Why Tensile Strength Matters When Seeking the Strongest Zip Ties

When you need high strength zip ties to hold a particular object or heavy wiring bundle, the most important factor to consider is tensile strength.

What is Zip Tie Tensile Strength?

Zip tie tensile strength is the amount of weight a zip tie can hold safely without breaking. For example, a single zip tie with a tensile strength of 120 lbs. will break if it is used to hold something weighing over 120 pounds.

Zip tie tensile strength is particularly important when fastening heavy objects, such as when using the tie to secure something to a wall or ceiling or on or within a vehicle. If you exceed a cable tie’s tensile strength, then the chances of an item falling from where it has been secured are high. Strong zip ties are most commonly used for bundling and suspending heavy weight.

Are you working on a heavy-weight job at the moment? Share some project details and we can recommend the right zip tie for you. The most reliable tensile strenghts are tested and approved by IEC 62275.

The Most Common Zip Tie Tensile Strengths.

There is a high tensile zip tie or combination of zip ties that will work for almost every job. The most common zip ties and their respective tensile strengths are:

How to Calculate the Number of Zip Ties you Need to Safely Hold a Certain Weight

The recommended tensile strength indicates the maximum weight one tie can safely hold. When it comes to heavy items, you can distribute the weight of the object you need to secure across several zip ties. Ordering zip ties in bulk can help you achieve this easily and cost-effectively – contact our sales team to get a bulk quote!

For example, if you have heavy duty zip ties with a tensile strength of 250 lbs. each and you are routing a heavy line that weighs 1,000 lbs. that needs to be attached to a pipe, the minimum number of zip ties you would need is four (1,000 lbs. divided by 250 lbs. = 4). In order to lighten out the load a little bit and ensure that the high strength zip ties you are using are not at their maximum capacity, you could use five or six. When attaching the zip ties, you’ll need to space them so that each one holds no more than 250 lbs.

When planning out a job that utilizes strong zip ties, be sure to do the math needed to ensure you have the right type and number of tensile strength zip ties for maximum safety.

Nelco Products carries a wide variety of cable ties including ski lift, electrical, HVAC, restaurant, and manufacturing with varying tensile strengths. If you need a specialty cable tie with a specific tensile strength, we more than likely have it. Simply contact us or view our selection.

About the Author

Charlie Nelson

Charlie Nelson is the owner and founder of Nelco Cable Tie Products, which opened its doors nearly 35 years ago. Today, Nelco is one of the largest cable tie and wiring accessory companies in the country, with locations across the United States servicing customers such as NASA, 3M, Boeing, and more.