Cable ties can be applied quickly. Their tensile strength prevents easy breakage. When applied, users walk away confident that their systems are safe and functional. Cable ties are used for everything from labeling wires to repairing small jet engines. The shipping industry utilizes cable ties to bind packages. Airlines use them to ensure suitcases stay closed during transit. They are applied to securely lock closets, briefcases, pouches and other sensitive materials.
Yet, not every cable tie fits all situations. While lengths and features can be helpful, there are projects where most cable ties simply will not do the job. We’re talking about work where thick and potentially weighted cables, large, heavy packaging, and big, powerful objects need to be secured. This is the time to get out the heavy and extra heavy duty cable ties.
Heavy and extra heavy duty cable ties come in lengths that start at eight inches and reach all the way out to 60. Like all cable ties, it’s as simple as wrapping and setting. The high quality materials have all the advantages you expect out of a cable tie, including UL approval and high flammability ratings, a broad range of environmental operating temperatures, chemical resistance, military grade specs and more. What distinguishes these ties is they are manufactured to hold between 120 and 250 pounds. That means the product’s reinforcement has been magnified. Shipping companies moving anything from a refrigerator to a small piano will apply these ties for easier transport. Industrial applications include irrigation, underground power lines, aerospace projects, manufacturing plants, or anywhere else where weighted equipment and components have to be secured for the purpose of safety and operation.
Depending on the specific product, heavy and extra heavy duty cable ties come in several colors. Black is best for outdoor use as it is UV resistant. This means its design allows for longer exposure in natural environments without degradation of the cable tie’s tensile strength over time. The remainder of the colors can be used for everything from specific projects to making component identification easier. There are also fluorescent ties for those situations where identification can be difficult in dark or cramped spaces.
With three decades in the business of manufacturing a large selection of professional cable and wiring accessories, Cable Ties Plus appreciates the opportunity to share its knowledge with you. We hope this article helped you out and if you want to know more about heavy and extra heavy duty cable ties, feel free to give us a call or drop us an email.
A New Twist on Cable Ties: Velcro
While cable ties come in a broad range of styles to handle even the most hard core applications under the toughest conditions you could imagine, they are also used in situations where circumstances are not as complex and worrisome, and may not need a tie that can withstand furnace-level heat.
Velcro cable ties are perfect examples of a product that’s economical, offers the practical solution of the dependable cable tie, but can be applied in situations where you’re not concerned about corrosives, moisture and other unwanted hazards. Velcro ties are reusable and reconfigurable. The tie is set up like a normal cable tie, but you only have to close the Velcro. This makes the life of the tie almost limitless as you can simply pull and remove it, giving you the option to alter or add more components to the bundle, or use it somewhere else.
We would advise you use Velcro ties wisely. They are not the solution when your systems need high-grade layers of protection. They are also not the product to rely on when you want security, such as sealing shipping packages or securing bicycles to racks as you travel cross-country. You want to have Velcro ties on hand for less intensive projects.
Velcro ties are perfect for hoses. You can move and store the hose easily, remove the tie when required and put it back when finished. Velcro ties are invaluable around the holidays. Use them to hang Christmas or Halloween lights conveniently around the yard on fences, trees and railings. They can be put to use mounting holiday props on poles and sticks.
While we’re sure you survivalists keep cable ties in your toolkit, substitute Velcro ties for fixing zippers, closing off the sleeves and ankles of clothes to keep bugs out, and making quick splints and slings in cases of emergency. When done, you’ll be able to simply release the tie for later use!
Velcro ties are a must have for computers at home or at the office. We’re talking about bundling the entertainment-center wires in the man cave or all those pesky cables under the desk. Gardeners can use them to hold up weak plants, easily attaching them to fences and sticks with a tie that can be removed without cutting. We even know folks who use them as laces for their sneakers. (And we think it looks pretty cool, we might add.)
Adaptable as all get out, Velcro ties make bundling, securing and installing a cable tie easier than ever before.
Cable Ties Plus believes if you want to make preparing for Halloween a little easier, invest a few dollars in some zip ties. Whether you’re decorating indoors or outdoors, they can be used for a variety of projects. They take only seconds to attach, hold objects in place and, unlike tape or nails, do not damage surfaces.
