When did cable ties come out?

Author: Marina

Sep. 30, 2024

6

0

0

Cable tie - Wikipedia

Ratcheting fastener for electrical cable

Link to Zhonggu

"Cable ties" redirects here. Not to be confused with Cable Ties (band)

Assortment of cable ties

A cable tie (also known as a hose tie, tie wrap, wire tie, zap-straps, or zip tie) is a type of fastener for holding items together, primarily electrical cables and wires. Because of their low cost, ease of use, and binding strength, cable ties are ubiquitous, finding use in a wide range of other applications. Cable ties were first manufactured by Thomas & Betts under the brand name Ty-Rap.

The common cable tie, normally made of nylon, has a flexible tape section with teeth that engage with a pawl in the head to form a ratchet so that as the free end of the tape section is pulled the cable tie tightens and does not come undone. When the mouthpiece is inserted through the grooves and pulled tight, it creates a secure, adjustable loop, which locks in place like a knot. Some ties include a tab that can be depressed to release the ratchet so that the tie can be loosened or removed, and possibly reused. Stainless steel versions, some coated with a rugged plastic, cater for exterior applications and hazardous environments.[1]

Design and use

[

edit

]

The ratchet mechanism on the head of a cable tie Cable ties used to attach shade cloth to scaffolding at a construction site in Singapore

The most common cable tie consists of a flexible nylon tape with an integrated linear ratchet gear rack, and on one end a pawl within a small open case. Once the pointed tip of the cable tie has been pulled through the case and past the ratchet, it is prevented from being pulled back unless a large amount of force is applied; the resulting loop may only be pulled tighter. This allows several cables to be bound together into a cable bundle and/or to form a cable tree.

A cable tie tensioning device or tool may be used to apply a cable tie with a specific degree of tension. The tool may cut off the extra tail flush with the head in order to avoid a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury. Light-duty tools are operated by squeezing the handle with the fingers, while heavy-duty versions can be powered by compressed air or a solenoid, to prevent repetitive strain injury.

In order to increase resistance to ultraviolet light in outdoor applications, nylon containing a minimum of 2% carbon black is used to protect the polymer chains and extend the cable tie's service life.[citation needed] Blue cable ties are supplied to the food industry and contain a metal additive so they can be detected by industrial metal detectors.[2] Cable ties made of ETFE (Tefzel) are used in radiation-rich environments. Red cable ties made of ECTFE (Halar) are used for plenum cabling.

Stainless steel cable ties are also available for flameproof applications&#;coated stainless ties are available to prevent galvanic attack from dissimilar metals (e.g. zinc-coated cable tray).[1]

Plastic handcuffs are based on the cable tie design and are used by law enforcement to restrain prisoners.[3] Cable ties are also sometimes used to prevent hubcaps (also known as wheel trims) from falling off a moving vehicle, and some are sold specifically for this purpose.[4] The use of cable ties in medicolegal cases is infrequent, being involved in situations of neck compression or restraint.[5]

History

[

edit

]

Cable ties were invented by Thomas & Betts, an electrical company, in under the brand name Ty-Rap. Initially they were designed for airplane wire harnesses. The original design used a metal tooth, and these can still be obtained. Manufacturers later changed to the nylon/plastic design.[6][self-published source]

Over the years the design has been extended and developed into numerous spin-off products. One example was a self-locking loop developed as an alternative to purse-string suture in colon anastomosis.[7]

Ty-Rap cable tie inventor, Maurus C. Logan, worked for Thomas & Betts and finished his career with the company as Vice President of Research and Development. During his tenure at Thomas & Betts, he contributed to the development and marketing of many successful Thomas & Betts products. Logan died on 12 November , at the age of 86.[8]

The idea of the cable tie came to Logan while touring a Boeing aircraft manufacturing facility in . Aircraft wiring was a cumbersome and detailed undertaking, involving thousands of feet of wire organized on sheets of 50-foot-long plywood and held in place with knotted, wax-coated, braided nylon cord. Each knot had to be pulled tight by wrapping the cord around one's finger which sometimes cut the operator's fingers until they developed thick calluses. Logan was convinced there had to be an easier, more forgiving, way to accomplish this critical task.

