More Unique Ways to Use Cable Ties!
Cable ties, also known as zip ties, have plenty of uses around the home, but have you ever thought of using them as part of your wardrobe? Use cable ties to make your own clothes or to enhance clothes you already have.
No-Tie Laces
Shoelaces are annoying. No matter how tight you tie them they always tend to become loose. You spend too much time bending over to tie them, especially on kid’s shoes. Velcro just isn’t visually appealing. That is, unless you’re using Velcro cable ties. They work just like regular cable ties. You pull the end through the opening at the tip and pull it tight. The end then wraps around itself thanks to the Velcro sides.
To use Velcro ties to make no-tie laces, you need to attach small rubber bands horizontally from hole to hole on the shoe. Attach the rubbers bands using the Velcro ties that you tighten into the lace holes. The rubber bands pull tight when you put your foot inside the shoe for a nice fit. The Velcro cable ties make removing rubber bands easy if you want to mix up colors.
Tie Dye Clothing
The trick to making fun designs on your tie dye clothing is to bunch up the clothing in different ways and keeping the bunch together with rubber bands. The dye doesn’t get inside the folds leaving white areas once dry. Unfortunately, rubber bands can sometimes snap during the dying process, and the dye often seeps in below the rubber band, ruining the design.
Eliminate these problems by using cable ties. You can use any type of cable tie, but the most effective will be releasable cable ties. They have little tabs that you press to unlock, so you don’t have to get out the heavy duty scissors. The ties work just like the rubber bands, except they won’t break and the tightness of the tie guarantees that no color will seep through into unwanted areas. Also, cable ties come in many different lengths so you can make different designs.
DIY Corset
Corsets are classic accessories that are often expensive to purchase and too difficult to make. They require special boning that creates the shape of the corset. It’s what keeps it taut while pressing into your body. While creating that strength, it also bends enough so you can move around without difficulty. Boning can be expensive, and if you mess up during the process, then you’ll have to buy more materials.
Cable ties are much cheaper and work just like boning. Standard cable ties can withstand up to 50 lbs of pressure. No matter how tight you wear your corset, the tie will hold up. If something goes awry, you’ll have plenty more cable ties to work with without emptying your wallet.
We always love hearing about unique ways to use our products. Contact us with your ideas!
Most people will consider cable ties as a last minute necessity, but, if you have a plan in place, you can utilize a system of cable ties to keep your project organized. Besides keeping your project neat and tidy, cable ties are available in a variety of colors and configurations that allow you to label wires, cables, and bundles. ID Cable ties and Flag ID markers allow you to quickly identify wiring bundles and take the guess work out of your project. This will be especially convenient for electricians and contractors doing large-scale projects. Imagine being able to put together a wire bundle for a bedroom and bathroom, stretching it across the house, and quickly knowing which part is for the bedroom closet and which is for the bathroom fan/light.
Using ID cable ties is a smart solution for anyone looking to make their work more efficient. ID cable ties allow you to identify what wires or cables are by writing a description directly on the tie. You will substantially reduce the amount of time it takes to identify the exact wire you need. You can also make use of these tags to keep your project consistent, allowing anyone on your crew to know what each wire or bundle is attached to. These ties are also available in multiple colors, so you can instantly identify the wiring you need with just a glance. Whether for use in the initial completion of the project or for identification during later modification, using marker cable ties allows you to permanently simplify your wiring project.
Anyone who works with wiring or cables has been frustrated at one time or another by the inevitable birds-nest of a poorly planned wiring system. Using color coding has long been a practice in many industries like automotive wiring and electronics. If you organize before you start, you can eliminate the headache that comes from having to trace wires back to their source. Using Flag ID markers, which are available in a variety of sizes and colors will allow you to easily separate component wiring and allow for quicker job completion and less re-wiring from mistakes. You can even remove the possibility of connecting wires incorrectly and causing component damage or even personal injury.
Sometimes, the smallest innovations can make a huge difference in everyday life. Using cable ties to identify your wiring from the start is a small change that can save time, money and even lives. Consider mapping out your systems using ID cable ties and ID flag markers from CableTiesPlus before starting work on your next project.
