An asymmetrical chute system is for use in a strapping machine of the type for feeding a strapping material around a load, positioning, tensioning and sealing the strapping material around the load. The strapping machine has a feed head, a strap chute defining a strap path through which the strapping material is passed and a sealing head. The chute system includes a base, a stationary guard having an inclined wall extending, at least in part, over the strap path and a movable guard. The movable guard is movable relative to the base and the stationary guard into and out of engagement with the stationary guard inclined wall to open and close the strap path. When the movable guard is open, the inclined wall extends over the strap path so as to form a blind portion intersecting a line normal to the strap path.