Cable Ties: What are they used for?
Are you tired of messy cables and wires getting in the way? Cable ties, also known as zip ties, are cost-efficient and easy-to-use cable management tools for securing, tying off, and bundling cables. They are great organisation tools for different environments, depending on the material used. This is because they are available various materials such as plastic, metal, or a combination of metal-coated plastic. each material offering different capabilities, making cable ties are versatile tool that is suitable for different environments.
In this blog, we will focus on two most common cable ties: plastic (PVC) and metal cable ties, to help you choose the best cable management tool for your specific application needs without breaking the bank.
Plastic (PVC) Cable Ties
Plastic cable ties are ideal for most general-purpose cable management applications such as securing and organising cables. This is because the standard plastic cable tie is made from nylon 6/6 which is highly flexible, and has high tensile strength, tension resistance, and resistance to external agents, ultraviolet, and weathering.
On the other hand, although they are resistant to temperatures up to 85°C, they are susceptible to a reduction in physical properties (I.e., wear and tear) when exposed to extreme or high temperatures. However, there are Uv and heat stabilised nylon cable ties that are specifically designed to endure working temperatures up to 120°C.
What are plastic cable ties (nylon) used for?
- They are commonly used in DIY work, gardening, signage, and a multitude of domestic and commercial cable management.
- They are used to protect and secure bundles of cable and wires.
- Plastic cable ties help keep the house and commercial areas organised.
We offer plastic (nylon 6/6) cable ties in a range of colours, and all as a pack of 100:
The SWA CT100-2.5B 100mm x 2.5mm Black Nylon 6/6 Cable Tie (black)
It is a low-cost, cable management solution for bundling cables, organising groups of cables and wires, as well as securing loose items. It is also designed to protect and prevent your cables and wires from damage. In addition, it is also ideal for cable binding and harnessing thanks to its incredible tensile strength, renewable energy, and solar installation due to its high UV resistance, and outdoor use as they are extremely durable and weather resistant. The black cable ties are the only plastic cable ties suitable for outdoor use as they are UV resistant.
SWA CT100-2.5B 100mm x 2.5mm Black Nylon 6/6 Cable Tie
The pack of 100 black cable ties is single-use and self-locking and can be trimmed as required for neatness. You can also install it by hand or with a tensioning tool. To use, simply slip a tie-wrap around the bundle of cables/wires, thread through the head, then tighten and cut off to your requirements.
Black UL-approved nylon 6/6 cable ties are halogen-free for low smoke/fume applications, have smooth round edges, and are RoHS compliant and flame resistant to UL94V-2 rating (self-extinguishing within 30 seconds).
The SWA CT100-2.5B is quick and easy to install thanks to the self-locking construction and the low insertion force needed for use. Overall, it is commonly used in electrical cable management such as cable harnessing, typing cables, or binding.
The SWA CT160-2.5N 160mm x 2.5mm Natural Nylon 6/6 Cable Tie (neutral)
These are single-use, 100-pack neutral cable ties designed for securing, organising, and protecting bundles of cables and wires.
SWA CT160-2.5N 160mm x 2.5mm Natural Nylon 6/6 Cable Tie
As they have a self-locking construction, smooth round edges, and low insertion force, they are quick and easy to install. They also have internal serrations that ensure a positive hold onto cable and pipe bundles. For neatness, you can trim single-use cable ties as you desire.
In addition, it is extremely strong and weather resistant which makes it suitable for use in exterior applications.
The SWA CT300-4.8RED 300mm x 4.8mm Red Nylon 6/6 Cable Tie (red)
It is a pack of 100, one-piece construction cable ties moulded in red nylon. These red nylon cable ties offer great tensile strength for a wide variety of applications across the building trade, from temporary to permanent fix solutions. Applications include cable binding and harnessing, securing and protecting bundles of cables and wires, and keeping your cables organised.
SWA CT300-4.8RED 300mm x 4.8mm Red Nylon 6/6 Cable Tie
The high tensile strength is guaranteed by the head design while allowing a very low insertion force. They also feature internal serrations that allow for a positive hold onto bundles of cables and pipe.
These single-use cable ties have a -40°C to +85°C general operating temperature, and smooth round edges, and can be trimmed as needed for neatness. In addition, coloured cable ties such as the red nylon cable tie, are ideal for identification, marking, labelling, and cable matching where required such as when the cable tie should be visible against its surroundings.
Overall, the SWA CT300-4.8RED red nylon cable ties are simple, quick, and easy to use either by hand or with a tensioning tool.
How to ensure the optimum lifespan and performance of your plastic zip ties:
- Do not store or use plastic cable ties in direct sunlight (except for UV property ties such as black cable ties).
- Always store the cable ties in a sealed polythene bag until they are being used and they should be used shortly after opening the package. Once they are opened close and seal them whenever possible such as when they are not in use.
- Do not store the cable ties next to equipment such as machinery, radiators, or fan heaters as most plastic (nylon) cable ties will become brittle under extreme temperatures and very low humidity.
- You can undo cable ties once secured, however, it is advised to minimise doing this as the plastic teeth can wear down if undone and re-tied often, especially with single-use cable ties. Hence, manipulating the locking mechanism can cause the cable tie to develop a looser grip over time.
