How to choose the right cable ties

02 Jul.,2024

 

How to choose the right cable ties

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A cable tie is a cable tie is a cable tie isn&#;t it? The simple answer is no, it isn&#;t! There is so much choice available today when buying cable ties that you need to take into account a variety of factors.

Cable tie construction & design

Standard nylon 6/6 cable ties are a basic, everyday tie most commonly used around the home and office. Stainless steel cable ties feature a roller ball in the head of each tie, which reinforces the locking mechanism and allows the tie to be adjusted for the perfect fit with less risk of over-tightening. 

Cable tie length

The length of a cable tie can vary enormously, with nylon 6/6 ties available in lengths up mm, so it is important to measure the diameter of the bundle you will be securing. If you are not too sure, always buy longer than you need as any excess is easily cut off.

Cable tie material

Cable ties are available in a range of materials, each with specific properties. A cable tie&#;s material will determine factors such as suitability for different situations, including durability in extreme weather conditions, variances in temperature, exposure to chemicals and stress. Nylon cable ties are ideal for lower temperatures whereas stainless steel ties are suited to harsh weather, but not chemical environments.

Features of cable ties

Will a standard nylon cable tie meet your needs or do you need something extra? If you need a cable tie that can be undone in the future, for example, it will be worth looking at releasable cable ties. Similarly, where bundled cables need to be mounted onto surfaces, screw mount cable ties offer the perfect solution as they  feature a screw hole in the head which allows them to be screwed securely in place.

Cable tie colour

Although the majority of cable ties are usually black or white, there is a range of rainbow coloured ties that are popular when cables need to be colour coded.

Environment/temperature range of cable ties

Understanding the environment the cable ties will be operating in will help you to select the correct tie. Will the cable tie be used outdoors and, if so, will it be exposed to sunlight? Is the environment likely to be hazardous, with exposure to chemicals or acid? Do flammability and thermal properties need to be taken into account? Answering these questions will help you pick the correct cable tie for the job in hand, and our &#;Complete Guide to Cable Ties&#; will give you information on the types of tie available.

Cable tie strength

The environment in which the cable tie will be used also dictates the strength of cable tie that will be needed. Completely independent of length and width, cable ties are rated by their tensile strength; the LTS or loop tensile strength is measured in kg and is the maximum force that can be exerted on the locking mechanism of a cable tie before it will break. Tensile strength can vary from 8kg for a short, nylon 6/6 cable tie, to in excess of 160kg for a long, heavy-duty stainless-steel cable tie. 

So, that simple-looking cable tie is not so simple after all! Randomly choosing a tie for your cable management applications can cause you mistakes but, by considering all the factors involved with your task, you will be able to choose the correct cable tie for the job.

Whether you need to organise cables at home or in your workplace, visit cableties-online, where you will find all the cable management supplies you need. We are always happy to help you to find the perfect cable tie and our friendly staff can be contacted by or .

Buyer's Guide: UV Resistant (Outdoor) Zip Ties

UV RESISTANT CABLE TIES

Exposure to the great outdoors, most importantly the sun, can break down the polymers in cable ties, causing them to crack, change color, and become brittle. UV resistant cable ties are the best outdoor zip ties because they are specially treated to offer UV resistance which will nullify the damage from the sun&#;s rays. UV ties are great for outdoor uses as they are weather resistant cable ties, which is especially helpful in the solar industry.

However, not all UV resistant cable ties are created equal. With vague industry standards, outdoor cable ties don&#;t have to meet a certain threshold to be labeled UV resistant. At Nelco Products, however, our UV resistant cable ties are built to the high standards, using the highest quality UV resistant chemicals and compounds. Not only do we carry a variety of specialized UV resistant cable ties, but all of our black cable ties are UV and weather resistant.

Nelco is your one-stop source for all your electrical, solar, and outdoor zip tie needs. We keep a wide variety of weather resistant cable ties and other accessories on hand and ready to ship to your place of business or home, so you do not have to wait to receive your supplies. Below are all the UV resistant cable ties we have stocked in our warehouse.

Note: For those cable ties that have more than one color, unless otherwise specified, the only color that is UV resistant is black.

Ideal for the small, light duty outdoor cable and wire bundling installations up to 18 lbs, these miniature cable ties offer a durable solution for most light duty cable and wiring bundling installations. Great for bundling home entertainment system wires, stereo wires, docking station wires, and other lightweight bundles.

