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All About Cable Ties & Common Issues
Cable ties can help turn cable chaos into organized bliss. But choosing the right type can be tricky, and what is the deal with "tensile strength"? Why do some ties seem to break for no reason? In this blog post we will explain tensile strength, discuss different cable tie types and trouble shoot common issues!
When working on a project that requires cable ties, it's important to select ones with the appropriate tensile strength and length. But what is tensile strength?
Tensile strength refers to the maximum stress a material can withstand before breaking when stretched or pulled. Opting for a tensile strength that is too low may cause the cable tie to snap, while choosing one that is too high could result in unnecessary expenses.
Tensile strength refers to the maximum stress a material can withstand before breaking when stretched or pulled. Opting for a tensile strength that is too low may cause the cable tie to snap, while choosing one that is too high could result in unnecessary expenses.
Cable ties are primarily constructed from plastic, metal, or a combination of metal coated in plastic. Each type of cable tie is designed for specific environments with distinct properties, making them suitable for different conditions. For instance, metal cable ties offer greater strength compared to plastic ones. Additionally, temperature range is a crucial factor to consider when selecting cable ties. Nylon cable ties, for example, can become brittle or melt when exposed to extreme temperatures, making metal a more suitable option for such conditions. However, Nylon cable ties are generally suitable for most general-purpose applications due to their flexibility.
If your cable ties keep breaking, several factors could be at play, including weather conditions, manufacturing quality, or improper use. Consider the following:
Check the Specifications:
Examine the packaging of the cable ties for information on tensile strength, UV resistance, temperature range, and bundle diameter. This will help you determine if the cable ties you have are suited for your project.
Tensile Strength:
Ensure that your cable ties can bear the weight of your project. Remember how we went over tensile strength earlier? If you encounter issues of your cable ties breaking, consider testing cable ties with a higher tensile strength to see if that resolves the problem.
Moisture:
Nylon is a hygroscopic material, meaning it can lose or absorb moisture from its surroundings. Moisture is crucial for maintaining the flexibility of nylon zip ties, which is why they are typically packaged in plastic bags (to help retain moisture). Improperly stored cable ties may lose moisture, causing them to become brittle and prone to breaking easily upon first use. Low humidity levels can also shorten their lifespan. If you are working in a dry environment, you might want to opt for a different type of cable tie that can withstand harsh working conditions.
At Ferrules Direct, we offer a wide variety of cable ties in popular formats:
Click here to see our full collection of cable ties!
Additionally, we provide cable tie fastening tools to facilitate the secure fastening and organization of cables, wires, and other objects efficiently. If you're unsure about which cable ties to use for your project, feel free to contact us, and one of our specialists will be happy to assist you!