In any busy office, the humble rubber band remains an indispensable tool for organization and efficiency. From bundling documents and securing cables to organizing mail and keeping food containers fresh, a good supply of rubber bands is a simple solution to countless daily challenges. Having the right size and type on hand can save time and prevent minor frustrations.
Not all rubber bands are created equal. The best options offer a balance of strength, elasticity, and durability without being prone to snapping or degrading quickly. This roundup compiles ten of the best rubber band products available, designed to meet various needs from heavy-duty bundling to light office organization and creative projects.
The Best Rubber Bands for Your Office
- Amazon Basics Assorted Size and Color Rubber Bands
- Business Source Rubber Band, Natural (1914LB)
- Officemate Assorted Size and Color Rubber Bands, 4 oz
- ANNIE 1000 RUBBER BANDS 1/2″ #BLACK
- Alliance Rubber 26649 Advantage Rubber Bands Size #64
- Annie 300 Rubber Bands Small One Size 1/2′ Black
- BAZIC Assorted Dimensions 227g/0.5 lbs. Rubber Bands
- AIWOQI Rubber Bands Size16 Elastic Rubber Band #16
- Alliance Rubber 26255 Advantage Rubber Bands Size #117A
- Alliance Rubber 26697R Assorted Size Rubber Bands
Amazon Basics Assorted Size and Color Rubber Bands
This half-pound bag from Amazon Basics provides excellent value and variety for a general office setting. The assortment includes three practical sizes—#64, #33, and #19—which are suitable for tasks ranging from holding a thick stack of documents to organizing smaller items like pencils or cables. The bright red, blue, and yellow colors also make it easy to color-code projects or files for quick identification.
Made from natural rubber, these bands offer smooth and reliable stretchability. This material choice ensures they can be reused multiple times without becoming brittle too quickly. Whether you are keeping everyday home or office items neatly contained or need a quick solution for a bundling task, this multipack is a dependable and cost-effective choice.
Business Source Rubber Band, Natural
For users who prioritize ease of use, the Business Source Natural Rubber Bands feature an open-ring style. This design allows you to open the band easily with one hand, a significant advantage when you are holding items in the other. This simple but effective feature can streamline repetitive tasks like bundling mail or securing file folders.
These are top-quality bands that meet or exceed federal specifications AA131, indicating a high standard of performance and durability. The band size is clearly indicated by the product number, making reordering simple. If you need a reliable, no-fuss rubber band that is built for efficiency and consistent performance, this product is a strong contender.
Officemate Assorted Size and Color Rubber Bands
The Officemate 4-ounce assortment is a versatile pack perfect for a shared office space or a personal desk drawer. The mix of colors and sizes ensures you have a suitable band for various applications, from office paperwork to school arts and crafts projects. Their re-usable nature makes them a practical and economical choice.
These bands are known for being versatile and strong, capable of handling everyday organizational tasks without issue. Whether you are sorting documents, securing a prototype, or just need to keep a roll of paper from unfurling, this assortment provides the flexibility needed for a dynamic work environment.
ANNIE 1000 RUBBER BANDS 1/2″ #BLACK
Annie’s offering provides a large quantity of 1,000 uniform black rubber bands. Having a single size in bulk is ideal for offices that consistently use one specific band for a repeated task, such as securing daily mailouts or product bundles. The black color offers a professional and discreet look.
The key features of these bands are their stretchy and strong construction. Made from natural rubber, they provide the necessary elasticity and tensile strength to hold items securely without breaking. For high-volume needs where consistency is key, this bulk pack is an excellent solution.
Alliance Rubber 26649 Advantage Rubber Bands Size #64
The Alliance Rubber Advantage bands in size #64 are known for their firm and sturdy stretch, capable of an impressive 700% elongation from their original size. This makes them suitable for tasks that require a secure and reliable hold. A quarter-pound box contains approximately 80 bands, offering a good balance between quantity and quality.
These bands have a mid-range rubber content, which provides a high count per pound, ensuring you get great value. They are ideal for everyday use at home or in the office, perfect for organizing crafts, tools, and games, or for sealing food packaging to maintain freshness.
Annie 300 Rubber Bands Small One Size 1/2′ Black
This pack from Annie provides 300 small, black rubber bands with a diameter of 1.7 cm. Their compact size makes them perfect for lightweight duties such as organizing small stationery, bundling receipts, or securing the ends of cables. The single size and color simplify storage and selection.
Despite their small size, these are very strong natural rubber bands. Their strength ensures they can handle the pressure of stretching around objects without snapping, providing a dependable hold for your smaller office and personal items.
BAZIC Assorted Dimensions 227g/0.5 lbs. Rubber Bands
The BAZIC half-pound assortment offers a vibrant mix of colors and a variety of sizes. This makes them great not only for house and office organization but also for school projects and creative endeavors like making rubber band balls or other crafts. The multicolored bands add a functional and visual element to any task.
With a reputation for reliability since 1998, BAZIC is dedicated to offering uncompromised quality. These bands are perfect for practical everyday use, providing a versatile solution for all your binding needs, from organizing materials to more imaginative applications.
AIWOQI Rubber Bands Size16 Elastic Rubber Band #16
AIWOQI provides a specific solution with this large pack of approximately 600 size #16 rubber bands in a light brown color. The dimensions—2.37 inches in length, 0.06 inches in width and thickness—make them ideal for securing file folders, small bundles, and other lightweight office materials.
Made from quality rubber, these bands boast strong elasticity and stretch. They serve as an excellent environmentally-friendly alternative to twine and box strapping because they can be used over and over again. This high-count pack is perfect for offices with frequent, high-volume needs for a specific band size.
