Ratchet Tie

Ratchet Tie

What is a Cable Tie?

A cable tie, available in different colours and textures is a sort of a snap that is used for the purpose of fastening several assortments of cable or wires together. It has both commercial and military uses. Moreover, it has many colloquial terms such as, 'rat belt', 'quick draw', 'mouse belt', 'tie wrap'.

Cable ties have a tough nylon strip with a cog included and the other end having a ratchet with a small case for tying up together. The pointed tip of the cable is used to pull through this open case for fastening things together, be it a bundle of wires or any other thing meant to be tied securely. In other words, it helps keep them organized into a cable tree. However, once the cable tie goes past the ratchet, the resultant loop can only be made tighter and cannot be pulled in the reverse direction.

Furthermore, a cable tie tensioning device is also useful to achieve a particular extent of tension while tying things up and it also cuts off any extra tail to keep away from injuries as a result of any sharp edge left behind.

It is also used as an improvised handcuff in places like USA, UK and Panama. These, specifically made for the prisoners are also known as 'plasticuffs' which are made keeping the cable tie design in focus. One of its other uses is to avoid wheel trims termed as 'hubcaps' from falling off vehicles while in journey. Therefore, various designs and sizes of cable ties are available according to different uses these days.

Since sunlight carries ultra violet rays, it usually ruins light and transparent nylon colours, therefore, black cable ties are becoming very useful for outdoor applications and have been the most preferred too. Similarly, red cable ties are used for plenum cabling and they are made of 'halar' (ECTFE), whereas, the blue ones made of 'tefzel' (ETFE) are used in environments which are rich in radiation.

These days it is common practice that manufacturers of electronic goods maintain a standard of including some essential cable ties in their delivered products. This not only makes the product organized but helps in reaching the customer safe and sound.

The concept of cable ties has gone far beyond the orthodox thinking. They are not only limited to nylon but are available in many varieties such as stainless steel cable ties, non releasable nylon cable ties, millipede cable ties etcetera. Moreover, the internet paves way for further knowledge and use of cable ties that are now available easily. Many websites have eased out online purchase of cable ties and the industry has expanded so much that information seekers can now be a phone call away from knowing about the various stocks of cable ties available in their cities and states. This category has a vast market of its own and usually caters to manufacturers and wholesalers dealing in the sale and distribution of their units. Other than this, it has a diverse range of uses.

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how do ratchet tie downs work, how are they threaded?

there's a slot in the middle, thread it through, and then pull it back out the side that you slid it through. It's hard to explain, but its very simple to physically show you how.

Keeper Ratchet Tie Down Video / Epinions.com: "nonedude"