Cable Tie : Cable Tie buying Guide

If you want to find a new cable tie supplier ( nylon cable tie or stainless steel cable tie) to instead your old supplier because of the delivery delay, unstable quality?

If you want to find a professional cable tie supplier for nylon cable tie or stainless steel cable ties, to provide you with more information?

here you’re in the right place. We DIFVAN electric have in cable tie manufacture field for 18 years.We have professional experiences for the cable tie.

During the 18 years, we have enough professional workers and large production capability to grantee our nylon cable ties and stainless steel cable ties are perfect ones. As a professional cable tie manufacture, here we have made a conclusion for all our cable ties.

What you need to know before making your next cable ties purchase, my article will guide you in teh following way:

What is cable tie?

Cable ties are types of fasteners, particularly used for binding several electronic wires or cables together. Functioning like straps, cable ties come in both small and big sizes.

Small size cable ties are meant for holding small loads while the big sized ones (fabricated with strong tensile strengths) are designed holding together large items. Cable ties are versatile, easy to use, economical, making them a handy solution for keeping wires and cords contained. They are constructed for outdoor and indoor use and vary in composition.

Nylon (nylon 66) is the predominant plastic used in manufacturing cable ties, but there are other few variants we will get to see later in this post. Specific application fields of cable ties include telecommunication, transportation, electronics, packaging, automotive, aerospace, retail, and even HVAC like in the case of plenum cable ties.

However, various manufacturers design custom cable ties with different dimensions and colors, according to application requirements.

Types of cable ties

There are different types of cable ties currently available in the market. Some of them have the ability to hold weighty loads, while others are able to deal with intense temperatures.

Here is a brief depiction of all of them:

1. Nylon cable ties

Also known as zip ties, nylon cable ties are the most common type and fitting for most applications. Being available in a multitude of strengths, colors, and lengths make these cable ties versatile.

As their name suggests, they are made from hard-wearing nylon and can be either plenum or non-plenum rated. They are thin and short, a feature that is handy when it comes to small spaces and light wire management.

2. Stainless steel cable ties 

Another type of cable ties is stainless steel tie wraps.They are high mostly used in places where radiation, corrosion, vibration, and temperatures extremes are a concern. These types of cable ties can hold out temperature ranging from -100 to +1000 °F. More so, they have a tensile strength of about 100 lbs.

In regards to their design, stainless steel zip ties have a distinctive ball locking mechanism which allows the tie to be easily and quickly installed, but not undone. In fact, they install much faster compared to traditional metal strapping systems.

3. Hook and loop cable ties

Also known as Velcro cable ties, hook and loop cable tie are made of a soft yet strong, self-attaching hook and loop material.They are reusable, releasable and adjustable to successfully support frequent moves and changes of cables.

In essence, these reusable cable ties are known to guarantee scalable, reliable, and aesthetic requirements of data centers.Mostly sold in rolls, hook and loop cable ties can be cut down easily to any preferred length.

Their wide color choice allows for easy and quick color coding of separate cable bundles.Additionally, they come in different shapes such as the voltage type Velcro cable tie, the T type Velcro cable tie, and the buckle Velcro cable tie.

Where cable ties are used

Cable ties are the most economical and basic tool for every kind of cable management.Due to their versatility, they are not only used in professional cabling and networking, but also in almost every other application where basic tying is required.

In other words, cable ties are very handy in all areas where holding or supporting of wires and other related objects are required.

Here are a few notable instances where cable ties are used:

1. Use cable ties to manage computer systems and cables

Have you ever looked at your computer and wonder how it all got so messy and cluttered? Where would all these wires and cables come from? Organizing them is advantageous in many ways.

When cables and wires are stabilized, they are less likely to cause interference or get into contact with sensitive areas. For instance, the irritating spin of your computer fan is as a result of something blocking or touching it, which is most likely loose wires or cables. Additionally, cluttered cables can lead to increased heat around components.

Reusable, low tensile cable ties can help you organize your computer wires and cables. Basically, they make wires easier to locate, guaranteeing a smoother process for future repairs, maintenance, or upgrades.

Note: reusable cable ties are the best in such situations are they can be easily loosened and reused by pushing a tiny tab.

2. Solar and electric industry

Installing a solar system requires a delicate touch. If implemented wrongly, you will be looking at an unreliable system prone to hitches, or worse, one likely to create hazardous situations. Therefore, when doing a solar power installation, you must ensure the tools you being used won’t interfere with your wiring system. That’s where cable ties come in.

Being UV resistant, cable ties can endure varying ranges of heat and solar radiation, making them ideal for tying up cables under solar panels.

