What Are the Pros and Cons of Releasable Cable Ties?

Many cable ties are meant to live just one life. They cannot be used more than once, and if they need to be removed from the wire bundle where they are attached, they must be cut off. Releasable or reusable cable ties, on the other hand, can be used repeatedly — some styles even hundreds of times. Both cable tie types can be readily found in the Techflex? tools and accessories category. And like everything else in life, there are advantages and disadvantages that exist with releasable cable ties, several of each outlined below.

The “Pros” When Using Releasable Cable Ties?

They Are Reusable

This cable tie style does exactly as it states — it can be reused. While traditional nylon zip ties are long-lasting, they are not designed for reapplication. Though releasable cable ties are durable, they are made to come undone. There are different reusable types available at Techflex?, and they include: beaded cable ties, VELCRO? Brand ONE-WRAP? Fasteners, and VELCRO? Brand One-Wrap? Tape.? Beaded cable ties have small beads along their length that make them both adjustable and convenient for numerous cable bundle sizes, particularly if wires need to be removed for maintenance. The VELCRO? Brand ONE-WRAP? Fasteners provide a gentle, yet steady hold on bundles. They come in several lengths, with their hook and loop material offering a very flexible, temporary form of cable management. They can be reused hundreds of times, and are available in numerous colors, which can serve for identification purposes. There are also two colors in the “FR” style, an acronym for “Flame Retardant.” These are flame rated and designed for plenum applications. There is additionally the VELCRO? Brand One-Wrap? Tape in roll form, that can be scissor cut and customized. ??

These Can Offer Environmental Benefits

Since an adjustable cable tie is made for reuse, a new one is not needed every time it is undone. This lessens the manufacturing burden and promotes sustainability. With repeated reuse, this type of tie is kinder to the environment as well, because there is a much lower rate of disposal than with standard zip ties.

They Can Be Cost-Effective

In the long run, their renewability can turn reusable cable ties into money savers. But their frequency of use (how often zip ties are accessed, removed, and put back into place) will determine their cost savings.?

They Are Often More Pliable

Reusable cable ties tend to be more flexible. The beaded cable tie, for example, is made to adjust to smaller or larger bundles. Both the VELCRO? Brand ONE-WRAP? Fastener and VELCRO? Brand One-Wrap? Tape are made of very bendable hook and loop material. While the ?fastener style has several finite lengths, the tape can be tailored to fit.

They Are Known for a Rapid Application

Whether choosing a beaded or hook and loop cable tie, the reusable or releasable cable ties attach quickly to bundles. These ties can be removed just as effortlessly, with the hook and loop kind simple to disassemble, even with one hand. ???

This Style Offers a Looser Hold

While a reusable cable tie still offers a firm hold around wire harnesses, it is gentle enough to stay in place without overtightening. When a zip tie is too snug, it can potentially cut into and damage a cable jacket. A releasable cable tie can loosen easily or be remove entirely, versus a standard cable tie.

They Can Have Multiple Uses

This cable tie variety can be used in various organizational projects around a home, workplace, garage, or even in the yard. It is often simpler to apply reusable cable ties instead of nylon zip ties, for projects beyond wire management. A hook and loop style, like the VELCRO? Brand ONE-WRAP? Fastener or VELCRO? Brand One-Wrap? Tape, can adjust effortlessly for different applications, such as bundling a garden hose, or staking tomato plants. Beaded cable ties can help clean cable clutter in places ranging from computer workstations, to garages or workshops.?

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The “Cons” When Using Releasable Cable Ties

Their Strength is Typically Restricted

The tensile strength — the maximum stress a cable tie can withstand before deforming or snapping -— tends to decrease in a releasable cable tie. This style is not intended for applications requiring an extremely powerful or permanent hold. For more intense jobs, it is better to opt for zip ties where the exact tensile strength is established. The manufacturer has tested them within a controlled environment, determining the force a cable tie can endure.??

These Can Be Less Durable

Since a reusable zip tie is not recognized for brawn, after repeated use, the effectiveness and lifespan of this type can be reduced.

They Tend to Be Less Streamlined

While some cable ties sit flush against wire harnesses, reusable types may have features that can be easily undone. The multiple beads along the length of a beaded cable tie, for example, create several cable tie sizes. While convenient, these beads might prevent this tie from being utilized in more compact locations.

Their Features May Make Them More Complex

Depending on how a reusable tie wrap is constructed, the ease of application mentioned earlier in this article, may be a double-edged sword. The intricacies of a cable tie’s design may determine application difficulties. For instance, a more complicated release mechanism could make it harder to apply and remove one.

This Style Can Be More Expensive

Though renewable, the components in releasable cable ties often makes them higher-priced than one-time-use varieties. However, adjustable cable ties are excellent long-term assets for frequent wire and cable changeouts, such as in data centers. For more permanent applications, single use cable ties are likely the better bet. ?

They May Not Be as Common

While standard zip ties are often easy to find, reusable cable ties can be more limited in availability.?

View the full selection of cable ties at Techflex? here.