Cable ties are, normally, a product that you use only once: a typical one way product. For example, you bundle a number of cables with a cable tie (also called a zip tie) and when you want to seperate the bundle, you cut the cable tie and throw it away. There is, however, a environmentally friendly alternative: releasable cable ties. But how do releasable cable ties work? Are they just as strong as cable ties for universal use? Read it here!
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Types of releasable cable ties
Releasable cable ties are available in two types, or: with two types of closing mechanisms. The type of closure depends on the width of the cable tie. Releasable cable ties with a width of 3,6 mm or 4,8 mm have a closing mechanism, with which the cable tie can be released, located on top of the head of the cable tie. Releasable cable ties with a width of 7,6 mm can be released using the closing mechanism below the head of the cable tie. See figure 1 for both closing mechanisms.
Figure 1
Releasable cable ties are, for the biggest part, used in the same way as cable ties for universal use, with one big difference: after applying the cable tie, you do not cut off the end of the cable tie that 'sticks out'. If you were to do so, you cannot use the releasable cable tie for other applications later on.
Do you want to release the cable tie? Then you the closing mechanism on top of the head of the cable tie (when using a releasable cable tie with a width up to 4,8 mm) or push the closing mechanism (when using a releasable cable tie with a width of up to 7,6 mm). You can then easily pull the end of the cable tie through the head of the cable tie.
Releasable cable ties versus cable ties for universal use ' the advantages and the disadvantages
Releasable cable ties offer a good, environmentally friendly alternative for cable ties for universal use, which can only be used once. Why would we then not always use releasable cable ties? There are a number of reasons.
It is important to mention that releasable cable ties have a tensile strength comparable to that of cable ties for universal use. They are both made of the same material (polyamide 6.6) and the locking barb (the plastic part of the head of the cable tie that 'locks' the cable tie) is strong enough to endure a tensile strength of up to 22,2 kilograms. Releasable cable ties are therefore not inferior to regular cable ties. Only regular cable ties with a width of 7,6 mm or larger have a higher tensile strength than releasable cable ties, with a maximal tensile strength of 114 kilograms.
Then where is the difference, you might ask. There are two main differences that are important: the difference in price, and the way in which cable ties are normally used. Releasable cable ties are more expensive than regular cable ties. For a packing unit of 100 releasable cable ties, in the color 'natural' and with a width of 3,6 mm and a length of 140 mm, you pay around ' 2,61 excl. VAT. For a packing unit of 100 regular cable ties with the same specifications, you pay around ' 1,42 excl. VAT.
The other reason why regular cable ties are often preferred over releasable cable ties, is the way in which cable ties are used. For a lot of applications, re-using a cable tie is not needed. When a cable tie is, for example, used in a car or an airplane, the cable tie will never be cut or released. In the rare case where the cable tie is replaced, it is incidental: the use of regular cable ties is then still more cost friendly.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of applications where releasable cable ties are a lot more suited than regular cable ties: one can think of offices, mounting banners or bundling cables in environments where the bundle is likely to be changed later on.
Would you like to know more about our range of releasable cable ties? View our full assortment here!
Want more information on Releasable Zip Ties? Feel free to contact us.
Reusable cable ties are not the same as regular cable ties. While these tools are similar, reusable zip ties are much more versatile and sustainable, as they can be reused many times. Several different types of reusable ties can be used in a variety of applications depending on their construction, making any type of wire or product management easy. These heavy-duty cable ties are made to be tough and flexible so they can be used again and again without breaking.
Releasable Cable Ties
Releasable cable ties are a great solution for home or office use, as they can be used and reused over and over to bundle household wires, computer cables, and more.
Any time you want to rearrange or relocate electronics, releasable cable ties can be removed from a bundle and then reapplied after relocation. The product specs for releasable cable ties are:
Beaded Cable Ties
Beaded ties are another versatile reusable zip tie option. They are available in more colors and materials, making them more versatile for use in harsher environmental conditions.
The simple beading and keyhole locking system makes these reusable ties a simple and easy to use option on many job sites. The tech specs of beaded zip ties are:
Velcro Hook® & Loop Ties
We all know easy and reliable Velcro is, and now it's available on zip ties. Velcro® reusable zip ties are perfect for situations with somewhat fragile wiring insulation bundles and in instances where they will be reused often.
The hook and loop system makes them very flexible and easy to use. The Velcro ties come in a continuous roll, so you'll always have them on hand. The tech specs of Velcro hook and look reusable ties are:
Many reusable zip ties use a trigger release, while some of them use pawl release. The trigger release mechanism holds everything together tightly but only releases with a human touch. A finger-catch mechanism at the locking end is designed to be undone fast so that it does not interfere with fast-paced jobs.
The pawl release button is part of the head ratchet and all you have to do is press the pawl handle down and that will release the ratchet from the tie, and you can easily pull the tail out.
Another form of reusable cable tie uses a self-adhesive for simple and light-weight use. Larger quantities of wires or cables will need to use a stronger cable tie to hold them all in place.
The biggest strength of the reusable cable ties is their flexibility and ability to maintain shape. The sheer strength of the ties allows for several uses with wire or cable bundling. Many electrical positions will also use the releasable ties for electronic applications because once tied, the releasable cable will maintain its shape. Most of the releasable ties are black, so they don't hinder product displays, but many other color ties are available.
If you have any questions about reusable cable ties or would like to get a quote for a bulk order of reusable ties, please contact our sales team.
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