Cable ties are great for much more than keeping your computer wires neat and tangle-free. In fact, some cable ties are designed to endure extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, heavy loads, and even radiation. Let’s learn more about the different materials cable ties are made from and which one is best for your application.
What Are Cable Ties?
A cable tie is usually a long, thin piece of ribbed plastic that has a small square with a single tooth and a narrow slit at one end that allows the tail to pass through. Once the tail is inserted into the slit, it becomes directionally locked by the tooth, allowing the tail to feed further in but preventing it from being pulled back out. This type of mechanism makes it possible to securely wrap cables together and lock them into place.
Types of Cable Ties
While cable ties were originally designed to keep cables together, they have many more applications today and are made using a variety of materials.
Nylon Cable Ties
Nylon cable ties rarely use the same mechanism that regular cable ties do. They still have a tail and a slit to pass the tail through, but they typically rely on some type of hook-and-loop grip instead of a locking jaw. These ties are still useful for tying cables and can be more convenient since they can be easily detached and reattached. Hook-and-loop cable ties can perform in temperatures below 0°F, but they aren’t as strong as other cable ties. They are often used to wrap cables for electronics or audio equipment.
Stainless Steel Cable Ties
Stainless steel cable ties are considered heavy-duty for their corrosion-, UV-, and chemical-resistant properties. They’re able to tolerate temperatures of anywhere between 70°F and 1,000°F and have a tensile strength of 50 to 250 lbs., depending on the type and size you use. Because of these qualities, these metal cable ties are good for indoor or outdoor use and in areas where you are dealing with high temperatures or certain chemicals.
Heavy-Duty Cable Ties
Heavy-duty cable ties can be used in a myriad of applications including strapping and hanging heavier cables. These cable ties are often made from stainless steel (as previously discussed) or thick nylon. Heavy-duty cable ties are great for use outdoors where conditions can be unpredictable. For example, heavy-duty UV black nylon cable ties are suitable in environments with scorching summer temperatures.
Tefzel® Cable Ties
Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), commonly referred to under the brand name Tefzel®, is a material used in products that are chemical-resistant. Tefzel® cable ties come in a variety of different tensile strengths and, most uniquely, can be radiation resistant. Different variations of these ties have different levels of radiation resistance, making them useful in situations where radiation and other chemicals may be present.
Cable Tie Accessories
There are all kinds of cable tie accessories, tools, and cutters that can make working with cable ties even easier. We’ll explore a few of them in this section.
Cable Tie Hand Tools
Whether you’re an electrician, IT pro, contractor, or another professional, sometimes you need to employ a large number of cable ties to complete the job. That’s when cable-tie hand tools, like cable tie guns, come in handy. Cable tie guns dispense cable ties quickly while allowing you to customize the length of the cable tie you need. Additional hand tools and accessories include nylon tie tensioning tools, tightening tools, cable organizers, and more.
Wire Cutters
An essential in every toolbox, wire cutters are great for removing non-metal cable ties. If your wire cutters are struggling to cut through metal cable ties, a pair of snips will do the job.
Now, Go Bundle Some Cables.
Using cable ties can save you time and help keep your projects organized. At Zoro, we offer all types of cable ties for everyday to industrial uses in a variety of lengths and materials. Enjoy shopping our extensive selection from the most trusted brands at everyday low prices.
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The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.