Our latest guide tells you everything you need to know about cable tie sizes, types, lengths, and bundle diameters.
Using cable ties is straightforward enough, but choosing the right type and size for your needs can impact on their efficiency, durability, and safety.
Understanding cable tie lengths
Length is one of the first things to consider when choosing cable ties, and at cableties-online, this is given in millimetres. Our standard nylon 6/6 cable ties range in length from 80mm (approx. 3 inches) to 1530mm (approx. 5 feet). The length you need will depend on what you are bundling, how wide the cable ties are, and how many you will be using. The following gives a quick reference:
Short cable ties (80mm–200mm) are ideal for organising domestic cables such as behind a TV, or under a desk in a home-work environment.
Medium ties (250mm–370mm) are the perfect solution for general use in offices, homes, and light trade applications.
Long cable ties (400mm and above) are often used in industrial settings, such as construction. To find out more, read about the applications and benefits of extra long cable ties.
Top tip - select a cable tie longer than the circumference of the bundle you want to secure – it is easier to cut any excess than to make a short tie longer.
Bundle diameter – getting the fit right
The maximum bundle diameter of a cable tie is the widest circumference of a bundle that particular cable tie will be able to fasten securely. For example, a 200mm cable tie might support a bundle diameter of 50mm, depending on its width.
Bundle diameter ranges
• Small ties - 20–50mm
• Medium ties - 50–100mm
• Long/extra-long ties - 100mm and above
Top tip – check that the maximum bundle diameter of your chosen cable tie is bigger than the size of your bundle. If it isn’t, it will not fasten safely and will lead to slippage or snapping.
How important is the width of a cable tie?
While the length of a cable tie determines whether it will be big enough to hold your bundle, its width impacts how strong it will be; this is referred to as the tensile strength of a cable tie, with wider ties being stronger than narrower ones.
For a full list of the tensile strengths of all our cable ties, see What are the strongest cable ties?
As a rough guide, cable ties between 2.5mm and 4.8mm wide are suitable for light, indoor use, while cable ties 7.6mm or wider are heavy-duty ties capable under demanding conditions.
Top tip - wider cable ties offer better grip and durability but may be overkill for delicate jobs. Make sure the width of your cable tie is suitable for the job in hand for both safety and economic reasons.
Types of cable ties available
At cableties-online, we offer a huge range of cable ties in various materials and styles, each suited to specific environments or tasks. The following is a selection of our most popular types:
Nylon 6/6 cable ties – nylon cable ties are the most common type, ideal for everyday indoor use. These are available in 15 colours, including a choice of fluorescent colours.
UV & heat stabilised cable ties – UV and heat stabilised cable ties are black nylon ties made with UV stabilisers for outdoor use, making them indispensable for garden projects.
Stainless steel cable ties – the perfect solution for high-temperature or corrosive environments (think marine or industrial applications), metal cable ties are not only strong but also fire-resistant.
Releasable cable ties – releasable cable ties are perfect for temporary installations or areas where reconfiguration is needed, as they feature a release tab which allows them to be reused.
Marker cable ties – featuring an integral labelling tab, marker cable ties can be used to identify different cable groups.
Choosing the right size cable tie
When selecting a cable tie, follow these steps:
• Measure the diameter of the bundle you want to secure, to determine the length and width of cable tie needed.
• Always choose a cable tie longer than the bundle diameter - adding a safety margin will make fastening the tie easier.
• Think about where the cable ties will be - indoors, outdoors, in high temperature, or exposed to chemicals?
• Choose the type (standard, UV-resistant, stainless steel, etc.) accordingly.
For example, a bundle of 40mm cables behind a media centre will need 200mm x 4.8mm black nylon UV-resistant tie, giving both strength and discretion.
Cable ties from cableties-online
Whether you're tidying cables in a server room, wiring a home studio, or bundling conduits on a construction site, we have the right cable tie solution for you! Using the correct size and type of cable tie ensures a safe, durable, and professional finish, and a little planning goes a long way in helping you pick the correct tie for your project.
To find out more, or for any help or advice, email the team at sales@cableties-online.co.uk or give us a call on 01623 412160.
