Cable tie tensile strength explained

The strength and reliability of cable ties, or zip ties, is reflected in tensile strength. We've written this guide to help you understand cable tie tensile strength so that you can make the right choice for your application.

What does tensile strength mean?

Tensile strength is defined as the maximum stress a material can withstand under tension before it breaks. Depending on the material, this will result in a different yield point and will vary with the strength of a material, its elasticity and how far it is stretched in testing.

Ductile materials, like metals, are measured when they become deformed and no longer return to its original shape. Whereas brittle materials, like plastics, are evaluated when they break.

Cable tie tensile strength, or yield strength, is therefore based on a combination of factors such as the type of material and the dimensions of the zip tie.

What is the tensile strength of a cable tie?

Cable tie tensile strength refers to the maximum amount of force or load that a cable tie can withstand before breaking or failing. Think of it as a measure of the strength and durability of the zip tie when subjected to tensile or pulling forces.

Cable tie tensile strength is typically specified in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg). The value indicates the maximum load that cable ties can withstand without breaking or deforming significantly. Higher tensile strength values indicate stronger and more robust cable ties capable of handling greater loads.

When selecting cable ties for a specific application, consider the anticipated tension or pulling forces that the cable ties may experience. The appropriate cable tie tensile strength ensures that they can securely fasten and support the cables or components without failure.

Common materials that make cable ties, such as nylon or stainless steel, may have varying tensile strength values. The material's tensile strength will differ depending on the type of nylon or grade of stainless steel. Always make sure you have the cable tie tensile strength needed for reliable and secure fastening.

View our range of zip ties

Tensile strength calculation

To derive the tensile strength of cable ties, you can use the following calculation:

Tensile Strength = Maximum Load / Cross Sectional Area

To measure the cross sectional area, you need to multiply the width and thickness of the zip tie.

What is minimum looped tensile strength?

This refers to the minimum load capacity that the looped portion of cable ties should be able to withstand without breaking or deforming significantly.

When using a cable tie, the looped end is inserted through the head or locking mechanism and pulled tight to secure the cables together. The minimum loop tensile strength tells you the strength required for the looped portion to maintain its integrity and securely hold the cables or objects in place. When we talk about cable tie tensile strength, this is what is meant. 

Essentra Components provides the minimum tensile strength value for cables, which helps you select the correct cable tie tensile strength for reliable and secure fastening.

What does a high tensile strength mean?

The higher the tensile strength, the higher the tensile stress the material can take before a rupture.

The ultimate tensile strength is the measure of the maximum stress a material can withstand without failing under tension. It's crucial to help predict how a component will behave with tensile load.

Ultimate strength is measured on a stress-strain curve which plots a material's behaviour in response to increasing loads.

How to Measure Cable Ties

In addition to the minimum tensile strength, accurate measurements will help ensure that the cable ties are suitable for your application and can withstand the necessary loads effectively.

First, it helps to measure the cable tie bundle diameter, which is the diameter of the cable bundle that you plan on securing. This determines the sizes of cable ties that you’ll need. Group the cables or objects you intend to fasten with zip ties into a bundle. Use a flexible measuring tape or a caliper to measure the maximum outer diameter of the bundled cables. Make sure to measure at the widest point of the bundle.

To measure zip ties themselves:

• Length Measurement: Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the distance from the locking head to the tip of the cable tie. This measurement determines the usable length of the cable tie.
• Width Measurement: Some people refer to this as zip tie thickness. Measure the width of the cable tie along the strap part. 

Wire clips, also known as cable clips, might serve your purpose better than cable ties, depending on your application. You can learn more about these components in our Guide to Cable Clips. 

You should also check out our Guide to Cable Twist Ties and watch our video, Types of Cable Ties & Clips.

Measuring tensile strength of different types of zip ties

Pay special attention to the middle column in each cable ties sizes chart below. The cables or components you’re bundling should not exceed that weight. 

Note, more sizes are available, which you can check out by following the links. The examples in each zip tie size chart are to illustrate what you should pay attention to when determining the cable tie tensile strength needed for your application. 

Size: length x width	Minimum loop tensile strength	Maximum cable tie bundle diameter
3.780 in x 0.100 in	18 lbs	0.910 in
5.910 in x 0.140 in	40 lbs	1.480 in
6.300 in x 0.180 in	50 lbs	1.520 in
14.960 in x 0.250 in	100 lbs	4.330 in
8.580 in x 0.300 in	120 lbs	2.010 in
14.960 in x 0.300 in	120 lbs	4.330 in
24.020 in x 0.350 in	175 lbs	7.01 in
9.060 in x 0.500 in	250 lbs	2.480 in

 

Size: length x width	Minimum loop tensile strength	Maximum cable tie bundle diameter
8.094 in x 0.300 in	30 lbs	1.880 in
5.500 in x 0.210 in	40 lbs	1.250 in
6.000 in x 0.190 in	50 lbs	1.500 in
14.570 in x 0.190 in	50 lbs	4.020 in

 

Size: length x width	Minimum loop tensile strength	Maximum cable tie bundle diameter
7.913 in x 0.18 in	100 lbs	2.008 in
39.291 in x 0.18 in	100 lbs	11.969 in
20.512 in x 0.31 in	250 lbs	5.984 in
32.992 in x 0.31 in	250 lbs	10 in
39.291 in x 0.31 in	250 lbs	11.969 in

 

You can find additional information about the different types of cable ties, their different applications, and materials in our Guide to Cable Ties.

Download free CADs and try before you buy

Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen the right product for what you need. 

If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.

Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast dispatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.

Questions?

Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.