What’s more, when it comes to the electrical industry, cables ties are notably used to:

• Bundle and secure wiring in electrical switchboards and control panels
• Secure electrical cables to racks and cable trays in reticulation systems
• Secure electrical conduit ducting and piping.

3. Cargo and shipping industry

If you transport perishables or other sensitive products, secure your cargo with metal detectable cable ties. These types of wire ties come in an array of sizes and tensile strengths. They have tiny metal fragments which make them detectable even to standard scanners.

Easy detection prevents authorities from having to repeatedly open your loads, minimizing the possibility of needless exposure and delayed delivery.

Even if there is no need for your load to be scanned, you can opt for equally effective cable ties — heavy duty, weather resistant, low profile, self-locking, etc. — to secure cargo on flatbeds or in long-haul trucks, ensuring even the heaviest load stay in place during transit.

If you’re shipping or moving chemicals, consider polypropylene cable ties. Built from a thermoplastic polymer, polypropylene ties are ideal if salt, hydrochloric acid, or other base substances are a concern.

On the other hand, heat-stabilized nylon cable ties are a perfect option when your shipment is not in a temperature- controlled surroundings. These cable ties have exceptionally engineered elements that won’t stop working due to high temperatures.

Besides having a secure loop, security cable ties can only be used once, and are designed in a way that they can easily reveal unwanted tampering. This makes them ideal for locking loads and consignments that are not supposed to be opened before reaching their final destination.

4. Medical industry

The medical industry is certainly making innovative use of zip ties. In 2006, a group of learners at John Hopkins University used zip ties to shockingly close up a chest after the sternum was cut through.

Since then the students at the institution developed a potentially less intrusive and safer option with the ties clasping through the ribs. In another fascinating medical scenario, nylon cable ties were employed to mend rib fractures in neonatal foals.

Veterinarians in Canada used nylon cable ties for internal fixation of dislocated rib fractures in several equine neonates. So, as you can see, the use of cable ties isn’t new to the medical fraternity.

Actually, the medical professionals refer to zip ties as “locking polymer clasps”.

5. Automotive industry

In the automotive sector, cable ties are not only handy for harnessing, fastening and clamping of parts, but also for marking and sorting out specific parts during automotive repair and maintenance.

Available in different colors, dimensions, and designs to suit a range of automotive repair requirements, cable ties provide car owners and mechanics with practical fastening solutions.

6. Manufacturing industry

A majority of manufacturing tasks are entrusted to the standard cable ties. However, manufacturing processes that involve high temperatures and use of harsh chemicals will call for heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant stainless steel cable ties.

Tagged or color-coded cable ties make locating and packing of the manufactured products easier. Storing and bundling cables reduces the risk of accidents during day to day manufacturing operations.

7. Using plenum cable ties in HVAC spaces

Plenum spaces are usually defined by their unique purpose. Built purposely to route air via structured spaces, plenum cable ties are ideal for HVAC (heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning) systems.

They are made from low-smoke materials and unique plastic coatings; as a result, making them smoke-resistant and flame retardant.

8. Use of cable ties in military

Mil-spec cable ties are normally used to clamp cables in military communication systems or in the case of installing secure connections. By using military grade cable ties, communication experts can be certain their systems or equipment will always be operational, regardless of the surroundings.

Depending on the grade, these wire ties remain in good condition even in extreme cold or hot temperatures. Additionally, they can be subjected to severe smoke/flame or submerged under dirty water and still remain in superb condition.

Besides having varying lengths, sizes, and colors, military strength wire ties contain unique part numbers that denote tensile strength, diameter, width, and thickness.

9. Securing luggage: Luggage and Cable Ties and Locks

If you are locking your luggage, TSA (Transportation Security Administration) requires you to use a lock they can effortlessly open, should they desire to do so. As opposed to using a lock, another simple and inexpensive way to keep your luggage protected, is by using cable ties.

Go for the bright or colored cable ties. Actually, cable ties are more secure compared to the typical TSA locks. What’s more, besides their good looks, they are also approved by the TSA.