For the next couple of years, Logan experimented with various tools and materials. On June 24, , a patent for the Ty-Rap cable tie was submitted.[9]

Reuse

[

edit

]

Cable ties are generally designed as single-use devices, however they can be reopened with little or no damage by inserting a small flat object between the ratchet and the pawl, and pulling the pawl out. Some models have a mechanism to release the pawl and allow re-use. Alternatively, the tie can be twisted 180 degrees and inserted into the case upside down to create a weaker loop that can be easily opened by hand, but still strong enough for certain simple tasks, such as holding several cables together.

Speciality types

[

edit

For more information, please visit Nylon Cable Tie Price.

]

A cable tie with an in-built security tag
Beaded
Beaded design allows them to be releasable and reusable
Releasable
Reusable cable ties with a releasable ratchet
Ladder style
For intermediate bundling and retail applications
Identification
Built-in flags for written or printed identification
Parallel entry
Tamper-proof, low profile heads
Tear-off
Quick release design requires no cutting tools
Pull-tight seals
Tamper-evident seals
Steggel
Heavy duty, multipurpose ties

Alternatives

[

edit

]

Other methods of bundling cable together securely and semi-permanently include cable lacing, strapping, binding knots such as the surgeon's knot or constrictor knot, Velcro brand hook-and-loop strips, conveyor belt hooks, twist ties, Rapstrap fasteners, or metal buckle.

See also

[

edit

]

References

[

edit

]

10 Cool Facts About Cable Ties

Most of us have used at least one cable tie in our lifetime. Although its name directly indicates its purpose (which is to tie cables), we also use these items to organise, secure, lock, repair, create, and even decorate. But how much do you know about these indispensable plastic straps?

We&#;ve listed down some of the most astonishing facts you should know about.

1. Marcus C. Logan, an employee of the electrical company Thomas & Betts, invented cable ties in . He visited a Boeing aircraft facility and saw the bad cuts and thick calluses on workers&#; hands from tying wax-coated, braided nylon cords around cable bundles.

2. The tooth of the original design was made of metal, but it was later changed to plastic. You can still find metal-toothed cable ties these days, which are used for heavier applications. Here&#;s a comprehensive guide to cable ties.

3. In Memphis, Tennessee, the cable tie was patented as the &#;Ty-Rap&#;. It is also called by various names, including zipper tie, zip tie, wire tie, wire wrap, mouse belt, hose tie, and rat belt.

4. If the cable ties will be exposed to sunlight, it&#;s best to choose black ones. This is because the black carbon additive provides (minimum 2%) UV protection to the plastic and extends its service life. Get specialised cable ties here.

5. Most cable ties are made of Nylon®, invented by the American company Dupont in . Nylon® is one of the most widely used synthetic thermoplastics globally for its high strength, high dimensional stability, and high abrasion resistance.

6. The typical cable tie is made up of flexible nylon tape along an integrated gear track. One end has a ratchet within a small case. When you pull the pointed tip through the case and the ratchet, you cannot pull back; you can only pull the loop to make it tighter.

There are eight main types of cable ties:

  • &#; standard cable ties
  • &#; releasable cable ties
  • &#; mounted-head cable ties
  • &#; push-mount cable ties
  • &#; self-adhesive cable ties
  • &#; double-headed cable ties
  • &#; stainless steel cable ties
  • &#; reusable cable ties

7. Cable ties from different manufacturers can vary in tensile strength&#;even if they&#;re of the same size and colour. The tensile strength specifies the maximum weight a tie can sustain. &#;Make sure to check this rating for heavy applications. It would be best if you also avoid cable ties that have been exposed to sunlight.&#;, reminds Shane Perry, Max Funding&#;s business advisor and an avid DIY-er.

6. You can join two cable ties together if one is too short. Just push the tapered end of one tie into the jaw of the other until the teeth are locked. Clip any excess, and you now have a longer tie.

9. Cable ties with metal content are specifically designed for the food and pharmaceutical industry to support quality assurance, e.g., HACCP. The metallic pigment is detectable by standard equipment and helps reduce the risk of contamination. For easy visual detection, these cable ties are usually in blue.

10. More than 45 companies manufacture cable ties worldwide. This means billions of these items are produced each year!

Pricemark is a trusted supplier of a wide range of high-grade cable ties for almost any application. Whether you need standard ones or super heavy-duty straps, we have it all at the best market prices. Free shipping for over $300!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Releasable Zip Ties. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Comments

Please Join Us to post.

0

0/2000

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us.

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)

0/2000