 

UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC)
  • Available in lengths of: 4&#;, 5&#;, 8&#;, 15&#;
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 18 lbs
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Width: .10 inch 2.5mm
  • Package Size: 100 or 1,000

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

 

Intermediate cable ties are perfect for the heavier bundles you may be creating. These have a tensile loop strength of 40 lbs. and are great for home installation of wire and cable bundles among other outdoor tasks such as garden usages, marine uses, and automotive uses.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC)
  • Available in lengths of: 5&#;, 6&#;, 8&#;, 10&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 40 lbs
  • Width: .14 inch 3.560mm
  • Package Size: 100 or 1,000

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

These easy to use, reliable, and durable cable ties are a perfect solution for many cable and wiring needs around the home, office, outdoors, or anywhere else.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC)
  • Available in lengths of: 7&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;, 21&#;, 25&#;, 33&#;, 36&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 50 lbs
  • Width: .19 inch 4.8 mm
  • Package Size: 100 or 1,000

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

 

To utilize, simply wrap and tension the heavy duty cable tie around the underlying cable or wire bundle, then cut (optional) to remove any excess tail.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC)
  • Available in lengths of: 8&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;, 18&#;, 24&#;, 30&#;, 36&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 125 lbs
  • Width: .19 inch 4.8 mm
  • Package Sizes:
    • 8&#;, 11&#;, and 14&#; ties: 100 ties per package
    • 18&#; ties: 50 or 100 ties per package
    • 24&#;, 30&#;, and 36&#; ties: 50 ties per package

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

 

The extra heavy duty cable ties are the work horse of the cable tie family. These can handle heavier loads than the rest of the ties, and are ideal for situations that call for outdoor zip ties.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC)
  • Available in lengths of: 17&#;, 18&#;, 21&#;, 24&#;, 32&#;, 36&#;, 48&#;, 60&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 175 lbs
  • Width: .35 inch 9.0 mm
  • Package Sizes:
    • 17&#; and 18&#; ties: 50 or 100 ties per package
    • 21&#;, 24&#;, 32&#;, 36&#;, 48&#; and 60&#; ties: 50 ties per package

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

Made from a high-quality thermoplastic polymer, you would use these weather resistant cable ties when base, salt, and hydrochloric acid resistance is necessary. The black cable tie offers UV resistance. There are three different types of Polypropylene cable ties, light weight, medium weight, and releasable.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC)
  • Available in lengths of: 4&#;, 5&#;, 7&#;, 8&#;, 9&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;, 20&#;, 22&#;, 28&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop:
    • Light Weight: 11 lbs. & 20 lbs. (length dependant)
    • Medium Weight: 50 lbs.
    • Releasable: 90 lbs.
  • Width: Varies from .09 inch to .50 inch(length dependant)
  • Package Size:
    • Light Weight: 1,000 per package
    • Medium Weight: 250 per package
    • Releasable: 100 per package

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

In-line low profile cable ties are ideal for a wide range of cable and wiring applications that require a parallel entry (180°) vs. a 90° entry.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Available in 14&#; length only
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 120 lbs
  • Package Size: 100

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

Blank Flag Cable Tie Markers are used for identification purposes. You can use these to identify numerous items such as valves, pipes, and wires. You can even get them custom printed with numbers, bar codes, or just about anything you need by using our custom printing services. These cable ties are UV-stabilized and are great for outdoor applications. See our Customized Tie Marker page for examples and more information.

 


Mid-sized Blank Flag Cable Ties

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  • Flag size: 1 7/8&#; x 1 1/8&#;
  • Lengths Available: 3&#; and 6&#;
  • Package Size: 100


Compact Blank Flag Tie Markers

  • Flag size: 1 1/8&#; x 5/8&#;
  • Lengths Available: 6&#;
  • Package Size: 100


Large Blank Flag Tie Markers

  • Flag size: 2&#; x 3&#;
  • Lengths Available: 3&#;, 6&#;, 9&#;, 18&#;
  • Package Size: 100

UV stabilized colors available: Black, blue, green, orange, yellow, ivory, and red.

 

Made from UV-stabilized polymers, the write-on flag tie markers are a perfect way to identify items quickly and easily. Just write on the flag what you are identifying and attach the flag. They are sturdy enough for outdoor use and can withstand exposure to the elements.