Choosing the Right Cable Tie
The use of cable ties is common in many industrial, mechanical and electrical applications. You may have heard these called by a different moniker, such as wire wraps, Ty wraps, nylon ties or cable wraps. All are the same and refer to the same device. The question being asked here is what strength or length of cable tie should be used.
Materials
Cable ties may be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as:
- Nylon
- Stainless steel (non-detectable)
- Detectable metal
- Fluoropolymer
Additionally, there are cable ties that are weather resistant, heat resistant and oil resistant. Some are releasable and reusable; some are not. Some use Velcro while others use a pull through design closure. Some are even impact resistant. Many come in a variety of colors that aids in quick identification.
Sizes/Strengths
If you have ever purchased cable ties, you know that they are available in many lengths and widths. This, however, does not necessarily correspond to strength rating. All of these ties are rated by a loop tensile strength or LTS, which is stated in pounds. The most common ties range between 18 lb and 175 lb.
The LTS is the maximum amount of force that can be exerted on the locking mechanism once it has been deployed.
Maximum Diameter
This refers to the largest diameter of the bundle to be tied or restrained.
Length & Width
The cable tie should fit around the bundle and the loose end pulled completely through the locking device. As long as the tie fits the bundle and can be locked securely, it’s all good. Longer ties can be used to secure items, such as cargo or merchandise.
Temperature Range
Consider the operating conditions inherent to the intended application. Will the tie be utilized inside or outside? Will there be any extreme cold or heat that will affect the cable tie? Keep in mind that cold temperatures can cause most nonmetallic materials to brittle.
So how exactly do I decide what cable tie to use?
Now that you know a little about the specifications on the cable wraps, you should have a good idea how to pick the proper one. As far as size, that is a matter of your judgment. Measure the diameter of the bundle to be tied and then select the cable tie that best fits the need. Consider the environment in which the tie will be utilized. If there will be excessive heat involved, possibly use a metal cable tie. If extreme cold is expected, use a tie that is either temperature or cold resistant. Assess the presence of oils, liquids or fluids to determine if you need to select an oil resistant cable tie.
Here at CableTiesPlus, we are always ready to assist you in finding the perfect cable tie for the job. Give us a call!
A Quick Guide to Proper Crimping
While some wiring jobs require a delicate soldering hand, many systems may be managed using wiring connectors and terminals. As soldering is very often a time-consuming task, utilizing connectors will save you time on installation, and you avoid the hazards of hot solder damaging surrounding system components. Whether it’s a car stereo, light-switch, or mains connection, wire connectors and terminals are a safe and reliable solution.
All that being said, proper crimping is necessary to avoid hazards. Wires can shift or even come loose. Poor crimping can also lead to substandard connections, reducing flow and efficiency, negatively affecting signal continuity. Worse, loose or exposed wire can quickly become a fire hazard. Here at Cable Ties Plus we’d like to offer a quick guide to terminals, so you can crimp with confidence.
First and foremost a crimping tool is a necessity. Proper crimping results in a “cold weld’’, which is actually stronger than a connection made via soldering. This cannot be achieved with plyers! We offer a number of high quality crimping tools that will help you create an excellent, long-lasting connection.
Second, you must choose the correct AWG terminal size for your given wire(s). Your first step will be to strip the wire. The amount of exposed wire should roughly equal the length of the barrel; around ¼” is usually a good target. The stripped wire should fit into the connector with little or no free space. Make sure you insert the wire so that the insulation meets the barrel, ensuring no bare wire is exposed near the barrel entry point.
Finally, now you are ready to crimp the connection. It is very important to consult the gauge markings on your crimping tool. There are different notches for gauge, and often these will be color- coded to match the insulation color on the connector or terminal. Make sure the terminal is horizontal, barrel-side up (a brazed-seam design will afford some leeway here) and position the tool perpendicular, closer to the ring or spade. Now simply apply force! Don’t worry – you can’t ‘over crimp’ a connection, so squeeze the tool as hard as possible.
