Cable Ties Tutorial

Fibermart
Wednesday 17 December, 2014
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What Is Cable Tie?

Cable Tie (also known as Zip Tie, Tie Wrap, and Wire Tie etc.) is designed to secure wire bundles and harness components quickly, without slipping. It is a type of fastener for holding items together, primarily fiber optic cables and copper cables (or wires).

Types of Cable Ties

Cable ties are available in a variety of sizes and materials for use on different projects with different needs.

Sorted by Materials

Nylon Cable Ties
The most commonly used cable ties are made of nylon. Nylon ties are known for their light weight, pliability, and affordable cost. While they may be installed by hand, a cable tie gun is required for proper tensioning in critical operations, and recommended to reduce installer fatigue in any high volume application. Metal Cable Ties
Metal cable ties are a great solution for applications in harsher environments or extra security for general purpose applications. Most metal cable ties are made from stainless steel, while some are made of aluminum or other metals. For special applications, such as food manufacturing, magnetic cables ties are available to prevent them from ending up in packaging.

Sorted by Functions and Structures

Releasable Cable Ties
Releasable cable ties are easy to apply and remove, reusable. The obvious advantage to releasable cable ties are reusability, tool-less removal, and easy bundle modification. They are great to use as a temporary measure to secure equipment. Non-Releasable Cable Ties

Non-releasable cable ties are made for more permanent applications compared to releasable versions. However, non-releasable cable ties are less expensive and are more resistant to tampering. Beaded Cable Ties
Beaded cable ties have a unique beaded design which allows them to be releasable and reusable. Ladder Style Cable Ties
Ladder style cable ties are ideal for intermediate bundling and retail applications. Identification Cable Ties
Identification cable ties have built-in flags for written or printed identification. Parallel Entry Cable Ties
Parallel entry cable ties are featured with tamper-proof and low profile heads. Tear-off Cable Ties
Tear-off cable ties have a quick release design and require no cutting tools.

Applications of Cable Ties

Cable ties are as essential to any tool bag as a Phillips head screw driver. They are versatile, easy to use and have a wide variety of applications for both the contractor and home user. Because of the low cost and ease of use, cable ties are ubiquitous, finding use in a wide range of applications. For example, cable ties can easily and safely be used in bundling applications due to their low profile and high tensile strength. Here are five common applications of cable ties.

1. Cable ties are used to bundle cables and wires securely. The positive-locking teeth of the cable tie allow you to make minute adjustments to create bundles of varying sizes. This means that when your cable bundle has a breakout point and the bundles are split into smaller groupings the cable ties can be tightened to allow for the new constraint.

2. Cable ties are used to organize, identify and code cable bundles for optimum cable management, so that the cables routed underneath your desk or behind your home theater setup are neat and tidy. Cable flags with built in labels are wonderful for keeping your video cables separate from your audio cables, even when you need to move locations or reconfigure the cables, you'll never have to worry which cable goes to what device again.

3. Cable ties are used to secure and mount tools, bicycles and wires in the garage.

4. Clip for cable ties hold cables, tubing and hoses in place. Cable ties are hreat for routing cords in confined spaces.

5. Mounting bases for cable ties are perfect for creating a complete routing system. Works in confined spaces or where linear removal might be necessary. 2 and 4-way cable tie mounts orientation is available depending on your routing requirements.

Benefits of Using Cables Ties

Movement reduction both laterally and rotationally for wires and hoses. Repairing cable bundles Tamper-proofing lock boxes, AC units, power outlets and doors. Strap hoses High Performance cable ties can be used in projects where wires need to withstand constant vibration, ultraviolet light exposure, rain and salt water. These products are all round weather resistant. Flame proof and high temperature resistant coated stainless steel cable ties to secure cables and hoses in car engines and oven/baking chambers. Protect sensitive cables and wire bundles from over-tensioning with elastic cable ties that contour around the cable bundle and maintain the highest network signal integrity. Physical Restraints also known as PlastiCuffs are specially designed makeshift handcuffs that are based on the general cable tie design.

Factors Considered About When Choosing Cable Ties

Grip Strip Tensile Strength High Temperature Label Color Diameter/Bundle Size Durability Environment Reseal or Reuse [1] Tamper Proof Standards Usual Considerations: voltage electrical cables

Note [1]: Cable ties are generally viewed as single-use devices; they are typically cut off rather than loosened and reused. However, if a closed loop needs to be opened again, rather than destroying the cable tie by cutting, it may be possible to release the ratchet from the rack. While some cable ties are designed for reuse with a tab that releases the ratchet, in most cases a sewing needle or similar object (for example a small screwdriver) will need to be interposed between the ratchet and the rack. Cable ties reused in this way will be weaker than new ones.

Fiber-Mart Cable Ties Solution

As a professional fiber optic manufacturer, Fiber-Mart offers high quality cable ties in a variety of styles, sizes, materials, and colors, including the common Nylon Cable Ties and Magnetic Velcro® Cable Ties [2]. All of our cable ties are engineered and manufactured for maximum performance and quality.
Note [2]: Fiber-Mart does not offer Metal Cable Ties.

Features of Fiber-Mart's Nylon Cable Ties
Smooth, rounded edges do not cut insulation or hands and are comfortable to work with. Closely spaced positive-locking teeth allow fine adjustment to tie bundles of all sizes. No metal parts; head and pawl are integrally molded for added strength and durability.

Features of Fiber-Mart's Velcro® Cable Ties
Neatly organize and secure your cable bundles and hoses. Releasable design is easily installed and removed. b Velcro can be reused many times for high cost effectiveness. No tools are required for installation; these Velcro® cable ties are securely applied by hand and without strain. Available in many colors for easy cable identification or decoration matching. Once applied, these wraps may be cut to size with scissors or left at full length for later reuse if desired. Self-locking design with b hook and loop makes for a secure cable tie. Ideal for use in your home theater, music studio, server room, office, and many others.