Use zip ties to secure power and extensive cords. The goal is to keep them out of the way so that there are no mishaps, especially outdoors and when children are running around.
If you like to hang Halloween lights that give the house an extra layer of creep, you’ll get it done a lot faster with zip ties. Whether you’re hanging from railings, fences, banisters, tree branches or gutters, get it done zip-zip! You’ll no longer have to unwrap and wrap tape or use clothespins that could fall off.
Use zip ties to support Halloween props. Get a product with the appropriate tensile strength. Clear zip ties are best. They’re not visible, especially at night. Leave zip ties a little loose so that your ghosts, witches, zombies, cornstalks, skeletons and other pagan goodies have a little movement in them when there’s a good wind. If you want to up the creep factor, get some black zip ties. Tie them around the scalps, arms and necks of figures with tails pointing both in and out. It creates the look of spikes, adding a nice spooky feel.
Do you ever worry about your pumpkins staying in place, especially with a burning candle inside? Put two holes in the bottom of the carved out pumpkin. Now, you can zip tie them to surfaces like railings and eliminate the chance of the decoration ever getting knocked over by human hand or Mother Nature.
If you like getting a little creative on All Hallow’s Eve, go online and see how to use zip ties to create wreaths, bows, a witch’s broom and more. Here’s a quick and easy project to tackle that we think is unique and fun:
It’s not only a great decoration, it will be a cool home or classroom project for the kids.
Zip ties are excellent accessories for costume creation and management. Use them to ensure parts that won’t stay in place do. Also, use zip ties so that all-important reflective tags don’t fall off.
Everyone here at Cable Ties Plus (early enough to pick up some zip ties of course) wants to wish you and your loved ones a safe, fun and scary All Hallow’s Eve. Save us a piece of candy!
Using Zip Ties at School
Yeah, school is back in full swing. And whether you’re standing in front of a classroom, taking students to one or old enough to get there yourself, we hope you get out the zip ties.
For the Parents
- Zip ties are excellent for repairing zippers. Loop a tie through the pull hole, fasten, strip away excess tail and — boom — you’re back in business. This is a quick fix for hoodies, pants, sweaters, backpacks, jackets, coats and more.
- Zip ties make great pencil (and pen) holders. Wrap all writing utensils in two ties and you’re ready to go!
- For girls who aren’t picky, you can use zip ties instead of bands to manage pony tails, pig tails, braids, buns and other hair styles.
- More of us are relying less on shoelaces. Push a zip tie through the vertical eyelets. This works especially well with sneakers. Find an attractive, matching color and size, and the younger kids (and probably older ones) will love it.
- Arts and crafts are a big part of the school experience. When you have zip ties, projects go in exciting new directions. Use beaded or braided zip ties to make a necklace or to design a basket.
For the Teacher
- Savvy teachers organize sitting arrangements by grouping desks or chairs together with zip ties on the legs.
- As mentioned above, you can probably find dozens of ways to use zip ties for everything from quick repairs to art projects. Keep a couple of bags of 100 zip ties in varying colors and sizes, and be prepared for anything.
- Zip ties can be used for decorative purposes, hanging items around the classroom like plants, toys and even pictures with holes cut in the borders.
- To enhance classroom safety, use zip ties to keep cords, cables and wires off the floor and out of sight.
- Create student cubbies by ‘zip-tying’ crates together. If the room size allows it, zip-tie groups of cubbies to specific table groups, so that they are closer to students.
- Zip ties are a quick way to attach STAR cards to the backpacks of younger students.
For College Students
- As much as you believe otherwise, the entire world isn’t wireless. You may find after getting to your dorm, you can need zip ties to organize and neaten cables and wires behind your desk, computer or stereo equipment.
- Zip ties are used in all types of activities, including three-legged races. But they get a boost in college games, where partnering up can entail being tied at the wrist or leg. Don’t miss out because you ran out of zip ties!
- Use zip ties to secure storage items that you don’t want anyone tampering with. At the very least, you will know immediately if anyone does.