Now tug at your wire to ensure a sturdy crimp, and easy as that, you have a safe and long-lasting wire connection! Be sure to trim any excessive wire emerging from the opposite end of the barrel. We hope you enjoyed our short guide, and if you have any questions on our products or proper installation, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Cable Ties Plus has always promoted cable ties for their simplicity and utility. They are an indispensable asset for aircraft mechanics, cable installers, plumbers, fishermen, the military and more. We cannot stress enough that even the novice DIY-er should keep these tools in their workshop.
Believe it or not, after lauding over the cable tie’s ease-of-use, we’re going to reveal how to make using them easier than ever. We’re talking about the cable tie installation tool. Cable tie installation tools save time, money and, in the long term, minimize the types of health risks associated with repetitive movement.
Outside of lower back pain, tissue injuries due to repetitive hand motion are one of the most common ailments in the world. Even the most innocuous everyday motions can lead to disorders such as bursitis and tendinitis. Repeatedly twisting ties – among the many other tedious hand movements associated with electrical work – definitely falls into this category.
With a cable tie installation tool, you can start assembling even the most intricate systems with less stress on the hands and with greater ease. Lightweight and reliable, another advantage of this resource is you can place a cable tie with minimal fuss. Suddenly you’re not worrying about those hard to reach areas, which require extensive reaching, stretching and uncomfortable contortion of limbs. The device has a convenient pistol grip, meaning you’ll be able to apply cable ties with a single hand. Pull the trigger and not only will the cable tie cinch, but a simple twist of the tool removes any excess strap. All done.
Of course, like any tool, getting the job done requires having the right tool variant. Cable ties are engineered from nylon, metal and plastic. Each is designed to handle unique situations. The same applies to cable tie installation tools. One tool might be perfect for jobs that have a maximum capacity of 50 pounds. Another handy cable tie installation tool may be best suited for heavy duty projects, such as stabilizing machinery or securing cable ties that hold hundreds of pounds. You may prefer features like adjustable tensioning or a tool that can cut metal ties, as opposed to one that can only handle lighter materials.
We believe the cable tie installation tool will significantly improve your workflow. Cable Ties Plus knows quality cable accessories and understands the different demands for various industries, professionals and projects. We are all about effectiveness, quality, productivity and affordability. Call us today and ask about our cable tie installation tools!
Expandable braided sleeving products are an exceptional bundling and protection solution. Mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and other professionals employ them to secure systems in a variety of projects. These tools are designed to protect systems from risks that can include weather, chemical exposure and even animals.
Braided sleeving is a tubular sleeve developed from high grade polyester monofilament materials to cover and safeguard cable assemblies, wire components, tubes and hoses, and wire harnesses in just about any situation.
One electrician used expandable braided sleeving not only to secure a homeowner’s systems, but to protect the family pets. The family needed a solution that secured wires and connectors, as their cats were in the habit of grabbing and nibbling at them. Thankfully, expandable braided sleeving did the job, most likely preventing a potentially tragic situation.
Once set in place, expandable braided sleeving can grow up to 150 percent of its original size. It will fit and conform to irregular shapes and is the perfect finishing touch to system management. An exemplary indoor or outdoor solution, expandable braided sleeving is engineered to withstand heat, moisture, vibration, most corrosive chemicals and abrasives, and UV light. The open-weave design provides spacing for an array of bundle sizes and shapes. It retains form in both extreme high and low temperatures. The material promises to have been engineered under stringent guidelines to meet high standards. Easy-to-install and terminate, all that’s required is a hot knife to cut the sleeving.
Expandable braided sleeving is different from, say, heat shrink tubing in that its construction is designed to fit easily over larger objects, such as long runs and connectors. It’s also designed to bend and twist to fit odd shapes, which heat shrink tubing couldn’t manage. Many professionals will apply some heat shrink tubing or even a cable tie on the opposite ends of sleeving. This helps keep wires in place inside the sleeve, as well as improve the overall appearance of the application.
Whether you are doing customized work on an auto engine or you’re involved in a renovation project that includes electrical and plumbing work, expandable braided sleeving is going to make getting things done easier, and promises to keep systems secure and safe. It’s why we here at Cable Ties Plus are comfortable promoting the virtues of these tools. We specialize in providing all industries and professionals with the best cable and wiring accessories so operations are more efficient and affordable. This definitely includes expandable braided sleeving!
