Selecting the right security seals for your business is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. Security seals play a vital role in safeguarding valuable goods, preventing tampering, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. With so many different types of seals available, from high-security bolt seals to versatile plastic seals, it’s essential to understand which one best suits your operational needs.

One of the key factors in choosing a security seal is strength. The level of security required, environmental conditions, and industry regulations all influence which seal type will work best. By assessing these factors, businesses can make an informed choice that balances security, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. In this guide, we’ll explore how to measure security seal strength, how to determine the right seal for different applications, and why stakeholder needs should always be considered.

 

The First Step in Choosing a Security Seal

Before selecting a security seal, businesses must first evaluate their specific needs. The type of asset being secured, the environment in which the seal will be used, and the level of security required all play a crucial role in determining the most suitable option.

For example, a company shipping high-value cargo across international borders will have different security concerns than a retailer sealing inventory in a stockroom. If a breach of security could result in financial losses or safety risks, a high-strength option like bolt seals may be necessary. These heavy-duty security seals are designed to withstand extreme force and cannot be removed without specialized tools.

On the other hand, for businesses that require a security seal primarily for tamper evidence rather than high resistance to force, plastic seals may be a more practical choice. These are widely used in industries such as logistics, retail, and healthcare, where the main objective is to detect unauthorized access rather than physically prevent it.

 

Understanding The Balance Between Security and Affordability

One of the most common mistakes businesses make when purchasing security seals is overestimating their needs. While high-security seals provide superior protection, they are not always necessary for every application. Choosing the wrong seal type can lead to unnecessary costs and operational inefficiencies.

For instance, using heavy-duty cable seals for sealing small bags or containers may be excessive. While these seals offer durability and strength, they are more expensive and require tools for removal. In such cases, a more cost-effective alternative like a pull-tight plastic seal could provide adequate tamper evidence without added expenses.

Additionally, some businesses purchase security seals in bulk without considering variations in application. A company managing multiple security needs—such as securing truck trailers, containers, and storage units—may benefit from using different types of seals rather than relying on a single option. Evaluating operational needs before making a purchase ensures that the right level of security is applied while minimizing costs.

 

How to Measure Security Seal Strength

The strength of a security seal is a crucial factor in determining its effectiveness, but it is not a one-size-fits-all measurement. Different seals are designed to withstand varying levels of force, and the way strength is measured depends on the seal type.

One of the most common methods of testing security seal strength is tensile strength testing. This process measures the amount of force required to break or deform a seal, providing a clear indicator of its durability. High-security seals, such as bolt seals and heavy-duty cable seals, typically have high tensile strength ratings, making them resistant to tampering attempts.

Another important factor is shear resistance, which evaluates how well a seal withstands cutting tools. Seals with reinforced steel cables or thick locking mechanisms offer higher resistance, making unauthorized removal difficult.

In addition, impact resistance testing is used to assess a seal’s ability to endure physical force, such as hammer strikes or attempted breakage through blunt force. This is particularly important for seals used in industries like transportation and logistics, where containers may be subject to rough handling.

While strength is an essential characteristic of a security seal, businesses must also consider ease of use and tamper evidence. A security seal should not only be strong enough to prevent unauthorized access but should also provide clear visual indications of tampering. This ensures that any breach is immediately detected, allowing businesses to take appropriate action.

 

Choosing the Right Security Seal for Your Operations

Selecting the correct seal goes beyond strength—it also involves considering environmental factors, transportation methods, and industry regulations.

For businesses that transport cargo over long distances, exposure to extreme weather conditions, rough handling, and potential tampering must be taken into account. In these scenarios, cable seals or bolt seals offer enhanced security due to their resistance to cutting and physical attacks. These seals are often used in industries such as shipping, oil and gas, and international freight transport, where security breaches can have serious consequences.

Conversely, for controlled environments like retail stockrooms, warehouses, or office settings, tamper evident security seals are used more for accountability and tamper evidence rather than for physical strength. Plastic security seals with unique serial numbers provide an excellent solution for these applications, as they can be easily inspected and removed without specialized tools.

Understanding the specific security challenges your business faces ensures that the chosen seal not only meets operational requirements but also aligns with industry best practices.

 

Compliance and Industry Standards

Choosing the right security seal is not just about protecting assets—it’s also about meeting the expectations of stakeholders, including customers, regulatory bodies, and supply chain partners. Many industries require businesses to adhere to specific security protocols to ensure product integrity, prevent fraud, and maintain compliance with legal standards.

For example, industries such as pharmaceuticals, food transportation, and international shipping often have strict regulations regarding tamper evident security measures. Using the wrong seal—or failing to comply with security standards—can lead to costly fines, shipment delays, or even legal consequences. Businesses must ensure that the security seals they choose meet the necessary certification requirements, such as ISO 17712 for high-security seals used in international trade.

Beyond regulatory compliance, stakeholder trust is also a major factor. Supply chain partners and customers rely on businesses to maintain product security from the point of origin to the final destination. Any sign of tampering, whether intentional or accidental, can raise concerns and damage a company’s reputation. By using high-quality security seals that provide clear tamper evidence, businesses can reinforce trust and demonstrate their commitment to security.

Another key consideration is operational efficiency. Employees responsible for applying and inspecting security seals need to work with solutions that are both reliable and easy to use. If a seal is too complicated to apply or requires excessive time for removal, it can lead to delays and inefficiencies in daily operations. Finding the right balance between security, compliance, and usability ensures that all stakeholders—internal and external—benefit from an optimized security solution.

 

Why American Casting & Manufacturing is the Industry Leader in Security Seals

For over 110 years, American Casting & Manufacturing (AC&M) has been at the forefront of providing high-quality security sealing solutions for businesses across various industries. As a fourth-generation, family-owned company, we take pride in manufacturing security seals that meet the highest industry standards while delivering unmatched reliability.

Our extensive product line includes high-security bolt seals, durable cable seals, and tamper evident plastic seals—all designed to help businesses secure their assets with confidence. Every security seal we produce is built for superior performance, ensuring businesses get the strength, durability, and compliance they need. Whether you require seals for logistics, transportation, energy, pharmaceuticals, or retail, our team is ready to help you find the right solution for your unique application.

At AC&M, we understand that security is not a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we work closely with businesses to assess their specific needs and recommend tailored sealing solutions that provide both protection and cost efficiency. Our dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable, U.S.-manufactured security seals.