School’s in session, but it’s not too late. Put some zip ties in your cart today. Cable Ties Plus will get them to you ASAP and you can start putting some of these great ideas to work!
Clever Uses for Heat Shrink Tubing
Duct tape has a reputation for being able to fix anything and everything. However, did you know that heat shrink tubing is actually just as versatile? In fact, heatshrink is actually a more reliable solution, and in our opinion, much more elegant than haphazardly wrapping your broken items in unsightly gray tape.
Now, you might be asking – what exactly is heat shrink tubing?
Well, it’s a relatively thin-walled tubing often used to insulate complex wiring assemblies in everything from automobiles to aircraft, due in part to its ability to shrink rapidly with applied heat, sealing out debris, moisture, and harsh chemicals. Heatshrink is fabricated with many types of polymer bases, which affords the tubing exceptional mechanical strength and abrasion resistance.
All this to say, such a performance product is actually quite useful in everyday situations. Installation is simple. Pick the appropriate sized tubing (the largest size that will still shrink to a tight fix) and apply heat. Below are a few instances where shrink tubing is sure to save the day!
Broken Glasses?
Every glasses-wearer knows the misfortune of holding two separate pieces of your once marvelous spectacles in each hand. Don’t fret! With a little heat shrink tubing applied at the breaking point, you are back rockin’ your eyewear in style. Be sure to use a color that matches your frame color for a more streamlined fix.
Tangled headphone cables?
Twisted headphone cables are frustrating, and worse, all that stress on the cables can reduce their lifespan. The fix is simple with some heatshrink. Apply a few lines of tubing to your headphone cables in equal sections, so you can still fold them for transport. 3-inch sections of tubing will work great. And, while you’re at it, reinforce the jack with some heatshrink at the junction.
Too many keys?
We’ve all spent too long fumbling for just the right key in the dark. Or, maybe you’ve forgotten which key actually goes to the shed out back. A bit of heatshrink is a life-saver here. Apply different colors to the top plate of each key and identification is a breeze. Better yet, order some custom-printed heat shrink tubing, and you’ll always be sure where each key on the ring belongs. In addition to identification, heatshrink will prevent rusting on your keys and facilitate a better grip.
These are some simple and convenient uses for heat shrink tubing. While shrink tubing can seem foreign at first, once you get the hang of applying heat appropriately, you’ll be reaching for it whenever a quick-fix is needed. Installing heat shrink is always easier with the right tool, so we recommend you pick up a heat gun or torch, which offers the precision and control necessary for optimal application. If you have any questions about heat shrink tubing, call us here at Cable Ties Plus and we’ll be happy to assist.
We’ve all been there. You just finished that important email, only to find you’ve lost Internet. After a computer restart and a ‘friendly’ smack on the side of your router box, you realize the culprit. That old Ethernet cable has fallen out from its slot, all because the pesky little plastic clip has broken off! Before you make a mad dash to the store to pick up an overprice replacement cable, head to the toolbox and grab some cable ties. With just two ties you can get your Internet up and running again in no time.
For this quick fix, you’ll want to start with the smallest zip ties you have. Miniature ties work best, but you can use any length you like as you’ll be trimming them down regardless. Step one is to trim down (and file for added precision) the head of one tie to match the thickness of the original cable clip end (so it ultimately fits in the slot on your computer). Use a suitable utility knife for trimming and a metal nail file for filing. Next, you’ll want to shorten the tie whose head you just filed. Cut the tape portion of the tie to around 2 inches. Scissors will work just fine.
* We can’t stress this enough, but please exercise caution when using sharp tools to modify cable ties!
Next comes a bit of a song and dance, as we will be combining the ties to replicate the clipping mechanism. Take the unmodified cable tie and wrap it around the cable, just behind the cable’s plastic end. Before you tighten, loop the shortened cable tie under the tie you just wrapped around the cable, making sure you insert the tail pointing toward the end of the Ethernet cable (where the broken plastic clip is). Now tighten the tie holding our trimmed tie in place. If you’ve done this correctly, you should be able to push down the modified head so that it rests on the plastic end of the cable where the clip originally broke off. It’s usually a good idea to cut off any excessive tape length on our unmodified tie, which is holding the “zip tie clip” in place.
