The physical characteristics of barbed-steel tape (fig. 8-7) are as follows:

Width: 3/4 inch

Thickness: 0.022 inch "

Weight: 4,438 pounds/164 feet

Width of barb: 7/16 inch

Interval between barbs: 1/2 inch

Breaking load: 500 pounds

Two significant characteristics listed above that are important to field users are the weight and the breaking load. A comparison of pertinent characteristics of barbed tape and barbed wire is shown below.

Figure 8-7.-Barbed-steel tape.

Handling

In handling barbed tape, use heavy barbed-tape gauntlets instead of the standard gauntlets (fig. 8-8). Small metal clips on the palm and fingers prevent the

Figure 8-8.-Barbed-tape equipment.

barbs of the tape from cutting the leather. Barbed tape is lightweight and compact, and it is much easier to handle, store, and transport than barbed wire.

Issue

The barbed tape is issued in a 164-foot reel that weighs about a pound. There are six reels to a cardboard carrying case.