Four Aspects to Consider When Selecting Cable Ties
They may seem really mundane but cable ties are actually more than just self-locking strips. This kind of thinking is what brings a lot of people to spending much more than they need to because they just carelessly chose a randomly colored cable tie and then realizethat it is not the right one for their purpose.
Actually, there is a lot of difference that can be observed even with a single choice of a cable tie. Cable ties are, in fact, created for different purposes. They come in different sizes, materials, and specific features. Here are a few things that you may want to look into when selecting cable ties to use in whatever applications you are planning.
Construction
When it comes to construction, there are generally two variants: the one-piece cable tie and the two-piece cable tie. A one-piece cable tie, as the name suggests is just a single piece with the tie and the lock right next to each other using the same material. They are cheaper and they are the most common cable ties that are used to tie wires together in the office or at home.
On the other hand, two-piece cable ties separate the lock from the tie, making it two pieces. This is done to ensure that the performance of the lock is higher and can accommodate tying items that need more security. They are normally used when the wiring is thicker and sensitive to over-tightening.
Length
You may not know this but the length of cable ties can actually reach up to 52 inches! Now, it really is not necessary to look for a very long cable tie if your purpose is just to organize the cables behind your appliances at home or the wires under your desk at the office.
But, it is important that you choose a cable tie with the right length after considering and estimating the diameter of the cables you plan to tie up. You surely do not want to buy a short cable tie and then find out that the diameter of the cable is much more than it can handle. So, measure the cables’ diameter and go with a cable tie that has a slightly longer length so you can always trim them after installing.
Material
There are a lot of materials that are used to make cable ties. The most popular one is nylon. Nylon cable ties are famous because they can actually resist harsh environments and even low-temperature conditions, which are common situations at home and in the office.
But, if you are planning on using the cable ties on an environment with extreme heat and risks of contact with harsh chemicals, you may want to consider using cable ties that are made out of stain steel because they are actually made for heavy-duty use.
Features
Cable ties are known for their “irreversible tying” feature. Meaning, once they are locked, they cannot be undone unless purposely cut. If this is something that you are okay with, then you can purchase a colored cable tie in your local hardware. But, you may want to buy something with an extra feature that will let you unlock the ties when they are installed if you are using them for situations that require constant work with them.
