Here’s a clear, practical guide to wrapping a pallet with stretch film so the load is stable, protected, and easy to handle.

Quick overview

• Purpose: secure items to the pallet, protect from dust/moisture, and prevent shifting during transport.
• Tools: hand stretch film roll (with or without a dispenser), stretch film dispenser with brake, or a stretch-wrap machine (semi- or fully automatic).
• Film types: standard cast or blown stretch film, pre-stretched film (machine or hand-prestretched), and reinforced/puncture-resistant film for sharp loads.

Step-by-step — hand-wrap (manual)

1. Prepare the pallet and load:

   • Make sure boxes are stacked squarely with heavier items on the bottom.
   • Ensure no overhang—items should not extend beyond pallet edges.
   • Place fragile items toward the center and use corner boards if needed.

2. Start at the pallet base:

   • Secure the film to the pallet base or load by wrapping the film around the pallet stringers or leg once or twice (or wrap around the bottom portion of the load).
   • Tear or cut the film and press the loose end to the load so it sticks.

3. Build a stable base:

   • Wrap at least 2–3 full turns around the pallet at the base to anchor the wrap. Use overlapping layers (about 50% overlap is common).

4. Wrap upward to the top:

   • Move upward in even passes. Overlap each layer about half the width of the film to create good bonding between layers.
   • Maintain steady tension—enough to compress layers slightly but not so much that you crush boxes or deform products.

5. Secure the top:

   • When you reach the top, do 2–3 full turns across the top of the load (if top protection needed).
   • Return down to the base, adding additional overlap layers for stability.

6. Finish and tuck:

   • Tear or cut the film and press the end against the wrapped surface so it sticks. If film won’t stick, tuck the end under an existing layer or use a small piece of tape.

Step-by-step — using a handheld dispenser (easier)

• Use a dispenser with an adjustable brake to control film tension and reduce fatigue.
• Follow the same pattern as above but you’ll get firmer, more consistent tension and faster wrapping.

Step-by-step — machine wrap (pallet wrapper)

• Load the pallet on the turntable (or position film carriage around load).
• Attach the film tail to the pallet or load.
• Set pre-stretch level (commonly 150–300% depending on film and load).
• Set wrap program: e.g., 3–5 bottom wraps, 10–20 body wraps (or until secure), 2–4 top wraps.
• Start cycle; remove cut tail or let machine cut and press the tail for you.

How much wrap is enough?

• Light/non-fragile loads: 5–10 full overlapping wraps around the middle + secure base and top.
• Medium loads: 10–20 wraps (body) with 2–4 base wraps and top wraps.
• Heavy, tall, or unstable loads: more wraps, corner boards, strapping, and/or reinforced film.
• For machine-wrapped pallets, programs often specify number of revolutions at different heights — follow those and check stability.

Tension & pre-stretch

• Hand-wrap: you’ll typically achieve 50–100% stretch; keep tension consistent and firm but not crushing.
• Dispenser or machine with pre-stretch: 150–300% pre-stretch improves load-holding and reduces film use.
• Too little tension = load shift; too much = crushed cartons or product damage.

Film width, gauge, and type (practical ranges)

• Widths: common 12", 15", 18" — choose so you can get good overlap without excessive passes.
• Gauge (thickness): often expressed in microns or gauge (e.g., 50–80 gauge ~ 12–20 microns for light to medium; heavier films 80–120+ microns). Thicker film for sharp edges or heavy loads.
• Reinforced or puncture-resistant film for pallets with sharp corners or palletized metal.

Best practices & tips

• Use corner boards, edge protectors, or slip sheets for fragile or high-stack loads.
• Apply a top sheet for moisture protection if needed (then wrap over it).
• Place barcode/labels facing outward and avoid covering critical labels with too many layers. If you must cover them, ensure they remain scannable or apply a clear label pouch.
• Wrap high (but not excessively): typical max height is 72–84 inches for many carriers; center of gravity matters more than height alone.
• Check stability: after wrapping, try to gently push the load—if it shifts, add more wraps or use straps.
• Reduce film use: use pre-stretch film and a dispenser/machine to lower film consumption without losing load stability.
• For pallet stacking in trailers, leave corners more reinforced if loads will be stacked.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting wrap too high (weak base anchoring).
• Inconsistent tension causing bulges or loose layers.
• Overstretching fragile items (causes crushing).
• Not protecting sharp corners (causes punctures).
• Letting the film tail bury under layers, making removal hard.

Safety

• Use correct body mechanics when hand-wrapping; film dispensers reduce wrist strain.
• Keep wrap machinery guards in place and follow lockout/tagout for maintenance.
• Be careful when cutting film—use proper cutting tools and cut away from your body.

Quick checklist before shipping

• Load square and centered on pallet
• No overhang beyond pallet edges
• Base anchored with 2–3 wraps
• 50% overlap and consistent tension
• Sufficient body wraps for load type
• Top protected if needed
• Labels accessible/scannable
• Load stable when gently rocked

If you want, tell me: what type of products you’re wrapping (boxes, drums, irregular shapes) and whether you have a dispenser or machine — I can give specific wrap counts and film type suggestions.