Rubber bands are used in every office around the world for various tasks. You could be mistaken if you think that small rubber bands can do every task.
They come in different shapes and sizes. In fact, it is of utmost importance to carefully choose the rubber band sizes suitable for your use. In this article, we will talk about rubber bands sizes, how they are manufactured and their different uses.
Rubber band manufacturing
Before we get into details about elastic band sizes, it won’t hurt to have an idea or two about how they are manufactured. The manufacturing process begins by shaping the rubber into a long tube, which is then cut widthwise into thin rings.
There are two types of rubber, synthetic and natural rubber. Both rubbers are used to make several rubber products, however, natural rubber has greater stretch and is, therefore, better to use.
A modern rubber band differs from its predecessor. Rubber is now vulcanised, a chemical process that hardens rubber.
Vulcanisation makes the rubber more durable and elastic, making rubber bands band even more practical.
Rubber bands can also be made by cutting used inner tubes of bicycle tyres into rings or strips. Rubber bands obtained in this way are extremely elastic and practically do not age. They last for several years and even decades.
What to consider when buying rubber bands
In order to buy the perfect elastics bands for your use, you have to first think about the size that can serve that purpose. Take into consideration the width and expansion, as they are the most important features to pay attention to.
In order to make this easy for you, you can find the measurements for every elastic bands size below.
After identifying the rubber band sizes that would work best for you, we can offer you a variety of these elastic band sizes. You can find both big and small rubber bands in our store.
Whether you need them to keep your envelopes together, secure your boxes, fasten items together or see how much you can put around that melon before it explodes, we have the right ones for you.
Thinking that any rubber bands would do the job is a mistake you do not want to make.
Rubber band sizes
The variety of rubber band sizes can be overwhelming. They are simply hundreds to choose from that is why the choice of choosing the right ones that you need for a certain job becomes rather difficult.
What is the standard rubber band size?
A common mistake that many people make is buying standard size rubber bands. We think that the term standard rubber band does not exist.
The measurements of a rubber band are in millimetres and can be measured by a basic ruler. Manufacturers of rubber bands give each one a size number, and in order for you to choose the right rubber bands, you have to know these sizes.
Because of the number of different uses for rubber bands, it is not possible to describe one as ‘standard’.
Due to their common use for everyday jobs, there are certain sizes that you are probably used to seeing more than others.
Rubber band size chart
As we have mentioned earlier, buying a rubber band requires that you have an idea about the size and the type of job you want to use them for. For this purpose, we have come up with this elastic rubber bands sizes chart to make choosing the right elastic bands.
Rubber Band Size No |
Length |
Width |
Various |
Various |
|
35mm |
1.5mm |
|
38mm |
1.5mm |
|
50.8mm |
1.6mm |
|
60mm |
1.5mm |
|
88.9mm |
1.6mm |
|
152.4mm |
1.6mm |
|
50.8mm |
3.2mm |
|
76.2mm |
3.2mm |
|
88.9mm |
3.2mm |
|
101.6mm |
3.2mm |
|
127mm |
3.2mm |
|
152.4mm |
3.2mm |
|
76.2mm |
6.3mm |
|
88.9mm |
6.3mm |
|
101.6mm |
6.3mm |
|
152.4mm |
6.3mm |
|
101.6mm |
9.5mm |
|
152.4mm |
12.7mm |
|
Size 90 |
170mm |
12mm |
Size 170 |
160mm |
12mm |
Practical uses for rubber band sizes
There is a difference between knowing rubber band sizes and what certain sizes should be used for. Purchasing these elastic bands for certain tasks will definitely make it easier for you to get it done.
The problem lies in what rubber band is required for a specific use. That is why we recommend that you purchase a multipack if you have doubts which ones to use.
Before we proceed with helping you pin down your choice, you have to keep in mind that heavy activities will require that you purchase thick, natural rubber bands in order to avoid any potential risk of the bands snapping.
For example, if you want to keep a shoebox closed, you should use a size 89 rubber bands. If you want to band envelopes together, small rubber bands would do the trick. Go with size 34 rubber bands for this kind of activity.
There are various applications for rubber bands, many for entertainment, but also serious.
Fun activities with elastic bands
How rubber bands are made
Geoboard
A geoboard is a board with regularly spaced points. Elastic bands are used to construct geometric shapes.
This is a fun activity o play with your children. You can make a geoboard yourself using a plank of wood and nails.
Rubber band projectiles.
With parental supervision, rubber bands can be used as projectile launchers. To do this, wrap one end around the thumb and the other end on another finger.
Stretch it with the other hand and when it is released, the tape flies away. This is a good alternative for rubber guns.
Other rubber band uses
- Rubber bands are occasionally used to hold hard drives in the computer case. This avoids the rigid contact between the hard disk and the housing, which reduces noise levels and vibrations.
- In orthodontics, rubber bands are used to realign teeth. They serve as a connection between the ligamentous apparatus (so-called braces) and the tooth.
- Elastic bands can be tied together to form a rope for an elastic twist. If you wrap many rubber bands around each other, you get a jumping rubber band ball.
- Thick, colourful rubber bands can serve as fancy bracelets in fun family or school activities
- Rubber bands are used to hold bills together so that they can be counted easily
- Thick rubber bands are used for sealing preserving fruit or vegetable jars.
- Rubber bands are also a tool for magicians. They can use them in several magic tricks.
- Rubber bands can help hold important letters together.