Choosing the Right Cable Tie Material for Your Application

Let&#;s start with the first question, whether your application is permanent. If so, a traditional nylon cable tie may work, depending on the application and tensile strength. This type is typically for one-time use. For a semi-permanent application, you should opt for a different zip tie style. Many standard nylon cable ties come in a range of colors for color coding or aesthetics. Some may have UV resistance. While they can grip tightly to cables, this kind of strap can be susceptible to overtightening. Releasable cable ties are the best option if you know wires will need any type of maintenance because they are reusable. They won&#;t overtighten and are designed for adjustments. They may have a beaded, extended pawl, tab release, or rubber lining with a zipper-style design.

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Next, what environment do you plan to use your cable ties? In an office setting? Within a vehicle engine? Outdoors where the straps are exposed to UV light and various weather conditions? Underground in an electrical application? The environment determines the material you should choose for your application. Standard cable ties are just one type appropriate for home or office. A cable tie kit offers a variety for vehicle use, with self-cutting ties, stainless steel ones, screw-mount types, and everything in between. A cable tie in an engine will need to be heat-resistant. Some nylon cable ties are UV resistant, meaning they won&#;t degrade from excessive heat. The Arctic Cable Tie is designed to resist freezing weather. Stainless Steel cable ties can additionally endure temperature extremes, as well as be placed underground.

How about length, width, and tensile strength for cable ties? Measuring for length or width is simple, but for tensile strength you need to get an exact amount &#; or estimate &#; for the load ties will be bearing, including the maximum force. A good rule of thumb is to choose a cable tie with higher tensile strength, with it always better to overestimate the weight. Environmental factors should also be a consideration for tensile strength, with fluctuating temperatures, moisture, UV exposure, and chemicals all concerns.

You may have certain standards to follow for your application to choose your cable tie material, and tensile strength. Military specifications are one example of standards to follow.

There&#;s also the special features question. We already touched on temperatures, the weather, and the environment as factors in choosing cable tie materials. Perhaps you need something with a luminescence under UV light. A UV reactive cable tie in neon colors, made of a specialized plastic, works for security and identification in low light or total darkness. Maybe you need one with a chemical resistance. There are cable ties designed for aesthetic purposes like these metallic cable ties, but they also have abrasion, chemical, and UV resistance. 

What if you want to choose a nontraditional style cable tie, such as those with hook and loop closures like the VELCRO® ONE-WRAP® Ties? Some are for general use, with others designed for plenum, fire-resistant (FR) spaces. These are equipped for fire safety and standards, with low smoke and flame spread characteristics, even in a building&#;s plenum spaces. The FR UL Plenum Rated Straps have the same construction as the standard VELCRO® ties, but are equipped with fire-retardant materials &#; and were tested to meet safety standards.  

Consider these other inventive cable bundling options, which are cable ties, though they don&#;t necessarily look like traditional ones

There are many different types of cable ties on the market today.  Some deal with extreme temperatures while others provide the ability to hold heavy loads securely.  Here at Nelco Products, we carry a large variety of cable ties.  Below are descriptions of some of the cable ties we carry here at Nelco Products.  When available, we have given their environmental operational temperatures and tensile strength so you will be able to pick the perfect cable tie for you need for your job.

Nylon ties

These are our most popular item.  Depending on the type of tie you need, their normal environmental operating temperature range is 40º F to 185º F.   Here at Nelco Products, we carry many different colors, sizes, lengths, and tensile strengths for the nylon ties.  The nylon cable ties are called miniature, standard, intermediate, heavy duty, and extra heavy duty.  These names have to do with the size of the tie as well as the tensile strength.  Visit here for a complete list of our cable ties and information regarding them.

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Stainless Steel cable ties

Stainless Steel ties are used when there is liquid involved and when extreme temperatures are involved.  These ties can withstand temperature ranging from -100 to +º Fahrenheit.   The stainless steel cable ties have a tensile strength of 100 lbs. Here at Nelco Products, we carry five different types of stainless steel cable ties to meet your needs.

Halar ties

Halar ties, also known as, plenum cable ties, are the most durable ties used.  These cable ties are used in nuclear plants, chemical environments, telecommunications equipment, aerospace, and high and low temperature environments. They are resistant to fire, radiation, and emit a very low quantity of smoke if burnt.  They have a maximum continuous operating temperature of 302ºF.  Depending on the size, the tensile strength ranges from 18 to 50 lbs.

Tefzel ties

Tefzel ties have a distinctive aqua color.  Tefzel cable ties are mainly used in applications that require resistance to environmental hazards such as chemical attacks, gamma and ultraviolet radiation, and extreme temperatures up to 300ºF. These cable ties are fire and acid resistant as well.  Like the Halar cable ties, depending on the size, the tensile strength will range from 18 &#; 120 lbs.

Blank flag identification ties

These ties have a wide variety of uses.  From identifying cables or wires in installations to warning on a pipe or valve, these blank flag identification ties allow the user to write on the flag part.  Available in a variety of colors, lengths, and flag sizes, you will be able to find a blank flag tie for any identification needs.

Metal Detectable cable ties

Metal detectable cable ties are primarily used in the food preparation, pharmaceutical, or beverage industries because they show up on x-ray machines and metal detectors. They can also be found with a magnet because the ties are made with metal mixed in with the polymers.  These cable ties have a distinct teal color which allows them to be easily found as well.  These cable ties have a maximum operating temperature of 239°F (115°C). Like the Tefzel cable ties, depending on the size, the tensile strength will range from 18 &#; 120 lbs.

Releasable Cable Ties

Nelco Products carries a line of releasable cable ties as well.  These cable ties are a cost effective way of bundling items when there is a possibility of having to re-bundle or rearrange the items being secured by the tie.  These cable ties have a tensile strength of between 40 &#; 50 lbs.

Nelco Products carriers more cable ties than mentioned here.  In the November 30, blog, you can find information about our high temperature cable ties.  Visit our cable ties home page to see what other cable ties we offer that can meet your cable tie needs.

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Amy Greenberg

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