RUBBER BAND

Sizes?

If you're not sure about the difference between a #18 and #117B rubber band then read on...

Did you know that rubber bands have their own dedicated and universal sizing (similar to clothing)? These sizes range from #8 to #117B and beyond.

How are rubber bands measured

"

It may seem logical to assume that size 71 is smaller than 117B, but that's not really the case.

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FLAT LENGTH

A rubber band is usually measured in three basic dimensions:

A rubber band is usually measured in three basic dimensions:

1

CUT WIDTH

2

WALL THICKNESS

3

This may sound confusing, but we're here to help.. Keep watching for instructions.

FLAT LENGTH

FLAT LENGTH

Measured by pinching two ends of the band together on a flat surface. the measurement from end to end equals the  flat length.

CUT WIDTH

The measurement across the band perpendicular to the flat length. The wider the cut width the tighter the hold.

WALL THICKNESS

Measured by placing your thumb inside the band and pinching the portion between your thumb and forefinger, usually measured with a Starrett Gauge.

WHAT DO THE SIZE NUMBERS MEAN

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"

There are several hundred commonly used rubber band sizes which are based upon the three basic dimesions.

1/16"

Rubber bands are numbered from smallest to largest, starting with the smallest cut width first. They’re then ordered by flat length from 7/8 inch to 3-1/2 inches.

SIZE 8-19

1/8"

1/8"

Rubber band sizes 27-33 are the next category at 1/8 inch cut width. Again, these rubber band sizes are organized by cut width and then flat length –  starting at cut width 1/16 inch.

SIZE 27-33

1/8"

For bands with a flat length over 3-1/2 inches, the numbering starts over at 100. The next standard size with 1/8" cut is the 117B which is 7" x 1/8"

SIZE 117B

The origin of these size numbers is not clear. For the most part, the most widely accepted size numbers can be found using the Rubber Band Size Chart!

confused yet?

confused yet?