Abstract: There is disclosed a strapping machine for applying a plastic strap around an object, tensioning the strap and heat-sealing together overlapping portions of the strap, including a retractable heating member movable between the overlapping strap portions and a pressure-applying means including a pressure block with a tiltable universal joint coupling for pressing the overlapping strap portions against the heating element with a first relatively light pressure to melt the facing surfaces thereof. The heating element is withdrawn while the pressure-applying means presses the strap thereagainst with the first pressure, and then the melted strap portions are pressed together with a strong second pressure to complete the seal. A cam with a yieldable section controls the first pressure and a compression spring controls the second pressure. While retracted, the heating element is raised to a higher temperature for burn-off of strap residues.