A cable tie is just a cable tie, right? Wrong. There are multiple types of cable ties on the market today, and the wrong choice can end up costing you much more than you spent buying it.

When planning for your next project, how do you know you are picking the correct cable tie for your needs? Here are a few basic things to consider.

Materials

Some cable ties can only withstand temperatures of up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can remain strong in the face of temperatures topping 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, some cable ties are resistant to fire and radiation, while others can hold hundreds of pounds. Which do you need?

When selecting a cable tie for your project, the most important factor to consider is the materials used. A material like stainless steel can remain incredibly sturdy in the face of extreme temperatures, but it may not be the right choice in chemical or radiation-filled environments, which may require Halar^® or Tefzel^® materials that withstand a variety of environmental hazards. For normal environments and everyday use, nylon is a popular and less expensive material.

You can learn more about all of our materials for cable ties and their specific capabilities in this blog post.

Construction

Once you have determined that you need a certain material to meet your needs, think of the construction needed. Cable ties made of the same material can come in a variety of constructs, from miniature to extra heavy duty, ranging in a tensile strength of only a few pounds to more than 200 pounds. In addition, you should consider the fastener construction and whether the tie is a one-piece or two-piece to make sure you avoid the risk of over-tightening and breakage. 

Length

Know what length of cable tie best fits your needs. Cable ties can range from a few inches to many feet long, so the dimensions of your project will be important in determining the right cable tie.

Optional Components

Finally, some cable ties may have optional components that would be ideal for your project. Nelco Products, for example, carries a line of releasable cable ties, which can be perfect for a project where there is a chance that items will need to be rearranged.

Even within the releasable cable tie category, there are different types of release styles, so determine what works best for you. Almost all of Nelco Products’ cable ties come in a variety of colors, so if you have a preference, we can handle that as well.