Metal cable ties are the strongest cable ties on the market offering unparalleled strength. But what are they made from and who uses them?
What is a metal cable tie?
Metal cable ties are manufactured from stainless steel and are the strongest and most durable of cable ties in today’s market.
What are metal cable ties made from?
As above, metal cable ties are stainless steel but there are different grades of stainless steel and which one is used for the cable ties will impact its properties.
304 stainless steel cable ties
The majority of metal cable ties are made from 304 stainless steel, which contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel
316 stainless steel cable ties
At cableties-online, all our metal cable ties are made from 316 stainless steel, which is marine-grade quality. Unlike 304 stainless steel, this contains 2% molybdenum, which renders the ties resistant to chlorine corrosion, makes them even more heat resistant and gives resistance to pitting.
The features of 316 stainless steel cable ties from cableties-online
- High melting point
- Minimum loop tensile strength of 89kg (4.6mm width ties), and 160kg (7.9mm width ties)
- Broad working temperature range of -80°C to +538°C
- Perfect for outdoor applications as will not degrade with prolonged UV exposure
- Non moisture-absorbent, making them corrosion resistant
- Do not emit gases or particles
- Comply with the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS7671)
- Fire resistant
- Do not perish over time
- Will not dry out
How do stainless steel cable ties work?
At cableties-online, our stainless steel cable ties employ a unique roller ball self-locking system. Unlike nylon cable ties which feature a ridged side and a locking barb, stainless steel cable ties have two smooth sides, and the end of the tie is fed through a roller ball locking mechanism which secures the tie in place. Self-locking stainless steel cable ties cannot be loosened and are tamper-resistant and impervious to vibrations.
Industrial applications for stainless steel cable ties
Stainless steel cable ties are indispensable in any situation requiring safe and secure containment of pipes, wires and cabling. They are ideal for prolonged outdoor use and for use with chemicals. More specifically they can be used in the following industries:
Manufacturing – ideal for securing vulnerable items in transit that could succumb to vibration damage.
Mining, construction and offshore drilling – perfect under the extreme conditions prevalent in these industries.
Heating and ventilation – as they emit no gases or particles, they are safe to use in air handling systems and HVAC systems.
Scaffolding industry – since 2015, the HSE has allowed the interim use of stainless steel cable ties to secure the mesh panel on scaffolding loading bay gates, deeming them strong and durable enough to be efficient. Guidelines state that this should be “one cable tie per 300mm. Unless the gate manufacturer/supplier allows a lighter duty cable tie, ties rated at minimum 75kg loop tensile strength should be used.”
Metal cable ties from cableties-online.co.uk
Our 316 stainless steel metal cable ties are available in two widths and in lengths up to 1000mm. We also stock epoxy resin coated stainless steel cable ties, polyester coated stainless steel cable ties and metal detectable cable ties. These are nylon ties containing an even metal content throughout their length which is detectable by X ray equipment and metal detectors, making them indispensable in the food manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries where product contamination must be avoided.
For more information about any of our products please email us at sales@cableties-online.co.uk or call our sales team on 01623 412160