Other creative uses of cable ties:

1. Child-proofing – keep your young ones out of cupboards where you store breakables and other precious items. The releasable cable ties are really perfect for this job
2. Training your plants – Ensure your tomatoes or roses don’t fall over by supporting them with cable ties.
3. Making ‘Snow Tyres’ for a bike – Use cable ties around your bike wheels or tires to create additional grip when you have to ride your bike in the ice or snow.
4. Sink unclogger – Use a flexible and long cable tie to poke down the sink’s plug hole to unclog it without having to rely on dangerous chemicals.
5. Identifying keys – Attach colored zip ties to your key rings. With that, you can easily identify the right bunch

Features of cable ties

Nylon zip ties Features

Nylon cable ties possess an exceptional balance of properties which include;

• High-temperature resistance
• UV resistant
• Low coefficient of friction
• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Durable and not apt to age
• Lightweight
• High level of toughness

Stainless Steel Ties Features:

Stainless steel ties also possess a lot of qualities:

• Tough, durable and non-flammable
• Resistant to severe weather
• Super lightweight
• Can withstand weathering, vibration, radiation and temperatures extremes
• Higher tensile strength than nylon ties
• High-Grade Stainless Steel
• Will not corrode
• Ideal for indoor, outdoor, and underground use

Hook and loop cable ties or Velcro cable ties Features:

Some of the key features of Hook and loop cable ties include:

• Adjustable, releasable and re-usable for unlimited uses
• Made from a flexible and soft material making them gentle on cables
• Environmentally friendly
• Weatherproof
• Easy to use
• Wide color choice for quick color coding
• Easy to store
• Easy to remove – no snips or cable tie removal tool required to remove them

How cable ties work – Using a cable tie?

Using cable ties is very easy even for first-timers. However, they are things you must take into consideration before using one:

First, you have to establish the diameter of the cable you want to be tied or secured.

Equally, you have to know the mass of loading to which the zip ties will be subjected to.

Also, make sure you are aware of the prevailing conditions (acidic, indoors, outdoors etc.) the wire ties will be used.

For outdoors, consider using black zip ties. They contain UV and carbon black stabilizers which shield them from the destructive UV rays. For acidic conditions, consider stainless steel or polypropylene cable ties. Polypropylene ties are purposely engineered to endure harsh acidic conditions.

Stainless steel ties, on the other hand, have a non-releasable locking system which guarantees adjustment along the length of the tie. Notably, these wire ties can be utilized in the most perilous of conditions or where extra strength and security is required.

5 quick steps of using nylon cable ties

1. Position the zip tie around the cable bundle.
2. Slot in the bent tail into the zip tie head.
3. Using your hand, pull the zip tie until it’s about to reach its preferred tightness around the cable bundle.
4. Use a zip tie tensioning tool to pull the remaining part to the preferred tension. Usually, the tension can be predetermined or pre-set on the tool.
5. Using a tensioning tool, cut the zip tie near the head to leave an even, smooth finish. Some people may opt to use a side cutter or knife, but this could result in rough edges, which may be hazardous in terms of causing injuries.

Using a stainless steel zip tie

Using a stainless steel cable tie is fairly different than using a nylon zip tie. In the case of the nylon tie, you pull the tie to a tight close; but in stainless steel tie, you just feed the tie via a self-locking mechanism.

The good thing about this locking mechanism is that it adds strength to the tie and makes sure that it doesn’t corrode or wear down when the temperatures get extremely cold or hot.

Difvan stainless steel tie gun is a perfect tool for SS cable tie fastening.

Using hook and loop cable ties

Hook and loop, releasable, or re-usable cables differ from the regular zip ties. They are designed to be reused again and again without breaking. So how do they work?

Most re-usable cable ties use a trigger release mechanism. This trigger release system holds everything together securely but only loosens with a simple human touch. A finger-catch feature at the locking end is designed in a manner that it can be unhooked fast so that it does not meddle with fast-paced jobs.

Another form of hook and loop ties uses a self-adhesive for easy and light-weight use.

The biggest plus for the releasable cable ties is their suppleness and ability to maintain shape even after being subjected to many uses.

Different sizes of cable ties

Cable ties come in different sizes as explained below:

1. Miniature tie wraps: These are small, ultra-thin but highly durable cable ties and are perfectly suited for light duty wire and cable bundling applications. Miniature zip ties offer a loop tensile strength of 8.1kg (18lbs).
2. Intermediate Cable Zip Ties: Intermediate cable ties are perfect for use in an array of wire and cable bundling applications requiring a maximum tensile strength of 40 lb. In other words, these cable ties are perfect for bundling tasks of medium-duty applications.
3. Standard cable ties: Standard zip ties are one of the most popular cable ties currently in the market. They offer a maximum tensile strength of 50 lb.
4. Heavy-Duty Cable Ties: These cable ties are perfect for heavier bundling applications requiring up to 175 lb tensile strength.
5. Extra Heavy-Duty Cable Ties: When standard ties just won’t serve the purpose, extra heavy duty zip ties can be the solution. With a 250 lbs tensile strength, these cable ties are perfect for holding the heaviest wires and cables bundles.

