From material and tensile strength to environments, there are a number of factors involved in picking out the best cable ties for your specific needs. Cable ties-also referred to as zip ties-are used across the spectrum, from construction to electronics, for efficiently and easily bundling up wires, locking objects into place, or even supporting temporary fixtures.
First comes the material. In most cases, cable ties will be of nylon 6/6, a very strong, flexible material with such temperature range: from -40°C to 85°C. For use in very harsh environments, UV-resistant or weatherproof nylon is required since it will not deteriorate as quickly when exposed to sunlight or moisture. In extreme environments, such as outdoor applications or those requiring resistance to harsh chemicals, stainless steel cable ties are more durable but at a much higher cost.
Tensile strength is another key specification. For standard nylon ties, you should expect a weight capacity up to 50 pounds. Heavy-duty versions may carry up to 175 pounds. If you are using the ties on large items or heavy material, you should seek out options that have a higher rating for tensile strength. Size matters, too: cable ties can be as short as 4 inches or as long as 48 inches, and width affects strength and flexibility. For small wires, the shorter ties in the range of 4-6 inches work, while larger bundles may require longer ties greater than 24 inches.
Applications also come into play with your decision. For instance, releasable cable ties come in handy when you have to be continuously readjusting or reusing the ties in such scenarios as temporary installations. Ties made of heat-resistant materials, on their part, come in handy whenever one is working in places where the temperature fluctuates drastically, while color-coded ties are important for organizing wires or cables by category.
During electrical work, one must opt for flame-retardant cable ties when undertaking wiring in sensitive areas. These types of flame-retardant cable ties are uniquely designed to meet or even exceed flammability standards such as UL94 V-2.
The price will really depend on material, size, and just how many you purchase. Large packages of regular nylon ties are usually pretty cheap. Most likely, the stainless steel and heavy-duty nylon ties will be more expensive; however, they provide greater durability and strength.
For further information on how to pick the best cable ties, visit cable ties.