Notes

Guide to Buying Zip Ties

Cable ties and Zip ties are used in tens of thousands of ways for industrial, commercial, recreational, and residential purposes. These tools have numerous uses but are perhaps less celebrated. Their ease of use does not require specialization on the user's part, but different types of cable ties have specialized functions.

Though cable ties can be used for a variety of purposes with their highly specialized versions, they work the same way. The tail of a strap is pushed inside its head forming a loop. At the head-end of the tie, there is a ratcheting lever that locks the tail into one-way ramps on the strap itself. What variety of cable ties will be useful for you will depend entirely on the purpose for which you are buying the cable tie. So, here is a detailed guide to help you pick and purchase the right cable ties.

What are cable ties used for?
Cable ties are fasteners that hold items together securely. Cable ties were originally used for holding electrical cables together. But, they are also known by different names including tie wrap, zip tie, hose tie, etc. The most common use of cable ties is of securing bundles of cables but the usability of cable ties is not limited to this function only.

Wire ties are undoubtedly one of the best solutions for keeping wires together safely and neatly. But they are also used for security purposes. For example, packing boxes and container wagons are secured with cable ties to ensure that transit items are not damaged.

Here are the industries where cable ties are commonly used -

Aerospace Industry – Airplanes have complex electrical systems, so various cable ties are used to keep things tidy and under control.


Solar Industry –UV and chemical (eg chloride) resistant cable ties are easy to use in the solar panel industry.
Railway Industry –Just like the aerospace industry, the rail industry has to deal with a variety of cables that need to be maintained for efficiency. Cable ties are useful.
Marine Industry – The marine industry requires very durable solutions for cable management, and there is no better alternative than cable ties.
Telecom Industry – The telecommunications industry demands maximum network efficiency, and cable ties enable the construction of class wires and cables quickly and efficiently.
Construction and Mining Industry –Both the construction and mining industries require cable ties that require material that can withstand harsh conditions.
When were zip ties invented?
Electrical company Thomas and Betts invented zipties in 1958. They were released under the brand name "Ty-Rap". These Ty-Rapids were originally designed for aircraft wiring. Because the original work required rigidity, these coils had a metal tooth. Nylon and plastic models came in later stages.


Types of Cable tie
Cable ties come in a variety of shapes, depending on size, color and manufacturing material. Let's talk briefly about the different types of cable ties.


· Miniature Cable Ties – These are small and very durable cable ties, best suited for smaller and lighter cable bundles.
· Intermediate Cable Ties – These are durable and reliable zippers, ideal for medium duty.
Standard Tie Wraps – These are superior-quality cable ties that are reliable and highly durable.
· Heavy-Duty Cable Ties – These are applicable to heavy-duty purposes.
· Extra-Heavy Duty Cable Ties – These are meant for extra heavy-duty bundling of wires and cables.
· Specialty Cable Ties – These are meant to withstand harsh and extreme conditions of temperature and chemicals.
· Hook and Loop Cable Ties – These are soft and flexible cable ties that prevent the bundled wires from any damage.
· Mounted Head Cable Ties – These cable ties allow the user to attach the secured bundle to any other surface.
· Metal Detectable Cable Ties – These cable ties are used at places where contamination has to be avoided. This is the reason they are typically used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
· Releasable Cable Ties – These bundling solutions have the specialty of being reused. These are equipped with a releasable ratchet.
· Ladder Style Cable Ties – These are suitable for intermediate bundling and retail application.


Cable Tie Materials Explained


As mentioned earlier, cable ties are made of different materials such as nylon and stainless steel. Although there are generally two types of materials, there are different types of both based on the grade and quality of the materials.
Nylon, for example, refers to a large group of plastics and polymers. So, a nylon cable tie can be of different quality based on the exact grade of nylon material used. Mostly, cable ties are manufactured using nylon 6 and nylon 6/6 both of which exhibit an excellent balance of strength, ductility, and resistance to heat.
Similarly, cable ties are manufactured using stainless steel of different qualities and grades. They also differ as coated and non-coated stainless steel cable ties.

Bonus Tips
How to remove zip ties without cutting
Cable ties are usually designed for single use, but they can easily be reused if you know how to use a few tricks and tactics. The easiest way to reuse cable ties is to place a small flat object between the clamp and the clamp and then pull out the latch. If you do this carefully, you can easily detach the attached cable tie without damaging it. If successful, you can wear the tie again without any problems.