In our latest, comprehensive guide we explore why metal cable ties are the go-to choice for professionals, focusing on their unique qualities and various uses.
Cable ties are essential in a wide range of industries and applications, from organising small wires in the home to securing heavy equipment in industrial settings. While nylon cable ties are commonly used for lighter tasks, metal cable ties offer unmatched strength, durability, and versatility for demanding applications.
What are metal cable ties?
Metal cable ties, also known as stainless steel cable ties, are fasteners designed to bundle, secure, or organise cables, wires, hoses, or other objects. Unlike nylon cable ties, they are made of high-grade metals, most commonly stainless steel or galvanized steel, which gives them superior strength and resistance to environmental factors like heat, chemicals, and moisture. At cableties-online, our metal cable ties are manufactured from top quality, marine grade 316 stainless steel. To understand what this means to you, see What are metal cable ties made from? They are widely used in industries such as construction, marine, oil and gas, automotive, and telecommunications.
Advantages of metal cable ties
Superior strength - one of the most significant benefits of metal cable ties is their exceptional tensile strength. These ties can hold heavy loads and withstand extreme force without breaking. For example, while a typical nylon cable tie has a tensile strength of up to 114kg., stainless steel cable ties can offer tensile strengths up to 160kg. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as securing pipes, cables, or equipment in industrial or outdoor environments.
Durability in harsh conditions - metal cable ties are designed to endure extreme conditions that would damage or degrade their nylon counterparts. Stainless steel ties resist corrosion from chemicals, oils, and saltwater, making them highly durable in marine environments and chemical plants. They also hold up under intense temperatures, with a wide, working temperature range of -80°C to +538°C. Whether exposed to the blazing sun, freezing cold, or aggressive chemicals, metal cable ties remain functional and reliable over time.
Fire and UV resistant – unless you use UV and heat stabilised cable ties, nylon cable ties can be vulnerable to UV degradation and melting in high-heat environments. Metal cable ties are naturally resistant to UV rays and fire, making them an ideal choice for applications where safety is critical, such as in fire suppression systems or outdoor use where prolonged exposure to sunlight occurs.
Versatility of metal cable ties
Thanks to their strength and durability, metal cable ties can be used across many industries and applications. Here are some of the most common:
Industrial and construction - metal cable ties are invaluable in industrial settings, where heavy equipment and large cables need to be securely fastened. They are used in factories, power plants, and refineries to bundle and secure cables, pipes, and even structural components.
Marine and offshore industries - in marine environments, where corrosion is a major concern, stainless steel ties are widely employed to secure wiring, hoses, and other components exposed to saltwater. Their ability to resist rust and degradation in such harsh conditions, makes them a top choice for ships, docks, and offshore oil rigs.
Aerospace and automotive - the automotive and aerospace industries rely on metal cable ties for their lightweight strength and heat resistance. In these industries, where components are often exposed to extreme temperatures, the ties ensure secure attachment without the risk of failure due to melting or degradation.
Fire safety - because metal cable ties can withstand extremely high temperatures, they are used in fire safety applications, such as securing sprinkler systems, fire alarms, or fire-resistant cables in critical infrastructures.
Types of Metal Cable Ties
While all metal cable ties share similar benefits, different types are available to suit different applications:
Coated stainless steel cable ties - these have a protective coating to prevent scratches and to increase the ties' longevity when used on delicate materials. At cableties-online, we supply epoxy resin coated stainless steel cable ties and polyester coated stainless steel cable ties.
Uncoated stainless steel cable ties - preferred for situations requiring maximum tensile strength and fire resistance, our metal cable ties are available in a choice of 9 lengths and two widths.
Metal detectable cable ties – these are nylon cable ties with a metal content running throughout the tie which makes them detectable by standard equipment. They offer many benefits to the food manufacturing industry.
Metal cable ties from cableties-online
By opting for metal cable ties, you invest in reliability, safety, and durability, ensuring that whatever you use them for will be secure and intact for years to come. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with our friendly and experienced sales team via email at sales@cableties-online.co.uk or over the phone on 01623 412160.