Steelcore Security Straps

Made in the U.S.A
Load, Lock and Cinch your Gear with one Hand

Steel Core Straps are tie-downs with built-in security. Constructed of thick polypropylene webbing, patented Steel Core straps have a cut resistant core of steel aircraft cable that is extremely tough.

Steel Core straps are the perfect way to secure your gear on a roof rack, at the campsite, or in your truck bed, and protect it from theft. Use them with surfboards, tools, atvs, luggage, and more. Steel Core webbing straps have a soft surface and will not dig into your gear like cable or chain. And, you can leave your cargo unattended while traveling, unlike typical tie-down straps.

There are four major components that comprise this new security product: lock, buckle, strap, and bungee cord/lock. The lock is weather resistant and made from stainless steel; the buckle is fashioned from hardened aircraft aluminum; the strap is made of thick polypropileian webbing and steel; and the bungee cord/lock keeps it all from unraveling when rolled up and holds the extra strap when in use.

How strong are Steel Core Security Straps

The manufacture of Steel Core straps went to great lenghts to make these items as secure as possible, keeping in mind that size, weight, flexability, ease of use, and cost were taken into consideration.
 

Keeping in mind that with enought time, effort, and the right tooks, no item can be kept perfectly safe from theft.  However most thives carry few tooks with them.  The majority of theft occur when opportunistic thieves simply come accross items they think are easy to steal.  The folowing photos show a Steel Core which was attempted to be cut open with bolt cutters - without success.

Patented SEW (Steel Encased Webbing) Construction

The heart of the Steel Core security strap is its patented SEW system.  Embedded in the middle webbing of each Steel Core strap is a 1/8th inch diameter steel cable.  This stainless steel security cable is made from 7x19 strand weave, which equates to 133 wire strands wrapped around each other.  The cable is then vinyl coated with the end being also capped with vinyl.

The cable is then encased in 1/8^th inch thick, by 1 inch wide polypropylene webbing material, which is black in color.  The webbing sides are double stitched with nylon Tex 70 thread, which is very strong (typically used in luggage construction or leather products which are for outside use).

The SEW strap is harder to cut than standard security cable.  One would think that it would be easy to cut a strap which contained a simple cable, however due to Steel Core’s patented construction; this security strap is very difficult to cut.  Due to the fact that the steel cable is mounted in its own channel in the middle of the strap, the cable is completely surrounded by the straps thick nylon webbing.  This feature makes it difficult for the metal cutters to get to it cable.  Because the majority wire cutters are solely designed to cut metal, when the blades come in contact with the outer nylon webbing material, the cutting blades become mashed together in the cutters jaws.  

To give an example, in the Steel Core factory, they use the top of the line German Knipex wire cutters to cut the steel cable during production.  They do an outstanding job in this capacity, when only used to cut the wire by itself.  However, once the steel cable is mounted into the patented SEW strap, the Knipex wire cutters cannot cut the cable.  The blades are not designed to cut the nylon webbing.  Many other types of metal and bolt cutters have this same result. SEW strap has more stopping power than anything close to its weight and size.  

Bolt cutters trying to cut cable	No luck - it did not cut the cable!

 Where to use Steelcore Security Straps

	Steelcore security tie-downs are not just used on vehicles alone. This photo shows the Steel Core strap locking down a hotel night stand which is holding several thousand dollars in digital camera gear.  The strap was simply wrapped around the night stand and cinched down.  Now the only way to gain entry into the night stand would be to use a pair of heady duty bolt cutters...not to likely to be carried by casual hotel thieves looking for a quich snatch and run.
	This photo depicts a ATV with a rifle case secured to the back storage rack with Steel Core security straps.
	Here is a standard truck roof rack using the Steel Core security straps to lock down this vehicles valuable items.  Think how easy it would be to steal these items while you were inside a restaurant having lunch.  Now you have a secure solution to lock down your gear on your roof rack.
	Don't have a roof rack?  Looking for a way to secure your trunk when you have items too large to close it?  Simply wrap the item with the Steel Core security strap then loop it around the inside trunk lid frame holes then outside to the bumper frame under the vehicle (each vehicle's straping location will differ).

Steelcore security straps are an all in one security tie-down device for your gear.  Thousands of uses and applications when traveling including:

·        Employ as a travel lock on luggage to lock the whole bag, not just the zipper.

·        Steelcore cut-resistant locking straps secure luggage to stationary objects in hotel rooms or lobbies.

·        Cinch around a nightstand; it locks the drawer, creating a mini safe for small valuables (ipods, watches, etc.). 

·        Replaces bungee cords, rope, or standard tie-downs on taxi or rental car luggage racks.

·        Use of work vehicles to secure tools and ladders left on vehicles at work sites or other unattended locations.

·        Use to secure camping gear at campsites (lock bikes, or other large recreational items to trees or other stationary items

·        Use to lash down and lock dinghies and other recreational items to decks of boats. 

·        Easiest and quickest way to lock windsurfing and surf boards. Just use in place of straps you use now (tie-downs, bungee cords, or rope)

·        One-inch wide strap will not damage board no matter how hard you pull on the strap.

·        Stronger and sturdier than typical tie-down straps.

·        Easy to manipulate and use in inclement weather, total darkness, or with gloves on.

