Many people worldwide are making conscientious strides to conserve resources. To do so, they are giving certain items a second life. One-time-use cable ties are one of those products some individuals have been attempting to preserve.
The topic of undoing these cable ties after they have been applied has gone viral on social media platforms because of influencers’ video tutorials. Those who try it typically place pressure on the cable tie’s locking mechanism with items like a pen or flathead screwdriver.
Though this may seem like a helpful and resourceful tip — and these influencers have successfully opened the cable ties in their videos — many who have tried this have failed at recycling their cable ties. There are several reasons for this. For example, the techniques demonstrated may work for the specific cable tie type an influencer is using, but may not on a viewer’s cable tie, because it is constructed differently. Pushing down on a zip tie tab and using it more than once may also weaken it structurally, damage it, and make it more difficult to use in the future. The practice overall can additionally create safety concerns, with bound objects not as secure as they would have been with a brand new cable tie.
While reusing disposable cable ties may seem like a benevolent act to do for the planet, since this type of zip tie is designed for single use, there is often no justification to attempt to reuse one. Standard nylon cable ties are designed for more permanent applications, where it is known the cable ties will not likely be removed from their wire harnesses.
People should not be discouraged from reusing cable ties, because they still can…but in a different way. There are types that can absolutely be removed and reapplied repeatedly, which is helpful where wire harnesses may require frequent modifications. This kind is known as a releasable cable tie.
These reusable cable ties are adaptable and eco-friendly. You may find them useful within home organization, electronics, automotive, aerospace, and similar applications where wire harness readjustments are common. Unlike single-use cable ties, which have a more permanent locking mechanism, adjustable cable ties have ratcheted features that allow them to be readjusted without damage to the cable tie or item being cinched. Releasable cable ties can conform to harnesses and connectors of different shapes and widths because they can be easily modified to work in various applications.
You will find a generous array of these specialized zip ties at CableOrganizer®. A commonality they share with traditional cable ties is they are durable. Adjustable cable ties are crafted of nylon, high-strength plastics, and other materials, to endure constant reuse. They can remain securely fastened with just the right amount of tension —and removed if needed.
Among them are:
SMART BAND® NYLON CABLE LASHING TIES
This lashing tie is lightweight but able to hold 386 pounds of tensile strength. It can just as easily be undone for use it in another location, or to modify wires secured in the Smart Band®.
HELLERMANNTYTON® SR255 HEAVY DUTY SUB-RELEASABLE CABLE TIE
These heavy duty cable ties are designed to maintain low insertion force and high tensile strength. This releasable cable tie can be quickly undone, offering more flexibility, and vibration resistance. It is additionally capable of sustaining high impact, heat, and UV exposure.
ESSENTRA COMPONENTS BEADED CABLE TIES
These cable ties are beaded in construction for a secure fit, and easy removal. This style prevents the overtightening of cables. A beaded cable tie comes in multiple colors, making it ideal for color coding. Its generous package quantity of 1,000 cable ties is suitable for large-scale applications in locations like data centers.
HELLERMANNTYTON® SPEEDYTIE™ RELEASABLE CABLE TIES
This is another heavy duty lashing cable for construction, logistics, transportation, and similar settings. The HellermanTyton SpeedyTie™ stays secure with a clicking closure that can be shut or released with one hand. It comes in black or high visibility yellow.
ACT REUSABLE CABLE ZIP TIES
A common misconception about reusable cable ties is they are more expensive than single-use ones. While this may be true for some products, the ACT Reusable Cable Tie is comparable in cost to a 100-pack of standard cable ties. It works like a regular zip tie in how it wraps around cable bundles. Its tab is pressed and then the tie pushed back through the loop to remove it.
HELLERMANNTYTON® STAINLESS STEEL CABLE TIES
This product has the appearance of a traditional cable tie but is made of stainless steel to survive in the harshest environments. The MLT-C variety can be reopened and reused.
MILLEPEDE™ MILLE-TIES™
This special cable tie is not only reusable, it eliminates cable tie waste, making it another earth-friendly cable tie alternative. It comes with a pointed tip and a looped design that provides an “intelligent grip” and no-crush technology. Millepede™ Mille-Ties™ adjust to the right tension around cables, thanks to the soft polymer construction free of sharp edging. Each 12-inch Millepede™ Mille-Ties™ can be repurposed into several ties, simply by trimming off the excess and creating new ties with the remainder.
HELLERMANNTYTON® RELEASABLE CABLE TIE WITH FIR TREE MOUNT
Another HellermannTyton® innovation, the fir tree mount can be adjusted as needed and is useful for pre-drilled holes, as well as openings in various materials, including wooden surfaces, sheet metal, and plastic panels. It is helpful in automotive wiring harnesses, appliances, marine applications, HVAC systems, solar panels, telecommunications, renewable energy, industrial machinery, electrical panels, and similar places.
PANDUIT® STA-STRAP® RELEASABLE MARKER TIES
This product combines a cable tie with a cable flag. It comes in a releasable design that can secure and identify cables. These can be loosened for modifications to cable bundles in places like a home theater system or network.
There are other examples of reusable zip ties, that have an appearance different than standard cable ties:
WRAP N STRAP® CORD ORGANIZERS
These flexible rubber straps are another readjustable option. Simply wrap one around the wire bundle and secure it with the plastic lock. This product is made of a weather and UV resistant material, simple to apply, suitable for color coding, and available in several lengths. The Wrap N Strap® Cord Organizers come in packs tailored for specific applications, from general use, to music, to crafts, to electronics, and more.
PERFORATED RIPWRAP™
This reusable hook and loop wrap is safe enough for use on fiber optic cables. It provides a quick installation without tools and with a hook and loop construction. It comes in several colors, making it useful for color coding. The perforated roll eliminates waste because it dispenses the right amount to bundle wires.
THE UNIVERSAL CABLE TIE
This product is a standard, releasable cable tie that can hang to surfaces with screws. It is suitable for heavy duty applications.
RICHCO CABLE CLIPS
These curled tabs wrap around cable bundles like a cable tie but can be twisted into place. Richco Cable Clips can then be untwisted for modifications to a wire harness.
PANDUIT® TAK-TY® HOOK AND LOOP CABLE TIES
This is another reusable and readjustable product to secure high-performance cables. It comes in an array of colors for color coding, and even in plenum-rated varieties.
Shop at CableOrganizer® for more reusable cable ties, wraps, clips, clamps, and hook-and-loop wraps and fasteners.