Cable tie tools

Installing cable ties may look like a straightforward task, but doing the job manually can exert an excessive amount of stress on the wires you are handling, and add some unwarranted injuries to you as well. There is a wide selection of cable tie installation tools which can help you make your cable-handling project speedy, efficient and unproblematic.

By employing an installation tool, you can avoid the over-tightening of zip ties, an incidence that may not sound very risky, but can break your cables’ jackets and result to improper signal transmission in fiber optic and category 6 cables.

Cable tying aids such as cut-off and tensioning tools can also directly benefit the installer: they not only make sure that the task will be concluded fast but also protect hands against wounds and repetitive-motion injury.

Cable tie gun; the most popular cable tie tool

Using a cable tie gun on your next installation project will help make the end-result appear more professional and appealing than it would when done by hand. Employing this tool will allow you to put the right amount of tension on your cable.

These guns feature a tension adjustment knob that makes it simple for you to adjust your gun to the size of the cable tie that you are using. They are very easy to use.

You just need to load the gun with your preferred cable tie and then press the handle to fasten the cable tie. Cable tie guns also have a feature which can cut off the tie automatically. They cut the cable ties close to the clasp ensuring a smooth edge as opposed to a sharp one.

Factors to consider when selecting zip ties?

Since there are so countless brands of zip ties on the market, many people may feel overwhelmed when making a purchase decision. Here are some key factors to put into consideration when buying the ideal zip ties for your applications.

Material

Zip ties are built from different materials, each with its own unique and specific properties. The most popular material used in cable ties is plastic/nylon and stainless steel. Each material has its own pros and cons. For instance, nylon ties are ideal in low-temperature environments.

On the other hand, stainless steel ties work best in harsher environments which require additional durability in the face of chemicals, heat and other corrosive elements.

Design

Cable ties also come in a variety of constructs. Some designs or constructs are more suitable for certain applications when compared to others. For instance, because of their design, nylon tie wraps are ideal for applications such as desktop and video cable management, strain relief and wire management in solar applications, managing and securing wire harnesses, or even child locks on your cabinets.

There are also zip ties, fitted with metal barbs which support the locking mechanism. These kinds of ties can be used in areas which require vast adjustment positions given that it does not use griping teeth.

On the other hand, Contour cable ties, fitted with teeth on the exterior of the tie, are less abrasive to wire insulation even in environments experiencing high amounts of vibration; and therefore, a good choice for the aerospace industry.

Length

Cable ties do not measure the same. Think of a wire bundle which has a diameter of 5”, but you only have a cable tie measuring 2” in diameter. You need to match the cable length with the wire bundle diameter.

Never buy a cable tie that is too short for your needs. If they are a little lengthy, you can always slash the excess length; however, from an economic point of view, buying the right cable tie length will offer the best value.

Environment

Will the zip ties you are purchasing be installed outdoors? Will the cable ties be exposed to direct sunlight? Are you planning to use your zip ties in a risky environment like a chemical factory? All of these factors should be considered before buying the cable tie.

Strength

The strength of cable ties matters a lot. Cable tie strength is measured by obtaining its tensile strength. Basically, tensile strength is measured in pounds or Newton. This strength can be described as the breaking point of a zip tie. A strong cable tie has a higher tensile strength.

Who made cable ties ?

Cable ties were first invented in 1958, by Thomas & Betts (an electrical company); under the brand name Ty-Rap. Originally they were meant for airplane wire harnesses. The initial design used a metal tooth; however, manufacturers later opted for the plastic/nylon design.

Many other cable tie designs and manufacturers have emerged since then. With that said; a patent for the Ty-Rap cable tie was submitted on June 24, 1958.

where can I find good suppliers for cable tie?

Good suppliers for cable ties

There are many places where one can purchase cable ties. Your local hardware shop could be one of the most convenient places where you can get your preferred choice of zip ties.

In addition, consider buying from online stores as they offer variety and sell their products at affordable prices. Or you can mail me: helen@difvan.com

Other Considerations

To ensure that cable ties work perfectly, it is important to store them appropriately. Manufacturers, for instance, recommend storing nylon tie wraps in a cool and dry place to prevent the material from oxidizing or disintegrating.

Since thin versions of nylon are quite sensitive to bending, it’s advisable to be careful when exerting pressure to the bands to avoid any breakdowns. Most notably, consult with manufacturers and suppliers to confirm whether your preferred choice of zip ties is RoHS and CE compliant.

After you read my article for cable ties, I hope all of you have a better understanding of cable ties, hope it will be helpful for you to choose cable ties. If you want to purchase nylon cable ties, stainless steel cable tie,

If you want to know more about cable ties, If you want to have a warehouse for your cable ties. pls mail me at helen@difvan.com

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