Cable Ties (Zip Ties) — Quick Guide
Cable ties, often called zip ties, bundle and secure wires, hoses, and hardware fast. We stock standard nylon 6/6, UV-resistant outdoor grades, heavy-duty sizes, stainless steel cable ties for high heat and corrosion, and mounting-hole cable ties that screw directly to panels or framing.
How to Choose the Right Cable Tie
- Length: Add ~2–3" to your bundle circumference so the tail can pass through and cinch securely.
- Max Bundle Diameter: Your bundle must be ≤ the tie’s listed maximum.
- Material:
- Nylon 6/6: General-purpose for most indoor work; broad temperature range.
- UV-Resistant Nylon: Formulated for sunlight and outdoor exposure.
- Stainless Steel (304/316): Highest heat and corrosion resistance; choose 316 for marine/chemical areas.
- Features: Mounting-hole heads for screw attachment, reusable/releasable tabs for temporary bundling, ID-flag and beaded styles for labeling/adjustability.
Standard Zip Tie Specifications
| Size | Width (IN.) | Max. Bundle Diameter (IN.) |
| 4" 18lb Test | 0.10 | 1.0 |
| 6.1" 18lb Test | 0.10 | 1.40 |
| 8" 18lb Test | 0.10 | 2.10 |
| 5.7" 40lb Test | 0.13 | 1.5 |
| 6" 40lb Test | 0.13 | 1.4 |
| 8.6" 40lb Test | 0.13 | 2.1 |
| 11.5" 40lb Test | 0.13 | 3.2 |
| 14.5 40lb Test | 0.13 | 4.1 |
| 6.3" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 1.4 |
| 7.6" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 2.0 |
| 11.1" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 3.0 |
| 14" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 4.5 |
| 17" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 5.0 |
| 19.7" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 6.0 |
| 21.5" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 6.5 |
| 24" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 7.3 |
| 36" 50lb Test | 0.19 | 10.6 |
Learn More About Cable Ties with Our Educational Videos
Want quick, practical tips before you buy? These short Fasteners 101 clips cover how to use, remove, and select the right cable ties— from everyday nylon to heavy-duty stainless steel for high-heat and outdoor environments.
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How to Use Cable Ties — Basics, Best Practices & Common Mistakes
Learn proper routing, cinching, and trimming; how to size ties to bundle diameter; and when to choose UV-resistant vs. standard nylon for indoor/outdoor installs.
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Tear-Away (Removable) Zip Ties — When & How to Use Them
See how removable ties work for temporary bundling, staging, or service loops—then release without cutting.
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Stainless Steel Cable Ties — Installation Tips & Use Cases
Explore tool options, best practices for high-temperature runs, and when to choose 304 vs. 316 stainless.
Cable Ties 101
The original purpose of zip ties was bundling electrical wiring, but today you’ll find them in HVAC, plumbing, automotive, data cabling, and general fabrication. Standard nylon ties offer a broad working temperature range; UV-resistant nylon is compounded to withstand sunlight outdoors; stainless steel ties deliver maximum heat, chemical, and weather resistance.
How Much Weight Can Zip Ties Hold?
Tensile strength depends on tie width and design (e.g., 18 lb, 40 lb, 50 lb ratings). As a rule, never exceed the listed rating and always allow a safety margin. The bundle diameter in the table above is equally important—oversized bundles reduce holding performance even if the tensile rating seems adequate.
Popular Types of Cable Ties
- Standard Nylon Ties: Everyday bundling; cost-effective and easy to install.
- UV-Resistant Nylon: Outdoor runs with sunlight exposure.
- Stainless Steel Cable Ties: High heat, chemicals, marine, or extreme weather.
- Mounting-Hole Cable Ties: Screw the head to a panel, stud, or chassis.
- Releasable / Tear-Away: Temporary bundling or frequent service access.
- ID-Flag / Beaded / Push-Mount: Labeling, fine adjustment, and snap-in panel mounting needs.
Cable Tie FAQs
What size cable tie should I use?
Measure the bundle circumference and add ~2–3 inches; confirm the tie’s max bundle diameter is not exceeded.
Are nylon cable ties OK outdoors?
Use UV-resistant nylon for sunlight exposure. Standard nylon is best indoors or in shaded areas.
When should I choose stainless steel cable ties?
Choose stainless for high-heat, chemical, marine, or heavily weathered environments; pick 316 for the harshest conditions.
What’s the difference between tensile strength and bundle diameter?
Tensile strength is the maximum pull the tie can resist; bundle diameter is the largest bundle size the head will accept—both must fit your application.
Can I reuse a cable tie?
Yes, choose releasable or tear-away styles. Standard ties are cut for removal.
Any installation tips?
Route the tie so the head is accessible, cinch snug (not crushing), trim the tail flush, and avoid sharp edges that could abrade the tie over time.