Adhesive cable tie mounts are a reliable method for managing your systems. They allow you to take extensive cabling and secure it along vertical spaces like walls. This minimizes clutter and maximizes safety.
Even in a world of Bluetooth and WiFi, cables are still being used to connect servers, communication services, devices and other electrical and electronic components. Intricate systems still flow throughout homes, offices, warehouses and pretty much any structure with four walls. Often, these systems are conveniently hidden away, but just as often that’s not possible. That’s where cable ties and cable tie mounts come in.
Once you have bundled your cables and wires, you can use mounts to run wires and cables along walls and ceilings, getting them out of the way and cleaning areas up. These mounts have a broad range of operational temperatures, meaning they can be used in an array of situations, especially when heat or cold is a factor.
Mounted head cable ties and cable tie mounts are perfect for networking computer systems that run through multiple rooms or entire buildings. Cable television and communications installers use them to run cables along upper and lower walls in homes and businesses. Cable tie mounts are often employed to run cables and wires along exterior walls. Even with installations that are hidden, mounts will be deployed inside walls, floors and ceilings to effectively organize and safeguard systems.
With properly routed cables, you create neater and safer environments for systems and occupants. In many cases, carefully punctured holes are needed to get wire and cabling from one place to another. It’s as much about design as it is security. When applying cable ties and cable tie mounts, keep in mind it’s easy to engineer a system that is haphazard and clumsy, such as simply leaving cable and wire plastered behind cabinets, desks, or across the floor. This is why the job may require a professional touch or counsel.
Cable Ties Plus wants to make sure you have access to the highest quality zip ties and cable tie mounts. Our devices are engineered from durable polymers. Once applied, you can expect our solutions to provide secure and long-lasting performance. Not only are we ready to give our customers the best in cable tie products and accessories, but we also offer sound advice for applying them.
If you want a better understanding of how to use cable ties and adhesive cable tie mounts, give us a call!
Cable Ties as Survival Tools
Few things are as versatile as the cable tie. They provide a vast range of solutions when applied to agriculture, aerospace, automotive, industrial and residential projects. Excellent for system bundling, identification, organization and plain old functionality, cable ties are designed to simplify installations, are easy to deploy, and promise an exceptional return on investment.
Yet for every professional using cable ties to fix a boat engine or secure computer cables, there is someone keeping zip ties in their survival or travel kit for the outdoors. This is because cable ties can make everything from hiking to sleeping under the stars both safer and easier.
So if you’re into the great outdoors and not using cable ties, you’re missing out on a fantastic resource. Here are a few things you can do with cable ties to make the most of your explorations.
- For your long hauls, use cable ties to support packing. If you’re tying down your bike, canoe or ATV to take on a trip, use cable ties to reinforce the ropes. With bicycles, use cable ties to prevent wheels from constantly spinning. Secure bags that could accidentally pop open or fall off on rough terrain.
- Keep cable ties in your survival toolkit alongside the band aids and gauze. Cable ties can be used to secure a tourniquet. They are also an excellent resource for throwing together a quick, on-the-spot splint or sling.
- If you’re on the hunt, cable ties are a great tool for making snares for small game. They have also been used to hold wire snares to tealers. Commercial fishermen use cable ties to fix holes in their netting.
- You can repair straps and backpacks with cable ties.
- Anyone that’s gone out to embrace open spaces knows the revitalizing feel of fresh air, the wonder of vistas and valleys, and… the annoyance of insects. To minimize the aggravation of that last point, use cable ties to close off your pant legs around the ankles. If you’re wearing long sleeves – which the smart adventurer does because of the potential mosquitoes, ants, ticks, etc. – you can also wrap ties around everyone’s wrists as well.
- Use cable ties to better secure your tents and tarp or to tie canopy tents together. This stabilizes your structures during unexpected and unpleasant weather.
- Cable ties can be implemented to create a quick lock. Attach them to coolers, bags or other items you don’t want tampered with. They aren’t combination locks, but you’ll know immediately if someone’s been in your possessions.
Cable ties are sturdy and engineered with weather resistant properties. Once in place, you can depend on them to do their job and give you less to worry while out on your adventures. So when it’s time to hit the road, give CableTiesPlus a call or browse the website. Our affordable cable ties will make a world of difference when you’re exploring.