Alliance Rubber 26255 Advantage Rubber Bands Size #117A
This one-pound box from Alliance Rubber contains approximately 400 of their size #117A bands. These are longer, thinner bands (7″ x 1/16″), designed for wrapping around larger or bulkier items. Their high count per pound offers tremendous value for offices that regularly use this specific size.
Like others in the Advantage line, these bands feature a firm and sturdy stretch with 700% elongation. They are a handy tool for keeping larger crafts, tools, and game components organized. Their length and thin profile make them uniquely suited for tasks that require a long, flexible band without excessive thickness.
Alliance Rubber 26697R Assorted Size Rubber Bands
The Alliance Rubber 26697R assortment is designed to be a comprehensive solution for diverse office needs. By providing a mix of sizes in one package, it ensures that you are prepared for any task, from securing small objects to bundling larger stacks of paper. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple separate boxes.
Coming from a trusted manufacturer in the industry, you can expect consistent quality and performance across the different sizes in this assortment. This product is an intelligent choice for central office supply storage, ensuring all departments have access to the right rubber band for the job.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Rubber Bands for Office Supplies
When I first started stocking the office supply cabinet, I grabbed the first bag of rubber bands I saw. That was a mistake. A week later, we had a pile of snapped, brittle bands and a lot of frustration. I learned that not all rubber bands are created equal, and picking the right one makes a huge difference in daily office life. Here’s what I now look for when choosing the best rubber bands for office supplies.
First, consider the material. Most office bands are made from natural rubber, which offers great stretch and durability. However, you might also find synthetic options or recycled rubber bands. Natural rubber is generally your best bet for a good balance of elasticity and strength. I avoid bands that feel overly sticky or have a strong chemical smell, as these are often signs of lower-quality rubber that will degrade faster.
Size is arguably the most critical factor. Rubber bands are sized by their dimensions when laid flat: their length, width, and thickness. A tiny #8 band is perfect for holding a small stack of receipts or bundling pencils, while a large #64 or #117 band can secure a thick stack of documents or a rolled-up poster. I keep a multi-size assortment in my desk because you never know what task will pop up. For a general-purpose office, having a mix of sizes from #16 to #64 covers about 90% of needs.
The thickness of the band directly relates to its strength and how much it can stretch without breaking. A thicker, heavier-duty band is essential for bundling heavier items like large mailers or multiple file folders. Thinner bands are great for lightweight organization but will snap under too much pressure. I always check the product description for the pound test, which tells you how much force the band can withstand. For bundling books or dense manuals, you will want a band with a high pound test.
Finally, think about storage and longevity. Rubber bands can deteriorate if exposed to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or ozone. I store them in a cool, dark drawer in their original bag or a sealed container. Buying a large quantity might seem cost-effective, but if you do not use them quickly, they can dry out and become useless. It is often better to buy a smaller quantity of high-quality bands that will last. By paying attention to material, size, thickness, and storage, you can ensure you always have a reliable rubber band on hand for any office task.
FAQ
Why do my office rubber bands get sticky and break so easily?
This is a common problem I have dealt with, and it usually comes down to the quality of the rubber and the storage conditions. Lower-quality rubber contains more impurities and breaks down faster, becoming sticky and brittle. Exposure to heat, sunlight, and even the ozone in the air accelerates this process. To prevent this, I buy bands made from 100% natural rubber and store them in a cool, dark place, like a desk drawer away from windows. Keeping them in a sealed container or their original bag also helps protect them from the air.
What do the rubber band size numbers mean?
The numbering system can be confusing at first, but it is simply a standard way to describe a band’s dimensions. The number refers to its approximate length in inches when laid flat without stretching, and its width is usually a standard fraction of an inch for that size. For example, a common #32 band is about 3 inches long and 1/8 inch wide. A #64 band is around 7 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. I find it helpful to keep a size chart handy when ordering, so I know which of the best rubber bands for office supplies I am getting for the job.
Are there latex-free rubber bands for offices with allergies?
Yes, absolutely. While most standard bands are made from natural rubber latex, which can cause allergic reactions in some people, there are excellent alternatives. You can find bands made from synthetic materials like thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. These are typically latex-free and hypoallergenic. They are a must-have for any office that wants to be inclusive and ensure the safety and comfort of all employees.
Can I use any rubber band for bundling heavy documents?
I would not recommend it. Using a band that is too small or thin for a heavy bundle is a sure way to get a loud snap and potentially scattered papers. For heavy documents, manuals, or large books, you need a band that is not only large in circumference but also thick and wide. Look for bands labeled “heavy-duty” or “high-strength” and check their pound test rating. A band with a higher pound test can handle more weight without breaking. I always keep a separate supply of these stronger bands just for heavy bundling tasks.
What is the most versatile rubber band size for a general office?
If I had to pick just one size to keep in my desk, it would be the #32. It is a fantastic all-rounder. It is large enough to hold a decent stack of standard printer paper or a handful of pens, but not so large that it is awkward for smaller items like a stack of index cards or a rolled-up chart. For most daily office organizing and bundling needs, a #32 band gets the job done without any fuss. Of course, having a small assortment is even better.
Is it bad to leave rubber bands on items for long-term storage?
Over a very long period, yes, it can be problematic. The constant tension can cause the rubber to degrade and eventually break, potentially losing your bundle. More importantly, some rubber bands can leave a sticky residue or even bond to the paper or object they are holding, which can cause damage. For long-term storage, I prefer using cloth tape, archival-quality string, or simply placing items in a box or folder without a band. If you must use a band, check on it every few months and replace it if it shows any signs of perishing.