Metal Cable Ties (Stainless-steel)
Metal (stainless-steel) cable ties are highly recommended for outdoor use and are suitable for domestic, commercial, and more commonly, industrial applications. This is due to the stainless-steel construction offering high fire resistance, unparalleled durability, high corrosion resistance, and resistance to chemicals and weather. Thanks to these incredible capabilities, they are suitable for heavy-duty applications and ideal for 18th-edition fixing compliance.
They also feature a self-locking ball head design that ensures a quick and easy installation by simply locking into place at any length along the cable tie. The enclosed ball head is designed to prevent dirt or grit ingress from interfering with the locking mechanism. In addition, the locking mechanism is non-releasable as the roller ball construction tightens and secures the cable tie as it is tensioned.
What are stainless steel cable ties used for?
- They are suitable for use in production line facilities, aircraft, power plants, mines, commercial kitchens, tunnels, and oil and gas industries.
- They are ideal for securing poles, pipes, and hoses.
- Stainless steel cable ties can support heavier loads and are suitable for applications requiring high strengths.
We offer metal (stainless-steel) cable ties as a pack of 100:
The Termtech TTSS200 200mm x 4.6mm Ball Lock Cable Tie
It is a pack of 100, 200mm metal ball lock cable ties manufactured from high-quality marine grade 304 stainless steel that complies with BS 7671 standards for safe wiring systems installation.
Termtech TTSS200 200mm x 4.6mm Ball Lock Cable Tie, Stainless Steel
The self-locking ball is a quick and easy fixing style that locks into place at any length along the cable tie and features an enclosed head that ensures no dirt or grit affects the locking system.
In addition, the stainless-steel cable ties are flame retardant, durable, and corrosion resistant as they have an active working temperature between -80°C to 540°C. This makes them ideal for use in applications that require higher tensile strength, higher temperature range, and enhanced resistance to harsh weather, ageing, fire, or chemicals.
The Termtech TTSS360-4.6 360×4.6mm Ball Lock Cable Ties
It is a 300mm version of the Termtech, marine grade 304 stainless-steel cable ties that come as a pack of 100.
Termtech TTSS360-4.6 360×4.6mm Ball Lock Cable Ties, Stainless Steel
They are non-magnetic and can support much heavier loads than plastic (nylon) cable ties.
They are suitable for use in a wide variety of industrial applications in very hot/aggressive or hazardous environments. Applications include production line facilities, aircraft, power plants, mines, commercial kitchens, marine and offshore industries, aerospace industries, tunnels, and oil and gas platforms thanks to their flame retardant, durable, high tensile strength, and corrosion-resistant capabilities.
How to ensure the optimum lifespan and performance of your metal cable ties:
- Metal cable ties are specialty cable ties therefore, proper installation and spacing of metal cable ties are important to ensure maximum strength and durability.
- Do not use stainless-steel cable ties in situations where they may encounter galvanised steel as the two will react with each other.
- Stainless steel cable ties are single-use cable management solutions and are therefore not designed to be released and reused.
Whilst the metal and plastic PVC cable ties are single-use and for optimum performance, are not encouraged to be re-tied or reused, we offer a cable tie that can be reused without worrying about it wearing down if undone and re-tied too often.
This is the HellermannTyton RTT750HR.NX900 Quick Release Reuseable Cable Ties.
It is not only reuseable, but releasable with a quick-release feature in the head that allows for easy access to wire bundles where changes and temporary bundling are required. As it is designed as reuseable, the head design has a high tensile strength to ensure durability and optimum performance even after repeated use. The head also allows for excess straps to be tucked away after installation for a neat and professional finish. In addition, the specially designed head and patented trigger allow for repeated use in temporary bundling applications.
Thanks to the versatility of the HellermannTyton RTT750HR.NX900 cable ties, it is suitable for a wide range of permanent and temporary applications such as heating and ventilation, construction, electro installations, exhibitions, and more.
Other features include:
- Bears loads of up to 888 N (approx. 90 kg).
- 750 mm long for use in a wide variety of applications.
- Can be used for parallel bundling.
- Easy to handle when wearing work gloves.
Key difference between plastic vs. metal cable ties:
When it comes to cable management, cable ties (also known as zip ties) are a popular and cost-effective solution.
Before picking up your next set of cable ties, remember that the key difference between a metal and plastic cable tie is dependent on the environment you intend to use them. To assist you, here’s a quick summary, highlighting the key features and applications of each type of cable tie.
- Plastic cable ties are commonly used in domestic and commercial applications, whilst metal cable ties are used in both as well as industrial applications and indoor, outdoor, and underground applications.
- Nylon 6/6 plastic cable ties are often used in DIY, gardening, and signage whilst metal cable ties are widely used across aircraft, production line facilities, mines, commercial kitchens, power plants, tunnels, and oil and gas platforms.
- Metal cable ties can support heavier loads, have a much higher melting point, and are much stronger than plastic (nylon) cable ties.
- Plastic cable ties are much more flexible and so are suitable for most general-purpose applications.
- Use metal stainless steel cable ties in extreme weather and with things weighing over 100 pounds.