 


Mini Write-on Flag Tie Markers

  • Flag size: 7/8&#; x 5/8&#;
  • Write-on Area: 5/8&#; x 9/16&#;
  • Lengths Available: 3&#;
  • Package Size: 100


Write-on Flag Tie Markers

  • Flag size: 1 1/8&#; x 5/8&#;
  • Write-on Area: 1 1/16&#; x 9/16&#;
  • Lengths Available: 6&#;
  • Package Size: 100


Sidewinder Wire & Cable ID Tags

  • Flag size: 1 3/8&#; x 5/8&#;
  • Write-on Area: 1 1/4&#; x 1/2&#;
  • Lengths Available: 3&#;
  • Package Size: 100

UV stabilized colors available: Blue, green, ivory, orange, red, and yellow.

 

Releasable cable ties are a great solution when you know that the bundle or item you are using the cable tie on will change. Easy to use, these cable ties come in a variety of lengths and two release styles.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC)
  • Available in lengths of:
    • Trigger Release: 5&#;, 8&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;
    • Pawl Release: 6&#;, 8&#;, 9&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;, 22&#;, 24&#;, 29&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 40-250 lbs (see information in the product information table)
  • Width: .5 inch 12.7 mm
  • Package Sizes:
    • 5&#; and 8&#; Trigger Release: 100 or 1,000 per package
    • 11&#; and 14&#; Trigger Release: 100 per package
    • 6&#; and 8&#; Pawl Release: 100 or 1,000 per package
    • 9&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;, 22&#;, 24&#;, and 29&#; Pawl Release: 100 per package

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

 

Heat stabilized cable ties have an added ingredient when they are manufactured to eliminate the effects that higher temperatures have on regular nylon cable ties. These cable ties meet UL Standards for electrical applications. This cable tie is available in both regular and heavy duty tensile strengths. Please view the information on the individual products for tensile strength.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature of -40ºF to 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC)
  • Available in lengths of: 4&#;, 5&#;, 6&#;, 7&#;, 8&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 18 lbs., 40 lbs., 50 lbs., or 120 lbs.
  • Width: Between .09 inches and .30 inches (varies dependant on length)
  • Package Size: 100 or in bulk 1,000

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

 

Mounted cable ties have a loop at the top of the cable tie which allows the user to &#;mount&#; the cable tie to the wall using screws. This is a way to ensure your bundles are anchored and cannot fall to the floor. This cable tie also has a heavy duty option in the 14&#; length.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Available in lengths of: 4&#;, 5&#;, 7&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 18 lbs to 120 lbs (length dependant)
  • Width: .09&#; and .30&#; (length dependant)/li>
  • Package Size: 100 or in bulk 1,000

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

 

Designed specifically for outdoor applications, the ski / security ties are an affordable substitute for metal wickets. They are tamper-evident so when using for ski lift operations, skiers cannot share the tickets because they will have to cut the tie in order to take it off their jacket zipper tab.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Available Lengths: 5&#;
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 30 lbs
  • Package Size: 1,000

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

Cold Weather outdoor cable ties are specifically designed to handle continuous cold temperatures. Tested at -20°C per ISO 180, these cable ties performed impressively.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Operating temperature: -20ºC
  • Available in lengths of: 7&#;, 11&#;, 14&#;
  • UL Recognized and RoHS compliant
  • Mil Spec: Different colors have different Mil Spec. Please see our military specification sheet
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 50 lbs and 120 lbs
  • Width: .52&#;/1.320 mm and .300&#;/7.260 mm
  • Package Size: 100

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

 

Beaded cable ties are a reusable cable tie that fits form with functionality. Great for use in light-weight bundles for identification and organization.

 

  • UV resistance is offered only in the black zip tie
  • Note: The maximum bundle diameter requires 3 bead engagement.
  • Available in lengths of: 2&#;, 4&#;, 5&#;, 6&#;, 8&#;, 10&#;, 12&#;
  • Min. Tensile Loop: 10 lbs
  • Package Size: 1,000

Other UV Resistant colors available: None.

 

About the Author

Charlie Nelson

Charlie Nelson is the owner and founder of Nelco Cable Tie Products, which opened its doors nearly 35 years ago. Today, Nelco is one of the largest cable tie and wiring accessory companies in the country, with locations across the United States servicing customers such as NASA, 3M, Boeing, and more.

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