Cable tie

06 Aug.,2024

 

Cable tie

Ratcheting fastener for electrical cable

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"Cable ties" redirects here. Not to be confused with Cable Ties (band)

Assortment of cable ties

A cable tie (also known as a hose tie, tie wrap, wire tie, zap-straps, or zip tie) is a type of fastener for holding items together, primarily electrical cables and wires. Because of their low cost, ease of use, and binding strength, cable ties are ubiquitous, finding use in a wide range of other applications. Cable ties were first manufactured by Thomas & Betts under the brand name Ty-Rap.

The common cable tie, normally made of nylon, has a flexible tape section with teeth that engage with a pawl in the head to form a ratchet so that as the free end of the tape section is pulled the cable tie tightens and does not come undone. When the mouthpiece is inserted through the grooves and pulled tight, it creates a secure, adjustable loop, which locks in place like a knot. Some ties include a tab that can be depressed to release the ratchet so that the tie can be loosened or removed, and possibly reused. Stainless steel versions, some coated with a rugged plastic, cater for exterior applications and hazardous environments.[1]

Design and use

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The ratchet mechanism on the head of a cable tie Cable ties used to attach shade cloth to scaffolding at a construction site in Singapore

The most common cable tie consists of a flexible nylon tape with an integrated linear ratchet gear rack, and on one end a pawl within a small open case. Once the pointed tip of the cable tie has been pulled through the case and past the ratchet, it is prevented from being pulled back unless a large amount of force is applied; the resulting loop may only be pulled tighter. This allows several cables to be bound together into a cable bundle and/or to form a cable tree.

A cable tie tensioning device or tool may be used to apply a cable tie with a specific degree of tension. The tool may cut off the extra tail flush with the head in order to avoid a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury. Light-duty tools are operated by squeezing the handle with the fingers, while heavy-duty versions can be powered by compressed air or a solenoid, to prevent repetitive strain injury.

In order to increase resistance to ultraviolet light in outdoor applications, nylon containing a minimum of 2% carbon black is used to protect the polymer chains and extend the cable tie's service life.[citation needed] Blue cable ties are supplied to the food industry and contain a metal additive so they can be detected by industrial metal detectors.[2] Cable ties made of ETFE (Tefzel) are used in radiation-rich environments. Red cable ties made of ECTFE (Halar) are used for plenum cabling.

Stainless steel cable ties are also available for flameproof applications&#;coated stainless ties are available to prevent galvanic attack from dissimilar metals (e.g. zinc-coated cable tray).[1]

Plastic handcuffs are based on the cable tie design and are used by law enforcement to restrain prisoners.[3] Cable ties are also sometimes used to prevent hubcaps (also known as wheel trims) from falling off a moving vehicle, and some are sold specifically for this purpose.[4] The use of cable ties in medicolegal cases is infrequent, being involved in situations of neck compression or restraint.[5]

History

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Cable ties were invented by Thomas & Betts, an electrical company, in under the brand name Ty-Rap. Initially they were designed for airplane wire harnesses. The original design used a metal tooth, and these can still be obtained. Manufacturers later changed to the nylon/plastic design.[6][self-published source]

Over the years the design has been extended and developed into numerous spin-off products. One example was a self-locking loop developed as an alternative to purse-string suture in colon anastomosis.[7]

Ty-Rap cable tie inventor, Maurus C. Logan, worked for Thomas & Betts and finished his career with the company as Vice President of Research and Development. During his tenure at Thomas & Betts, he contributed to the development and marketing of many successful Thomas & Betts products. Logan died on 12 November , at the age of 86.[8]

The idea of the cable tie came to Logan while touring a Boeing aircraft manufacturing facility in . Aircraft wiring was a cumbersome and detailed undertaking, involving thousands of feet of wire organized on sheets of 50-foot-long plywood and held in place with knotted, wax-coated, braided nylon cord. Each knot had to be pulled tight by wrapping the cord around one's finger which sometimes cut the operator's fingers until they developed thick calluses. Logan was convinced there had to be an easier, more forgiving, way to accomplish this critical task.