Now, while continuing to push down the filed (or trimmed) cable tie head, slide the cable into the appropriate slot on your computer or router, and there you have it! An Ethernet cable that fits snugly and won’t slide out during use. Now of course, this isn’t a permanent fix, and you’ll have to reapply pressure on the apparatus to reinsert the cable. But, with just a few zip ties from Cable Ties Plus, you can be ready for an unfortunate cable failure, helping you get online and back to work.
We have long boasted about the flexibility of cable ties, screaming from the mountain tops to the villages below about the virtues of using these simple tools to safeguard wiring and cable systems. And the people have listened. They have embraced the many ways cable ties can be used to secure electrical wiring in walls, how they can organize cables and wires behind the computer, their use in the garden and their ability to safeguard the components that power the entertainment system in your massive man caves.
Yet, for all that we can show you about the versatility of cable ties, we are constantly surprised to learn about new ways people are using them to make everything from their professional lives to personal tasks easier to accomplish. In fact, water sports enthusiasts are embracing cable ties to great effect. Cable ties are used by builders of plywood boats and canoes. They utilize the ties to hold panels in place while applying and curing epoxy joints, the process which permanently holds the boat’s pieces together. Other boaters deploy cable ties to deal with annoying depth mark indicators that wash away on their anchor chains. Instead of paint, they use cable ties to indicate anchor depth by either color coding or using cable ties in increments of five to 10 feet.
Boaters use cable ties to make quick and efficient repairs on broken life jacket zippers, straps and buckles. They are also being used by water and jet skiers in this same manner. Surfers and wakeboarders have turned to these tools for leashing in order to secure boards without relying on conventional knotting. One savvy boater who needed to make repairs to her trim found she didn’t have the right sized screws. She inserted a cable tie into each hole to help secure the screws she did have. She placed the cable tie, then the screw and cut off any cable tie excess before tightening the screw, holding everything in place until she could get the job done with better tools.
It’s said that people who hit the water find cable ties essential to their toolkits. From securing equipment to making repairs to engines, CableTiesPlus is excited to hear about the innovative ways users are expanding an already affordable and versatile product.
If you have a use or tip for cable ties, we’d love to hear your story and to share it with our readers.
Swapping out car stereo systems doesn’t have to be a chore. Save a few bucks by doing it yourself. CableTiesPlus is going to show you the simplest process, requiring a little grit and some handy tools.
What follows is a basic guide. Keep in mind cars and systems can vary. Before you attempt to replace a car stereo, read instructions that come with the new system and review any materials for the old one. If you have none, get it online or from the manufacturer.
- Disable the vehicle to avoid sparking or short-circuiting the electrical system. Set the parking brake and turn off the ignition. Disconnect the battery’s negative cable. The negative component is usually black or has a visible minus sign. Use the appropriate wrench to loosen and disconnect.
- Unscrew the stereo system’s trim. These are delicate instruments. You don’t want to pry the trim out and unintentionally damage it. Make sure you get all the screws. Use a flashlight, even in broad daylight, to find them. There might be drawers or knobs to remove first.
- Prepare the stereo system for removal. Some are held in place by screws or nuts. Others may need a removal key, such as an L-tool or horseshoe shaped tool.
- Pull out the stereo. You may need pliers — needled nosed, preferably. If everything’s good, it will slide out easily. Otherwise, may sure you haven’t left anything in place, such as a screw.
- Before doing anything else, review all components, such as wiring and connectors. Take pictures for reference.
- Remember, systems vary. Connections may be as simple as they get, but they may also be complicated. On average, there will be an antenna wire, and wiring or harness connections. Use cable ties to distinguish wiring, neatly grouping them and making them easier to work with.
- Disconnect everything. Compare the backs of both old and new stereos. If you’ve done your homework, they will already be compatible, but a visual always helps. Always be ready to refer to the appropriate manuals and pictures.
- Check all wires! If you see any unsafe conditions, such as stripping or breaks, take a little heat shrink tubing and secure them. Match up connections, which should be color-coded and review each wire on the new system. Solder or crimp connections and, for easy identification, use cable ties to carefully bundle wires, especially if the system doesn’t use harness connections.
