Cable ties are one of the most versatile and convenient tools to have in any toolbox. They are used to bundle together a variety of items, from wires and cords to air ducts and garden hoses. Cable ties are easy to use and can be cut with a pair of scissors or wire cutters if needed. There are many helpful facts that you should know about cable ties that can make it easier and safer to use them. Whether you are a professional electrician or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the basics of cable ties can help you get the job done right. Knowing the different types of cable ties available, the strength of each type, and the best application for each type will ensure that you get the most out of these handy tools. Read on to learn more about the different types and uses for cable ties.
Different Types of Cable Ties
Nylon cable ties are the most commonly used type of cable tie. They are affordable and available in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. Nylon cable ties are perfect for general-purpose use, but they aren’t as strong as stainless steel cable ties. If you’re looking for a stronger and more durable cable tie, stainless steel is the way to go. Stainless steel cable ties are durable enough to secure items that are subject to high amounts of tension and strain. They feature a weather-resistant coating that makes them perfect for outdoor use, such as when securing a garden hose to a fence.
a. Nylon Cable Ties
Besides being the most common type, nylon cable ties are also the most affordable. They come in an assortment of colors, sizes, and materials, so you’ll likely be able to find the perfect fit for any project. Nylon cable ties are made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene and polyethylene, making them both durable and flexible. The synthetic materials used for nylon cable ties can resist water, oils, and many chemicals. The flexibility of nylon cable ties makes them easy to bend around objects. Nylon cable ties are available in a variety of widths and strengths. Depending on the strength you need, the width of nylon cable ties will vary between 1/4" and 1".
Stainless steel cable ties are the strongest type of cable ties available, making them the best choice for heavy-duty projects. They are more expensive than nylon cable ties, but they’re worth it if you need a heavy-duty tie. Stainless steel cable ties are made from high-quality materials that make them resistant to rust and corrosion. The durability of stainless steel cable ties makes them a great choice for outdoor projects where the tie could come in contact with water. Stainless steel cable ties are available in a variety of widths and strengths. The width varies between 1/4" and 1", while the strength varies between moderate and heavy duty. These ties are best used for heavy-duty projects where the tie will be under a lot of stress and strain.
c. Releasable Cable Ties
Releasable cable ties are the perfect choice for quick and easy bundling and securing tasks. These ties feature a quick-release mechanism that allows you to easily remove the tie from whatever you’ve secured it to. These quick-release cable ties are best used for temporary projects where you don’t need to leave the ties attached to the items or wires that you've secured.
Best Applications for Cable Ties
Cable ties are great for securing wires and cords, bundling together garden hoses and air ducts, and organizing small items. When using cable ties, make sure to choose the right width and strength for the application. Narrow ties are great for securing wires and thin cords, while wider ties are better suited for bundling thicker items, like garden hoses or air ducts. - Wires and Cords - Wires and cords are two items that are commonly bundled with cable ties. If you have a lot of wires running in your home or office, you may have noticed that it can get quite messy and that you often trip over them. Organizing your wires and cords with cable ties can help keep them out of the way and keep them from getting tangled. Cable ties are great for bundling together thin wires, like those used in computer networks and home theater systems. They’re also good for bundling together thicker power cords so you don’t have to worry about them getting tangled and becoming a fire hazard. - Duct and Hose Bundling - If you have a garden hose that you want to keep off the ground, but you don’t want to pay for and install a complicated system of support, you can use cable ties to bundle the hose together and keep it off the ground. This is a great way to save money while keeping your hose off the ground and out of the mud and dirt. You can also use cable ties to bundle together air ducts to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. - Organizing Items - If you’re always misplacing your keys or other small items around the house, you can use cable ties to tie them together and keep them organized. This is a great way to keep your items in one place and eliminate the frustration of always losing them. You can also use cable ties to keep your cords from getting tangled and to keep them off the ground.
d. Outdoor Uses
Cable ties are great for securing items in your yard and garden, including lawnmowers, gas canisters, and garden hoses. If you’re using a gas canister in your yard, you can use a cable tie to secure it to something sturdy, such as a fence, to prevent it from blowing away in the wind. You can also use cable ties to keep your lawnmower out of the way when you store it for the winter. Cable ties are a great and easy way to bundle all of these items in one spot and keep them from getting tangled with other items in your yard.
How to Use Cable Ties
Cable ties are incredibly easy to use. All you have to do is make sure that the cable tie is securely closed around the item you’re bundling and that the ends of the cable tie are facing the same direction. If you’re using the tie to bundle a garden hose or air duct, you should wrap it around the item twice before closing the cable tie. This will help ensure that the cable tie stays closed and secure. If you’re using the cable tie to secure a wire or cord, you should make sure that the end of the cord is facing away from you. This will make it easier to wrap the cable tie around the cord. When you’ve wrapped the cord and reached the desired length, you should make sure to pinch it with your thumb and forefinger. This will help keep it from unwrapping. Once you’ve wrapped the cord and secured it with a cable tie, you can use a pair of wire cutters to trim the excess off.
Cable Tie Safety Tips
- When using cable ties to secure items, be sure that the cable tie is fully closed. If you leave the cable tie open, it could come undone and create a dangerous situation. - When using cable ties to bundle items, it’s important to make sure the ties aren’t too tight. If you wrap the cable ties too tightly, it could harm the items you’re trying to bundle together. - It’s important to make sure that you use the right type of cable tie for the job. Using the wrong tie can cause damage to the items you’re trying to secure. It could also pose a hazard to you or others who come in contact with the items.
Conclusion
Cable ties are easy to use and extremely helpful in keeping items together and out of the way. Choosing the right type of cable tie for the job is important to prevent damage to the items you’re trying to secure.