For the next couple of years, Logan experimented with various tools and materials. On June 24, , a patent for the Ty-Rap cable tie was submitted.[9]

Reuse

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Cable ties are generally designed as single-use devices, however they can be reopened with little or no damage by inserting a small flat object between the ratchet and the pawl, and pulling the pawl out. Some models have a mechanism to release the pawl and allow re-use.

Speciality types

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A cable tie with an in-built security tag
Beaded
Beaded design allows them to be releasable and reusable
Releasable
Reusable cable ties with a releasable ratchet
Ladder style
For intermediate bundling and retail applications
Identification
Built-in flags for written or printed identification
Parallel entry
Tamper-proof, low profile heads
Tear-off
Quick release design requires no cutting tools
Pull-tight seals
Tamper-evident seals
Steggel
Heavy duty, multipurpose ties

Alternatives

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Other methods of bundling cable together securely and semi-permanently include cable lacing, strapping, binding knots such as the surgeon's knot or constrictor knot, Velcro brand hook-and-loop strips, conveyor belt hooks, twist ties, Rapstrap fasteners, or metal buckle.

See also

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References

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Cable Ties - What are the different types and how do I select ...

Cable Ties - What are the different types and how do I select the kind I need?




Welcome to your comprehensive guide to one of the unsung heroes of the electrical and organisational world &#; the humble cable tie.

Whether you're an experienced electrical engineer, a DIY enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the myriad uses and types of cable ties, this article is for you. We'll unravel the mysteries behind these versatile tools, exploring their materials, applications, and the nuances that make one type more suited for a task than another. So, strap in to the world of cable ties, where we'll answer all the questions you didn't even know you had.


Cable Tie Basics

What's the difference between a zip tie and cable tie?

There is no difference between zip ties and cable ties. Cable ties and zip ties are the same thing. Both terms describe the same fastening tool used for securing wires and cables. Cable ties are crucial for electrical engineers, offering adjustable, secure bundling to meet diverse tensile and environmental requirements.


What are cable ties used for?

Cable ties are primarily used for bundling and securing cables and wires to maintain tidy and safe installations. They are useful in electrical setups, data centres, and for organising cables in both industrial and domestic environments. Available in various materials and sizes, cable ties offer a reliable solution for managing cables efficiently.



How many types of cable ties are there?

There are numerous types of cable ties, including standard nylon, in-line cable ties, releasable zip ties, stainless steel, polypropylene, and specialised plastics such as TEFZEL, HALAR Fluoropolymer, and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Each different type of zip tie is designed for specific environmental and strength requirements, with a range of widths and lengths available to accommodate diverse cable management needs.




How does a cable tie work?

A cable tie works by threading the tail end through a ratchet mechanism in the head, which allows for one-way movement, securing the tie as it's pulled tighter. The design prevents the tie from loosening, ensuring a stable and secure bundling of cables or objects.


What is the most common cable tie?

The most common type of cable tie is the standard nylon tie, favoured for its versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Suitable for a wide range of applications, these ties are available in various lengths and tensile strengths, making them a staple in cable management tasks.


What are nylon cable ties used for?

Nylon cable ties are widely used for bundling and securing cables, wires, and other items in electrical installations, networking, and general organisation tasks. Their flexibility, strength, and resistance to environmental factors make them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications (when using weather resistant ties).



What is an alternative to cable ties?

As an alternative to cable ties, cable clips and clamps are excellent for securing cables, offering a more permanent and structured solution. They are particularly suitable for routing cables along surfaces or within enclosures, providing easy access and organisation.





Do cable ties damage cables?

If over-tightened, cable ties can potentially damage cables by pinching insulation or exerting excessive pressure on the wires, leading to impaired functionality or safety risks. Using the correct size and tension, possibly with tensioning tools, helps prevent damage and ensures secure, safe cable management.



Cable Tie Usage

How do you tension a cable tie?

To tension a cable tie, insert the tail end into the head and pull tightly to secure the bundle. For precise tensioning and to ensure the tie is not overly tightened, causing damage, use a cable tie tensioning tool. This tool allows for adjustable tensioning, providing a secure yet safe installation.


