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!
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!
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.
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 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.