Cable ties are also known as zip ties, wire ties or tie wraps, depending on the purpose. They’re useful in many industries such as construction, transportation, home improvement and many others. In this brief guide, you will learn how to use cable ties correctly in your projects.
Table of contents:
What Are Cable Ties For?
Basically, cable ties are a quick and easy way to bundle objects together, mostly electrical cables and wires. They are also useful to secure debris netting or hold tarpaulins.
Several industries use them, including car manufacturing, building and construction, electronics, agriculture, consumer goods and industrial companies. This is mainly because they are so easy to use and help solve the problem of bringing objects together.
Useful Properties
Cable ties have a number of properties in the material which is why they are so useful. To start with, they are typically made from premium nylon. The nylon material offers high tensile strength, toughness and the capacity to withstand high temperatures.
Secondly, the basic version is black in colour. This is because black is the best colour to use with exposure to sunlight, as it provides UV protection. Hence the design makes them ideal for horticulture and gardening purposes.
Cable Ties From QUBE UK
Cable ties from QUBE UK are black and made from premium nylon. Each one measures 30cm in length and comes in a pack of 100. The cable ties are suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, QUBE UK will post them out for free within the UK.
How to Use Cable Ties
Essentially, cable ties are easy to use and versatile. Basic ones are made with a flexible tape section with teeth. The teeth then link with a pawl in the head to form a ratchet. When you pull the free end of the tape section, the cable tie tightens.
So when you are using it, start by making a loop by putting the head through the slot. Then, pull the cable through until you get the loop size you want. Now, pull it tight and get the teeth to engage, this is locking it in place.
If it’s too short for the job, join two together by putting the tapered end of one into the jaw of the other until it links the teeth. Cut off any extra tail and it will create a longer version.
How Long Do They Last?
Generally speaking, cable ties last around 5 years. The material is made to resist environmental factors such as dust and moisture. Cable ties from QUBE UK include UV stability, zero halogen and a UL flammability rating of 94V.2. Therefore they are ideal for longer term use.
However, a basic one is a single use device. There are alternative speciality versions for multiple use as you can see further on in this article.
How To Cut Cable Ties
As they are mostly made for single use, the best way to release it is to cut it instead of trying to untie it.
Many people use a utility knife and put it into the slot near the head and then keep cutting through. The danger with this is that you may cut through a wire or other object that you have been protecting.
Also, as they are hard wearing, they can be quite difficult to just cut through. If using a knife, be careful how you are cutting away from you. Or you could use pliers. Take the cable tie in the jaws of the pliers and twist to loosen any tension. It should then come away in one piece.
A Brief History
Originally, cable ties were made by an electrical manufacturing company in America in 1958. The basic design hasn’t changed much since then. They were invented to use in the aviation industry, to solve the problem of bundling hundreds of feet of wiring together.
Now they are useful anywhere, from port industries, to construction and horticulture.
Different Types Of Cable Ties
QUBEUK currently offer the basic type of cable tie, heavy duty and versatile in black nylon and useful for many purposes.
However there are different types available depending on the job you are doing. Here are three examples.
Releasable
Releasable cable ties can have multiple uses. This makes them ideal for using if you intend to add new wires of materials to your bundle or project as you progress. They include a lever or button and come in different colours.
Mounted Head
Mounted head cable ties include a mounting hole. This allows it to be fastened by a screw. Then it can be fixed to a vehicle chassis or wall.
Self-Adhesive
The self adhesive style is ideal for tasks where you need to fix something quickly by hand. They take away the need for a separate cradle.
Conclusion: How To Use Cable Ties
In summary, you can see how useful cable ties are, particularly when it comes to holding wires together and keeping them out of the way. The durable material of nylon makes them hard wearing and long lasting and the additional black colour protects from UV rays.
Moreover, they are easy to use and great for a number of projects. How about using them to train your plants or tomatoes in your garden? Or you could use them to child proof your kitchen cupboards at home to stop little hands opening doors. Or maybe use them to protect the zips on suitcases when travelling.
If you need some useful cable ties, have a look at the QUBE UK website and order some today, at qubeuk.com