- The new system may come with its own mounting kit that needs to be assembled. Do so by following the instructions that came with it.
- You should be able to install the new stereo by essentially reversing the process used to remove the old one. Make sure you carefully ground the system, as this is critical to optimal performance. Always refer to manuals and the pictures you took for clarification, especially if you’re even the least bit unsure of what to do next.
With the battery reconnected, now comes the exciting part – test your new car stereo, making sure everything is working to your satisfaction. Now sit back and marvel at your handiness, as well as your fantastic sounding new stereo system!
Using Cable Ties for Transport
Whether the job is flatbed transport on the back of a pickup truck, or a full-size semi trailer load, the most important element of the entire operation, by far, is safely securing the load before the transportation process even begins.
For sale, legal transportation of goods on the truck flatbed, there can be absolutely no ‘loose’ piece of goods; goods not secured by safe, approved means. CableTiesPlus offers a wide variety of zip cable ties that can be a safe, secure option, suitable for many transport needs.
Cable ties are used to secure items together and are easy to apply, economical, and provide the safety and assurance in securing the load that the driver needs to rely on. For intermodal truck operations, cargo crates must be properly secured to the chassis. The chassis pin can be easily locked with a zip tie, and many transportation organizations actually require this reinforcement. Use a bright-colored tie, such as yellow, as they will be easier to identify during inspections and you can be on your way.
Cable ties are also quite useful on a truck-bed when you need a reliable solution for quickly fastening-down items, and we recommend heavy-duty or extra-heavy-duty ties with tensile strengths of 120 lbs. and 175-200 lbs., respectively. Whether it’s a ladder or a spare tire, a few zip ties will secure the item for the trip. You can also use extra-heavy-duty tie to attach straps to your truck-bed, holding down your items with confidence in a pinch.
For heftier applications, such as large crates and boxes, cable tie strapping is available in roll kits of 100′ and 200′ 6/6 nylon strapping. This strapping is thinner, easier to install, and is more flexible than heavy-duty cable ties, and can be cut to custom lengths. With 400 lb. of tensile strength, kits come complete with 25 cable tie heads. According to length preference, custom-length rolls are also available to order. With strapping, you can be assured your items are properly secured for transport.
For all these products, and a great deal more to assist in any equipment need for cable ties and related accessories, CableTiesPlus has an extensive line of products that will help keep loads of any size safe, secure, and ready to hit the road.
Unclog Your Sink With Cable Ties
We’ve all been there, quietly washing our hands as the soap foams under the warm water. Maybe you’re singing ‘happy birthday’ to yourself to get those 30 seconds in, or eyeing yourself in the mirror, when you look down and notice the murky water beginning to pool in your sink. The dread sinks in as you realize the unavoidable – your sink is clogged. You can either get used to stale water festering in the sink for weeks, or shell out money for a plumber. Drain cleaner perhaps? Unfortunately, these cleaners are often ineffective, and worse, can cause damage to your plumbing system. If you’re renting, your landlord might not even allow drain cleaners, especially if the house is older.
This is where the simple and versatile cable tie comes into play. Also known as the “tie wrap” or “zip tie”, these unassuming tools will be a lifesaver in our ‘clogged-sink’ predicament. Head to the toolbox and grab a cable tie (the longer the length the better), as well as a wire cutter. The solution is straightforward. Using the cutters, clip diagonal notches the entire length of the cable tie on both sides, alternating your slots for best effect. Next, gently bend each notch outward to create bards, which will grab onto to gunk accumulated in your sink pipes.
Now comes the fun part. Take your barbed tie and force it as far down as possible into the drain, pulling carefully to extract the clog culprits, be it grease, hair (most likely lots of it), or any other sorts of drain congestion. Repeat until water drains freely down the sink and there you have it – a quick and easy plumbing fix, utilizing tools you probably have around the house, saving time, money, and even possible damage to your plumbing system.
As you can see, cable ties have an almost endless number of applications, some traditional, such as securing cable bundles, but others more inventive – like our clogged sink! Be sure to keep cable ties in your toolkit, and contact us if you have questions about our ties. Also, let us know of the clever ways you use this remarkable tool!