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AUSTRALASIA’S LEADING SUPPLIER OF CABLE & WIRING ACCESSORIES, NYLON FASTENERS & ELECTRONIC HARDWARE

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Cable Ties: A Buyer’s Guide

Cable Ties: A Buyer’s Guide

When you have multiple cables to work with, cable ties are a lifesaver.

By improving cable management in your business, the working area doesn’t just look more professional, but work activities become easier and safer.

These fasteners facilitate identifying components, resolving issues, managing upgrades, and doing repairs. They’re the key to successful cable management.

Despite their small size, proper organisation would be impossible without them. By choosing the right zip ties, you maximize the efficiency of your workspace.

What Are Cable Ties?

Cable ties are used to bind, secure, and route wires or cables.

Some ties used throughout industries (electronics, construction, data centres, healthcare, telecommunications, automotive, etc.) are made from nylon and are highly flexible and sturdy.

A part of the tie has tiny “teeth” that engage with the head pawl and make a ratchet.

The “trick” is that when the free end of the tie is pulled, the tie tightens.

Although this process can’t be undone, there are ties with a tab that can release the ratchet. These reusable ties are practical and sustainable.

In addition to the plastic cable ties, there are also stainless-steel cable ties. These are often coated with plastic and used in hazardous areas and outdoors.

What Are Cable Ties Used For?

Today, there is rarely an industry or a business that doesn’t benefit from tie wraps.

They enable cable management, prevent tangling, hide the cables and keep the surroundings clean, and reduce the risk of disconnection and damage.

A quality tie from a certified manufacturer is essential, especially in industries where cables are regularly used.

Cable management is less complicated with cable ties because they simplify organisation and routing.

They also help with the identification of elements and resolve issues or perform upgrades. Cable management promotes efficacy, diagnosis, airflow, and safety.

Are Cable Ties and Zip Ties the Same Thing?

Zip ties are the same as cable ties. In fact, you can find these ties under various other names, such as wire wrap, hose tie, wire tie and zap strap.

Professional management of cables requires the use of the proper size and type of tie.

As a leading supplier in the Electrical and Electronic Manufacturing Industry, NPA offers a wide range of zip ties, including hook and loop, nylon, and stainless steel.

The hook and loop cable ties are reusable. They’re an excellent choice for companies looking to promote sustainability, maximize efficiency, and lessen costs in the long run.

NPA ensures customers’ needs are met and offer hook and loop cable tie roll options and ties sold in bags of 20.

Different Types of Cable Ties

Zip ties today are available in a variety of options to meet every industry’s needs. Below are the most common ones:

In terms of type:

  • Standard
    This tie is self-locking and comes in one piece.
    It’s usually non-reversible.
    They’re made from nylon and come in a wide variety of length, width, tensile strength and colour.
  • Reusable
    Increasingly popular for their sustainability and versatility, these cable ties can be used multiple times.
    They’re useful for work with prototypes because they’re easy to reopen and add or remove cables or wires.
    They’re made from nylon and designed as a hook-and-loop tie and come in a variety of colours.
  • Cable mount ties
    Some ties can be incorporated into a mounting hole. The tie can be secured by a screw into a panel, wall, etc.
    Black cable ties are an optimal colour if the tie is exposed to the sun due to the UV protection provided by the black carbon additive.

In terms of material:

  • Nylon
    Nylon cable ties are the most commonly used. They offer durability, endurance, and resistance to corrosion, flames, and acids.
    These are used widely across industries such as engineering, electronics, agriculture, automotive, electrical, and others.
    NPA provides nylon ties in different colours and designs. You can choose between 100 or 1000 nylon bulk cable ties. There’s also an option to pick a suitable length and width.
  • Hook and Loop
    Hook and Loop cable ties or hook-and-loop ties are popular options today. They have two elements, one is the hook, and the other is the loop part.
    The hook is rougher and has plenty of tiny hooks. The loop is coarser and has hairy loops in clusters.
    When the hook and loop are pressed together, the hooks attach to the loops and fasten the strips.
    They’re reusable because the strips can be peeled apart. NPA’s hook and loop zip ties come in a variety of colours and several lengths and widths.
  • Stainless steel
    Metal cable ties are used by customers from the automotive and construction sector.
    As they’re more heavy-duty, they’re used when nylon isn’t adequate.
    For example, they outperform the nylon ones in harsh environments and excessive heat situations. They’re not affected by UV radiation and are more durable.

What Are the Strongest Cable Ties?

Heavy-duty stainless-steel ties are the strongest ties. They’re used in heavy-duty industries or outdoors.

NPA provides various premium quality stainless steel ties for different applications like plastic-coated ones, ladder-structured ones, and models with a wing or a ball lock mechanism.

They’re usually made from 316 stainless steel which has a higher resistance to corrosion, acidity, and high temperature. It’s also pliable and it can be spun, stretched, and bent.

The wrap’s strength is measured in tensile strength. This strength is measured in pounds or Newton. This is the tie’s breaking point. The higher the tensile strength, the stronger the tie.

Cable Tie Sizes

The sizes may vary among manufacturers and depend on the type of tie.

They can be as small as 100mm in length or as large 1000mm and they are normally between 2mm and 6mm in width.

The larger sizes are excellent for larger areas involving thicker cables and sturdier wires.

NPA provides many different sizes for a wide variety of applications, industries and businesses.

Summary

Companies today, whether in the IT sector, manufacturing or agriculture, require proper cable management, which would be impossible without cable ties.

Many years ago, ropes were the primary way to secure things, whereas now, fastening and routing are done using ties.

Although originally invented for aviation, today, they’re practically everywhere.

NPA’s cable ties are consistently recognized for their durability, performance, and quality on the global market.

To explore NPA’s range of cable ties, visit our online store at https://www.npa.com.au/