Using Wire Connectors Responsibly
Wire connectors are a smart investment. They are easy-to-use, while being flexible and dependable tools for an array of projects. Professionals in the construction, irrigation, maintenance, OEM, and industrial fields use them every day. There is no more secure or convenient method for managing your wiring systems. It’s simply a matter of inserting the wire and completing the connection with a twist.
Of course, one must understand how to properly prepare and implement these solutions. Successful installation will prevent electrical failure that can lead to unwanted stoppage, smoke conditions and fire. With electrical systems, an improperly installed wire connector is always a risk.
To avoid this, the connector has to be the right size. As electricians know, wires react to current. They expand when current is running through them and contract when current has stopped (i.e., when the switch is turned on and off). The wrong size opens up the possibility of an expanded wire popping loose, or a contracted wire slipping out of the connector. This negates the sheltering and protection the wire connector is supposed to provide. Now you’re looking at a hazardous situation. Wires can spark, smoke or overheat.
Wire sizes are most commonly designated by their AWG, or American Wire Gauge. This sizing classification system breaks down the cross-sectional area of a wire. Wires for lamps will have a different AWG number than wires used for extension cords, light fixtures or service panels. For instance, a 110-volt air conditioner will have an average gauge of 12 while a large heater may have a 6.
Once you know the AWG, it’s a matter of selecting a wire connector for that particular number. Connector boxes tend to have ratings listed on the side of the box along with other pertinent information, such as the number of conductors in the specific wire. Ultimately, choose the connector based on the following criteria:
- Color to match US AWG standards for identification
- Which AWG the connector accommodates (i.e., 18 through 12 or 22 through 14)
- The minimum and maximum possible connections
CableTiesPlus has wire connectors that can withstand high temps and that are CSA certified and UL listed. Our connectors are engineered from quality materials and promise to meet all AWG standards. Should you need help sorting through our selection give us a call (800-926-5981) and talk with one of our knowledgeable techs.
Spring has a tendency to sneak up on us. We notice what’s been overlooked as we’ve blanketed ourselves against those winter temps, all the chores that have been ignored over the last few months and the tasks that now need attention as the warm weather settles in.
Many of you know about the flexibility offered by the products at Cable Tie Plus. Professionals from military mechanics to civil engineers use them. But not many know that when you get home you don’t have put that toolbox in the closet. Here are four smart ways to use our products this Spring.
- If you have a green thumb, cable ties can enrich that all the more. For tall plants having trouble standing, be they tomatoes or snapdragons, use low tensile strength ties to attach them to gardening stakes, cages or fences. Go with a UV stabilized product engineered for exposure to sunlight and rain. For indoor plants, cable ties are excellent for creating arrangements. Place them around stems, but take care to not cut or compress stalks.
- You’ve enjoyed your man cave all winter like a bear. Only now are you noticing that unruly batch of cables. Or perhaps you’ve looked under your desk and see wires going in various directions with no apparent purpose. Well, it’s time to reach for some cable ties or identification tags. Use them to bundle wires and cables, creating a neater appearance and safer area. ID tags or colored ties can distinguish sound system wires from video inputs. We’d suggest not using permanent accessories. If you need to rework your systems, you wouldn’t want to end up accidentally snipping wires or cables to remove them. Reusable products will be your best bet.
- Organize the basement, shed or garage with pegboards and cable ties of varying tensile strength and size to hang tools. This is also a great idea for cleaning out closets and cabinets. Using hooks and cable ties to hang dust pans, dusters and scrub brushes – which often have holes in the handles – will offer you a lot more organization. Simply loop a cable tie through the hole and store.
- Looking to get the boat ready for warm days on the water? You might already use cable ties to organize ropes and store accessories; however, they’re also great depth markers, eliminating those annoying spray-painted indicators on anchor chains that wash away. You can either color- code measurements with cable ties or use them in increments to establish depth.
Cable Tie Plus has thousands of products, each with the capacity to be used in industrial applications, or just to help around the home. Browse the site or give us a call if you have some ideas you’d like to discuss.