While cables are indispensable when it comes to hooking up gear, they can also create unsafe situations and form a trip hazard. Tying knots in your cables is never a good idea either since the knots will only increase the risk of cable breakage. As such, tying knots in your cables in order to secure them is a definitive no-go. Good thing there's a better solution: cable binders.
From Hook-and-Loop Fasteners to Tie-Wraps, Reusable Cable Ties, Spiral Wraps and More
Cable binders are available in various lengths, widths and colours. Besides good-old tie-wraps, there are spiral cable wraps available in all sizes and colours, including fluorescent finishes that can help you locate your cables in the dark. In most cases, these wraps will also feature a writeable label so you can name the cables you're tying up. Another endlessly useful and durable option is the T-fix strap: a strong rubber strap fitted with a T or anchor-shaped hook. For more cable management gear, check out our range of Cable Bridges & Cable Mats and Gaffer Tape .
What's a Zip-Tie?
A zip-tie or tie-wrap is a little plastic fastener that can be used to hold all kinds of items together, including cables. Zip ties are made of a narrow, flexible nylon strip that's ribbed on one side and features a ratchet mechanism on one end that you can pull the other free end through in order to tighten the tie-wrap. Once tied, there's no way back since the 'teeth' of the ribbed side ensure you can only tighten the tie-wrap more. To remove a tie-wrap, you'll need a pair of scissors.
The First Tie-Wrap
The inventor of the original tie-wrap was an employee at an American electrical company who, after noticing how the mass of cables inside aeroplanes caused a messy and unsafe situation, came up with a practical solution: the Ty-Rap. Ever since, the use of tie-wraps has only become more common. From small repairs around the house and serving as locks to securing bike and car parts, cable ties can be used for thousands of things.
Ty-Rap, Zip-Tie, Cable Binder, Hose Tie or Tie-Wrap?
The official name, 'Ty-Rap' was patented in 1962. While most zip-ties are made for single-use only, some models feature a reusable design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cable Binders
Ty-Raps or tie-wraps?
That's up to you. Ty-Rap is the original, patented name, but you may also call them zip-ties, cable ties or tie-wraps.
The traditional tie-wrap is a flexible nylon strip that's ribbed on one side and features a ratchet mechanism on one end that you can pull the other free end through in order to tighten the tie-wrap. Once tied, there's no way back since the 'teeth' of the ribbed side ensure you can only tighten the tie-wrap more. To remove a tie-wrap, you'll need a pair of scissors.
