Cable tie
![]() |
A cable tie is a long, thin strap made from nylon or stainless steel, which can be pulled into a loop and tightened to hold together cables, wires and other objects. It is a very simple design that is extremely effective, easy to use and very versatile.
Available in a wide range of lengths and thicknesses, cable ties usually have a pointed end which – once the tie is wrapped wound the items to be tied together – inserts into a gate at the other end. When pulled through the gate by the desired amount, the gate teeth lock into the serrations on the tape allowing numerous tightening positions.
Typical lengths for cable ties include:
- 110mm x 2.5mm
- 185mm x 4.8mm
- 300mm x 4.8mm
- 370mm x 7.6mm
Other lengths and widths are available according to the manufacturer.
Cable ties can be used for a myriad of tying applications which include:
- Securing car hose pipes.
- Keeping wires secured unobtrusively to steelwork.
- A host of gardening applications.
Cable ties can generally be released by cutting the strap, but pushing a release button (on some varieties) or inserting a tool such as a screwdriver between the teeth and the gate.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- Clamp.
- Construction equipment.
- Construction tools.
- Cramp.
- Crimp.
- Fixings.
- Fixtures.
- Ground anchor.
- Industrial fasteners market.
- Rivet.
- Soil nailing.
- Staples.
- Strap.
- The history of nails.
- Timber.
- Types of bolts.
- Types of fixings.
- Types of nails.
- Types of nuts.
- Types of screws.
- Types of washer.
- Welding.
Featured articles and news
The current and future global market dynamics of boilers
Significant challenges but adaptation to sustain for longer.
Designing sustainability and performance into buildings
Specifying and selecting sustainable resilient timber products.
Modifying wood to improve resistance to decay and movement.
A last minute, long look for built environment professionals.
The architecture of creative reuse. Book review.
Installing solar panels on listed structures.
Sustainable development global goals, history in progress?
"Unless we act now, the 2030 Agenda will become an epitaph for a world that might have been."
Mike Kagioglou FCIOB named CIOB President
'Sustainable Development Goals must be focus for construction'
BSRIA training; a look at what's on offer
From energy management to compliance training.
TESP video warns to beware of rogue trainers.
Highlighting the slippery tactics of non-approved providers.
New Building Safety Wiki launched
Boosting awareness and understanding of the new fire safety regime.
New playbook on AI in construction published by CIOB
How to get to grips with, and the best from AI.
Digital Construction Report NBS
BIM, cloud, off-site, immersive tech, AI, twins and sustainability.