When you think of cable ties, it can be easy to lump them all into the same category, because they just appear like a bunch of looping, self-locking small plastic strips.

It turns out though that choosing the right cable tie can make quite a difference. These differences are based on materials, sizes, construction and temperature rating, with a wide variety of features which allow them to be specialized for different situations.

To help you choose just the right cable tie for your application, CableOrganizer.com has a few suggestions to keep in mind when making your affordable cable management choices:

 

THE CABLE TIE'S CONSTRUCTION

 

One-piece or two-piece? Cable ties with one-piece construction are exactly as they sound: each tie - including its locking mechanism - is a single unit, molded of one material. One-piece cable ties - like the Nylon 6/6 general-purpose type - are typically lower in cost and good for applications around the home or office. Two-piece cable ties are higher performance, because of the smooth stainless-steel locking mechanism incorporated into the head of each tie. These special locking mechanisms allow two-piece ties - like Ty-Rap® Spec Grade Cable Ties from ABB (formerly the Thomas & Betts brand) - to be smoothly adjusted for exactly the right fit around a bundle of cables, which creates less risk of over-tightening. Although they usually cost a little more, two-piece cable ties have added benefits of a smooth profile and breakage resistance.

THE CABLE TIE'S LENGTH

 

 

Cable ties are available in lengths ranging from four to 52 inches. Even though the chances are pretty good that you'll be opting for something less than a foot in size, be sure to measure the diameter of the cable bundle you'll be tying. Since cable ties get trimmed after installation, it's not a big deal if you buy them in a longer length. You don't want to discover at the last minute your cable ties are too short to do the job. If you think you'll need a variety of lengths, CableOrganizer.com carries both small and large Cable Tie Kits, each containing nylon ties in assorted sizes.

 

THE CABLE TIE'S MATERIAL

 

 

Cable ties are available in a wide range of materials, each with its own specific properties. Nylon ties are the most common and varieties like the Pan-Ty cable ties from Panduit® can offer good resistance to weather and ultraviolet rays in lower-temperature environments. For applications in harsher environments that require extra durability in the face of heat, chemicals and other corrosive elements, consider stainless-steel cable ties, like those from HellermannTyton®.

 

THE CABLE TIE'S FEATURES

 

 

Will a standard-design cable tie meet your needs or does your cable-tying application call for an added "something?" Generally speaking, most ties lock permanently, but if you're looking for a cable-tying solution that can be undone without cutting, CableOrganizer.com offers several types of releasable cable ties. For applications that require bundled cables to be mounted onto surfaces, there are mounted head cable ties, its heads equipped with holes to accommodate screws or other hardware. Cable ties can also come in all colors of the rainbow, a very useful feature if you're trying to color code your cables or would just like to coordinate your ties with your equipment and décor.