How tight should cable ties be?

Cable ties should be tightened enough to secure cables without over-tightening and potentially damaging them. Using proper cable tie tensioning tools ensures the correct tension, maintaining safety and organisation while preventing wire insulation damage, and allowing for slight cable movement.


Can you join two cable ties together?

Yes, joining two cable ties together to extend their length is possible, by inserting the tail of one tie into the head of another. However, we offer cable ties in various lengths to accommodate different needs, providing a more straightforward solution for securing larger bundles or objects.


Can you join metal cable ties together?

Joining metal cable ties together is not typically recommended due to their design and material properties. Metal ties are engineered for strength and durability in single lengths. For applications requiring longer ties, it's advisable to select a metal tie of the appropriate length to ensure maximum performance and security.


Can you undo a cable tie without cutting it?

Standard cable ties are designed for one-time use and typically require cutting to be removed. However, releasable cable ties feature a mechanism that allows them to be undone without cutting, making them reusable for applications where adjustments or removal might be necessary.



Cable Tie Materials


Why are cable ties so strong?

Cable ties are strong due to their high-quality materials, like nylon or stainless steel, and their locking mechanism that allows for tight, non-slip bundling. This combination provides durable tensile strength, ensuring secure fastening for a wide range of applications.

What are the strongest cable ties?

The strongest cable ties are made from stainless steel, offering exceptional tensile strength and durability. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, chemicals, and UV exposure, stainless steel ties are ideal for demanding applications where maximum strength and reliability are essential.

Can cable ties be used outdoors?

Cable ties can be used outdoors, provided you select the appropriate type. UV-resistant and weather-resistant cable ties are made to endure sunlight, weathering, and temperature changes, ensuring they remain durable and functional in external environments for extended periods.


How do you secure outdoor cables?

, like nylon or stainless steel, and their locking mechanism that allows for tight, non-slip bundling. This combination provides durable tensile strength, ensuring secure fastening for a wide range of applications., offering exceptional tensile strength and durability. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, chemicals, and UV exposure, stainless steel ties are ideal for demanding applications where maximum strength and reliability are essential. are made to endure sunlight, weathering, and temperature changes, ensuring they remain durable and functional in external environments for extended periods.

To secure outdoor cables, use UV and weather-resistant cable ties or stainless steel ties for durability against the elements. Additionally, consider using cable clips and/or clamps for stable routing along structures. Ensure ties are snug but not overly tight to prevent damage to the cable insulation, using a cable tie tensioning tool.

What&#;s the difference between black and white cable ties?

White or natural coloured cable ties are designed for indoor or short-term use, lacking outdoor durability. Black cable ties, potentially heat and/or UV resistant, are better for outdoor settings. Yet, it's vital to verify their specifications, as not all black ties guarantee this resistance.

Why are UV resistant zip ties black?

UV resistant zip ties are often black due to the addition of carbon black, a stabiliser that enhances their resistance to ultraviolet light. This makes them more durable and suitable for outdoor use, as the carbon black helps prevent degradation from sunlight exposure.

What are metal detectable cable ties used for?

Metal detectable cable ties are used in industries where contamination prevention is critical, such as food processing and pharmaceuticals. Their metal content allows for easy detection by safety scanners, reducing the risk of contamination by ensuring any accidentally incorporated ties can be swiftly identified and removed.

How are metal detectable zip ties made?

Metal detectable zip ties are manufactured by incorporating a metal powder, often stainless steel or another detectable material, into the nylon or plastic during the production process. This integration allows the ties to be detected by metal scanning equipment, making them ideal for use in sensitive environments like food processing and pharmaceuticals, where contamination control is paramount.

Their metal content allows for easy detection by safety scanners, reducing the risk of contamination by ensuring any accidentally incorporated ties can be swiftly identified and removed.This integration allows the ties to be detected by metal scanning equipment, making them ideal for use in sensitive environments like food processing and pharmaceuticals, where contamination control is paramount.



Panduit Plastic Cable Tie Comparison Chart

Find the right cable tie based on colour, material, style, heat, UV, chemical and flame resistance.



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