We define new differential graded algebras A(n,k,S) in the framework of Lipshitz-Ozsvath-Thurstons and Zarevs strands algebras from bordered Floer homology. The algebras A(n,k,S) are meant to be strands models for Ozsvath-Szabos algebras B(n,k,S); indeed, we exhibit a quasi-isomorphism from B(n,k,S) to A(n,k,S). We also show how Ozsvath-Szabos gradings on B(n,k,S) arise naturally from the general framework of group-valued gradings on strands algebras.