping operations to mark grade, batch, or product tier. Buyers, packers, and back-office teams can sort bundles at a glance, which matters when the same crew handles thousands of bundles per day.

At BulkRubberBands.com we carry authentic size 38 rubber bands manufactured by Alliance Rubber Company, the last remaining rubber band manufacturer in the United States. Based in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Alliance has been producing rubber bands since 1923.

Size #38 Specifications

Specification	Value
Size Number	#38
Flat Length	6"
Width	1/8"
Bands per Pound (approx)	155
Material	Natural Rubber
Color	Red Packer

What Are Size #38 Rubber Bands Used For?

The 6 inches flat length of #38 rubber bands fits a specific set of bundling jobs. Here's where they earn their place in your supply room.

Large Produce Bundling

For mature kale, chard, and large bok choy bunches, the #38's 6 inch flat length wraps cleanly without crushing leaves. Used widely as a sister sku to the #36 when specific stretch behavior or stock supply favors it.

Mailing and Shipping Batches

Bulk mailers, fulfillment centers, and small shipping operations use #38 bands for batch wrapping outgoing parcels, padded envelopes, and grouped flats. The red color separates outgoing from incoming on a busy sort line.

Warehouse Bundling

Warehouse teams bundle hose, tubing, cordage, and small parts trays with the #38. The 1/8 inch width is robust enough for daily pick-and-pack rotation without breaking, and the band length wraps standard tote groupings.

Document and Periodical Wrapping

Magazines, large form documents, and folded blueprints wrap securely. The 6 inch length and 1/8 inch profile distribute pressure across thick paper stacks, preventing creasing during transit.

Size #38 vs Similar Sizes

Choosing the right size matters for both grip and inventory cost. Here's how the #38 compares to neighbors in the Alliance lineup.

Size	Flat Length	Width	Best For
#33	3-1/2"	1/8"	Same width, shorter length
#35	5"	1/8"	Mid-length packer
#36	6"	1/8"	Sister size, similar applications
#38	6"	1/8"	Sister to #36, batch wrapping

Buying Size #38 Rubber Bands in Bulk

BulkRubberBands.com offers size 38 packer bands in bulk case quantities, ensuring you receive the best per-pound pricing while maintaining a consistent supply.

Available Package Sizes

The #38 is stocked in 3 lb and 25 lb cases for the red packer line.

• #38 Red Rubber Bands - 6" x 1/8" Bulk Alliance Rubber in 3 lb and 25 lb cases

Competitive Pricing

As a direct distributor of Alliance Rubber Company products, we beat ULINE and other resellers on per-pound pricing because we run on lower overhead and source straight from the manufacturer. Bulk tiers reward larger orders, which makes carrying enough stock for a full season practical without straining cash flow.

American-Made Quality

Every #38 rubber band we sell is made in Hot Springs, Arkansas by Alliance Rubber Company. Domestic production keeps lead times short, quality consistent, and the supply chain transparent. Choosing American-made packer bands also supports the last remaining rubber band manufacturer in the country.

How to Store Rubber Bands

Storage matters for natural rubber. Following these guidelines preserves elasticity across your full case.

Temperature Control

Keep cases below 80°F when possible. Heat accelerates the breakdown of natural rubber, leading to reduced elasticity and surface cracking. Air-conditioned storage is ideal. Warehouse conditions in summer should be monitored.

Light Protection

Ultraviolet light from sunlight or fluorescent fixtures degrades rubber over time. Store cases out of direct light, or in opaque containers if light exposure is unavoidable.

Chemical Avoidance

Keep rubber bands away from oils, solvents, petroleum products, and strong cleaners. Even vapor exposure in a poorly ventilated chemical storage area can shorten band life.

Expected Shelf Life

Properly stored, #38 bands hold their performance for 2 to 3 years. Bands in active rotation typically last longer than bands sitting unused, since periodic stretch helps maintain elasticity. A first-in, first-out system on bulk purchases is best practice.

FAQs About Size #38 Rubber Bands

Conclusion

Size #38 rubber bands fill a specific role in the Alliance lineup. The 6" length and 1/8" width make them well suited for produce and agriculture and mailing and shipping operations use, and the red color delivers the visual cueing that busy operations rely on.

Whether you're packing produce on a wholesale floor, bundling cannabis flower in a cultivation facility, or batch-wrapping outgoing parcels in a fulfillment center, our #38 Rubber Bands in Bulk options give you direct-from-manufacturer pricing on authentic Alliance product.

For a full size reference, see the rubber band size chart. For more on Alliance Rubber Company and our American manufacturing story, visit about us. For warehouse and logistics use cases, see our warehouse and logistics industry page.