If you want to use cable ties (also called cable tie fasteners) for organizing wires in your electrical systems or networks, it is beneficial to have adequate information about different types of cable ties such as stainless steel cable ties, nylon cable ties, releasable cable ties and plastic cable ties. Additionally, you must have other relevant information, such as cable tie fastening methods and cable tie tools you will need to fasten the cable ties.

If you want to be a cable fasteners supplier, you will need to have up-to-date information on the new products and technical standards in the industrial fasteners business.

You can acquire information about cable tie fasteners by:

1. Reading through basics about industrial cable fasteners and relevant products, such as a cable tie tool and its accessories
2. Searching magazines and journals that provide information about cable tie fasteners
3. Joining associations for cable manufacturing companies that also provide information about cable ties
4. Understanding technical standards related to industrial cable ties

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the basics of cable ties

If you want to use cable ties, it is beneficial to know the different types of cable ties and their appropriate applications. If you want to use a velcro cable tie or plastic cable tie, you must know its advantages and disadvantages.

I recommend: CableOrganizer.com, a knowledge database about cable and relevant products, can help you select the most appropriate cable ties for you application. Cable Ties Express, an online retailer for cable accessories and wiring products, offers information about various cable ties, such as stainless steel cable ties and releasable cable ties. You can also read through information about different cable ties at BuyHeatShrink.com, another supplier of cable ties and cable tie tools.

Join associations that provide information on cable ties

You can join associations for companies that manufacture cables and relevant products, such as cable fasteners. You can also search websites that provide information about cable ties suppliers and new products.

I recommend: Cable tie manufacturing members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provide information about developments about relevant technical standards. The Wire Association International, Inc. is an association for the wire and cable industry professionals. You can also join International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) that hosts an online forum and publishes an online magazine about various electrical products including cable ties.

Keep up-to-date on information about standards for cable ties

Understanding technical standards is very important aspect of the cable tie fasteners business. You can buy relevant technical standards from the organizations that establish or publish these standards.

I recommend: At Underwriters Laboratories, you can understand the scope of standards related to cable positioning devices, including cable ties. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is another global organization that publishes technical standards for various products, including cable ties.

Although cable ties first got their start as a method of organizing wires in electrical applications, their uses today are many. Cable ties now come in an assortment of sizes, styles and colors for a diverse range of applications. They can be made of plastic, nylon, stainless steel and even Velcro. They can be tiny and they can be huge. They can be tightened with a cable tie tool and some are now even releasable.

Here are some things to consider before purchasing a supply of industrial cable tie fasteners:

1. What you will use the cable fasteners for

2. Whether the cable ties will need to hold weight, be mounted or be releasable

3. The conditions your cable ties will need to withstand

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine how you will use the cable ties

Are you going for a traditional use such as holding wires together, or does your need call for a special type of cable tie? No matter your need, there's a cable tie fastener out there to fill it.

I recommend: BuyHeatShrink.com, with everything from traditional nylon cable ties to a large selection of specialty ties and tools, is a great place to explore your cable tie options. If your need is for computer and networking-related applications, CDW has just what you're looking for.

Consider whether your industrial cable ties will need to serve double duty

Some factors to consider are whether your cable tie fasteners will need to be releasable or reusable, whether they'll be mounted, whether they'll need ID tags and whether they'll be used to hold weight.

I recommend: CableOrganizer.com has a nice selection of releasable cable ties. Find your screw-mount cable ties at Central Cable Ties. Need to ID your tags? Check out HappyTerminals.com. Head over to Cable Ties Express for any cable tie tool or accessory you need to get your cable tie job done right the first time.

Know the environment and conditions to which your cable ties will be exposed

Industrial cable tie applications often call for cable ties that can withstand extreme conditions or exposure to harsh chemicals. Knowing your environment is paramount to selecting the right cable ties.

I recommend: The stainless steel cable ties at Buy Cable Ties are great for use in harsh environments. Zip-Ty has an assortment of industrial cable ties made to be used in HVAC applications. Cable ties made for outdoor use are available at ULINE. And if your cable fasteners will be exposed to radiation, chemicals or other harsh conditions, be sure to check out the Tefzel cable ties at ACT Fastening Solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even if you don't have a specific need right now, it's always a good idea to keep a supply of general-purpose cable ties on hand. You might be amazed at the uses you'll find for a plastic cable tie.
• •  Use colored cable ties for coding, identification, packaging continuity and bundling aesthetics.