Quick Specifications
Lengtht:                      9 feet

Width:                        1 inch

Thick                          1/8 inch

Weight:                      1.75 pounds

Quantity:                    2 Steel Core Straps

Additional Items:       Nylon web carry sack (included)

Keys                           2 keys included      

Lock

Each SteelCore Security Strap includes a “Scalped Cam Lock” made by the Illinois Lock Company. 

The lock is manufactured of stainless steel and is resistant to weather, salt, and other corrosive resistant metals. It is UL-tested and rated for 500 hours of continuous salt water spray. The lock includes 3 double-bitted keys which has teeth on both sides, allowing it to be inserted in either direction.

The Steelcore straps utilize a keyed lock in an effort to make it faster and easier to use, especially during conditions when the lock is out of sight, such as the evening hours, or when the buckle is completely out of site. The lock is capable of being opened as long as you can reach it with your finger tips. The Steelcore straps specifically use a keyed lock instead of a combination type.  Keyed locks are proven to hold up significantly better over time, especially in outdoor environments.
 
Buckle

The tamperproof keyed buckle is made from hardened anodized T-6 aircraft aluminum and the pins and catch of the buckle are made from stainless steel. 

The buckle is the first of its kind and was designed by aerospace engineers to be operated with a single hand for ease of use.  The buckle is rubber booted so it won't scratch your gear or vehicle.

Strap

Each SteelCore Security Strap is sold in 9 foot lengths.  They are manufactured with the patented SEW (Steel Encased Webbing) technology which has been strength rated to withstand 1500 lbs of pull.  The outer webbing is made from of thick cut/tear resistant polypropylene webbing that is 1/8” inch thick by one inch wide.  However it is what’s inside the webbing that really makes the SteelCore Security Straps stand out from the rest.  

Sewn into the entire length of the SteelCore webbing straps is a cut resistant stainless steel aircraft cable. The SteelCore webbing strap is 3/16" thick and rated at 1500 lbs.  The SteelCore is plastic coated and capped at the ends to seal it.

Bungee Cord Lock

The attached bungee shock cord holds the excess strap and keeps the cord rolled up when not in use.

Surf Board Security

Have you ever ended your surf day and stopped off to catch a bite to eat, but were not able to relax because you left your surf board on the roof of your car?

Unlike ladders and bikes, surfboards have no way for a security cable to pass through them to tie down to a vehicle rack (also true for snowboards, lumber, wakeboards, some kayaks, etc.). This inability to pass cable through them has been an ongoing problem since the beginning of surfing.

Today it is crucial to lock and secure surfboards due to both the rising costs to produce and increased demand due to unavailability of foam blanks. Steelcore all in one tie-down straps and security system is both the simplest way to lock boards and the easiest way just to tie them down. To protect your board, it's easy. Just replace your tie-down straps, bungee cords, or rope with Steelcore security tie-down straps.

Surfers are infamous for having difficulty securing their surfboards because cable locks cannot pass through the surfboard to lock it. Many surfers have to use a specialty surfboard lock which can be time consuming and tedious.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to lock the Steelcore Security Strap each time I use it?
A: No, the Steelcore Security Strap works just like any ordinary tie-down strap. You only use the lock as needed for security purposes.

Q: Can I purchase additional sets of Steelcore Security Straps that will match the keys that lock the Steelcore Security Straps that I already own?
A: Yes, call or e-mail Steelcore with the number on your lock and the model that you want and we will arrange it.

Q: Why are there 3 keys?
A: For the purpose of keeping an extra key in a secure place in the event you should misplace your main set of key. Places such as a change purse or the credit card holder in your wallet are suggested.

Q: Will the Steel core Security Strap damage my gear or vehicle when tightened?
A: No, the polypropylene strap is a soft material that is one inch wide and will not damage your gear or vehicle when tightened. In addition, the buckle on the strap has a soft plastic boot that keeps the metal buckle from touching any surface on your gear or vehicle.

Q: Why are Steel Core Security Straps sold in pairs?
A: Because they are used most commonly with vehicle racking systems, which have two different racks for the front and back of the roof. In most instances, the load carried rests on both racks. To ensure the highest load safety and security from theft, Steelcore recommends strapping the load down over both the front and rear bars of the racking system using only Steelcore Security Straps. Using only one Steelcore Security Strap on one of the racking system bars, while securing the load on the other bar with a normal tie-down strap is not suggested, as a thief could potentially cut the regular tie-down strap and slide the gear through the single Steelcore Security Strap.

	Step 1 Push button in with thumb or finger until lock lever is released.
	Step 2 Lift open lock lever. After opening lock lever make sure the spring catch has snapped back into it's hole push it back into place if necessary with your finger.
	Step 3 Feed strap end through bottom of buckle.
	Step 4 Feed strap end out the front of the buckle.
	Step 5 Pull out slack (Don't tighten yet)
	Step 6 Push down on lock lever to close . If lever is hard to close. Simultaneously pull with your fingers and push down lever. Or open lever loosen strap a little and reclose. Its always closes easier by pushing the cam forward with your finger while closeing.
	Step 7 Make sure lever catch is fully engaged! Catch button must protrude outside of buckle approx. (1/8' inch) pull up on the lever to  test it. If you are not sure use the lock.
	Step 8 Pull strap to tighten.

To view the Steel Core brochure in PDF format, click here