A cable tie (coll. also "strap", "zip tie", "mouse belt", "tie wrap", "quick draw", or "rat belt") is a type of fastener, especially for binding several electronic cables or wires together, and to organize cables and wires.
In its most popular form, a cable ties consists of a sturdy Nylon tape with an integrated gear rack, and on one end a ratchet within a small open case. Black cable ties are used for outdoor applications, as the ultraviolet component of sunlight will degrade clear and light colors of nylon. Blue tie wraps made of ETFE (Tefzel) are used in a radiation-rich environment. Red cable ties made of ECTFE (Halar) are used for plenum cabling.
Once the pointed tip of the cable tie has been pulled through the case and past the ratchet, it is prevented from being pulled back; the resulting loop may only be pulled tighter. In two of its most common uses, this allows several cables to be bound together into a cable tree, or to be used as makeshift handcuffs. Specially constructed PlastiCuffs, based on the cable tie design, are used by police and military to restrain prisoners.
A cable tie tensioning device or tool may be used to apply a cable tie with a specific degree of tension. The tool may cut off the extra tail flush with the head in order to avoid a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury.
Showing 1 to 9 of 9 Articles matching 'cable tie' in related articles.
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1. Flag That Sign
August 30, 2007
FLAG THAT SIGN! By Frank Rolfe, OAUniversity.com �Flagging a sign� is an imperfect art that allows you to get a read on the height of your proposed billboard visually from the street. It is normally done one of two ways� By Crane To accomplish this, you need a tape measure (100� fiberglass) and a red towel. You also need a 75� or so skyhook crane. You attach the skyhook crane ball to the tape measure, and tie a red towel around the cable just above the ball. You then lift up the crane until the ball is at the bottom of the proposed sign face. What you have done is to create a fairly accura... (read more)
Author: frank Rolfe (Cable Ties)
2. Plastic Cable Ties Journey into the Great Outdoors
January 05, 2007
When people buy plastic cable ties, they generally have one use in mind � to bundle up their cluttered cables and hide them from plain sight. However, plastic cable ties are a great find for a variety of uses, many of which exist outside the home. One way homeowners can utilize the versatility of plastic cable ties and nylon cable ties is by using as connectors for canvases and awnings. Plastic and nylon cable tiesare extremely sturdy and will secure a durable fastening to a pole or wooden frame. Sometimes plants need the help of a synthetic device to aid them in their growth. Plast... (read more)
Author: Nathania Heckert (Cable Ties)
3. Wacky and Wild Uses for Zip Ties
January 05, 2007
These days zip ties and cable ties are giving duct tape a run for its money. Generally known for their primary function of bundling cables and cords, zip ties are a versatile product, increasingly being utilized for a variety of creative purposes. Here�s a top ten list of wild and wacky cable tie applications. Heart Surgery Students at Johns Hopkins University came up with the idea of using cable ties to close up a chest after heart surgery. The zip ties are threaded through the rib cage and fastened around the sternum. Industrial Art Sculptor Emily Dvorin uses cable ties i... (read more)
Author: Nathania Heckert (Cable Ties)
4. Five Easy Steps to De-Clutter Cords and Cables
January 05, 2007
After the holidays, cables and wires are often a site for sore eyes amidst the influx of new high-tech toys, gadgets, and accessories. Thankfully, homeowners can utilize a few quick steps to restore function and design to their living rooms and home offices. Supplies: Cable Ties (also known as Wire Ties) Cable Tie Installation Tool Electrical Tape or Heat Shrink Tubing Adhesive Back Mounting Bases Surge Protector Step-by-Step Instructions: Start by unplugging and detangling all of the cables and cords. Apply electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to any frayed cords and p... (read more)
Author: Nathania Heckert (Cable Ties)
5. The Small Business Owner's Guide to Zip Ties
January 05, 2007
Cash register? Check. Employees? Check. Zip Ties? Wait a second. Zip ties were not on the small business checklist. Until now. Many small business owners are already using zip ties to bundle cords and cables in their stores or home offices. But zip ties have a myriad of uses, offering convenience and affordability in the pursuit of the American dream. Dry Cleaners Multiple pieces from the same customer can be secured with a simple zip tie. Cleaners can keep their racks organized and customers can avoid misplacing an item. An extra dose of customer service will keep a store a cu... (read more)
Author: Nathania Heckert (Cable Ties)
6. Stainless Steel Ties from Nelco Products Bundle in Critical Applications
December 28, 2006
A full line of stainless steel ties that bundle cables and hoses in harsh industrial, military, medical and marine environments for critical applications is now available from the wire and cable products industry leader Nelco Products, Inc. of Pembroke, Massachusetts. Nelco Products Self-Lock Stainless Steel Cable Ties are specifically designed for bundling cable and wire in critical applications requiring a permanent, high-strength tie that resists most chemicals, solvents, radiation and saltwater. Featuring 150 lbs. minimum loop tensile strength, these stainless steel cable ties are e... (read more)
Author: Amy Greenberg (Cable Ties)
7. Wiring Accessories from Nelco: Identify, Bundle and Protect
December 28, 2006
A full line of wiring accessories featuring custom hot-stamping to commercial and military specifications, along with kitting and packaging, is now available exclusively from Nelco Products, Inc. of Pembroke Massachusetts! Nelco Wiring Accessories for identifying, bundling, and protecting wire harnesses and cables include various types of cable ties, computer printable markers and labels, sleeves and tapes for wire routing and protection, molded shapes, custom hot stamped sleeves as well as heavy- and thin-wall heat shrinkable tubing, conduit and spiral wrap. Capable of marking, cu... (read more)
Author: Amy Greenberg (Cable Ties)
8. Shrinkable Molded Shapes Create a Seamless Protective Boot
December 27, 2006
Nelco Products� heat shrinkable molded shapes install easily over connectors and other wiring applications using a heat gun to create a permanently sealed strain relief wire protector. NELCO Molded Heat Shrinkable Shapes create a seamless protective boot over connector assemblies, components, splices, and other wiring applications to provide total environmental and mechanical protection at all times. Easy to install using a standard heat gun, these shrinkable molded shapes are offered with shrink rations of 5:1 in a selection of materials that are comfortable and seal completely. ... (read more)
Author: Amy Greenberg (Cable Ties)
9. Broadband
March 25, 2006
Broadband is the name given to a high-speed Internet connection that provide large bandwidth. It is a quick connection, typically "always-on" and capable of transmitting data at a much faster rate than a standard dialup modem connection. Broadband also won�t tie up your phone line, allowing you to use the internet and telephone simultaneously. Broadband can be provided from a dedicated line such as Cable or ISDN, or over the top of your phone line such as ADSL.Low-band Internet access is typically running up to 56kbps using a dial-up modem. Mid-band Internet is a phrase given to dialup that op... (read more)
Author: Andy MacDonald (Cable Ties)
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