Cable Ties Sizes — A Complete Guide
Meta Description
Learn about common cable ties sizes (length, width, thickness, and tensile strength) and select the appropriate cable tie model by measuring the bundle diameter. This article provides a straightforward size comparison chart, recommended scenarios, installation tips, and frequently asked questions to help you choose the right zip tie for home, computer room, and industrial applications.
Introduction
Choosing the wrong tie cable can lead to insecure bundles, wasteful use of inappropriate lengths, and safety incidents. Based on the common search intent for cable ties sizes, this article systematically explains the four key factors of length, width, thickness, and tensile strength, and teaches you how to measure bundle diameter and select the appropriate size. A downloadable size comparison chart and scenario-based recommendations are also provided for quick decision-making.
Three Key Cable Tie Parameters
1.Cable Tie Lengths
The length of a plastic cable tie is the distance from the beginning to the end of the tie. Common lengths include 4″ (approximately 100 mm), 6″ (150 mm), 8″ (200 mm), 10″ (250 mm), 11″ (280 mm), 12″ (300 mm), and 24″ (610 mm). The appropriate length should be selected by measuring the bundle diameter and leaving a sufficient margin.
2.Cable Tie Width
Common widths include 2.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 4.8 mm, 7.6 mm, and 8.8 mm. Given the same thickness and material, wider cable ties have higher tensile strength. Heavy duty cable ties generally require wider widths. ties. If the cable tie needs to be threaded through a small hole, it’s recommended to use a thin cable ties to ensure it fits through a round hole.
3.Cable Tie Thickness
The common thickness range is generally between 1mm and 2mm. As the width and length increase, cable ties are typically designed to be thicker to provide sufficient tensile strength and prevent breakage, slippage, and other quality issues during use. Different cable tie manufacturers have varying thicknesses for their specifications. Thick cable ties offer better quality, but also higher costs.
Of course, custom cable tie thicknesses can be customized for a fee.
4.Tensile Strength
Expressed in pounds (lb), Newtons (N), or kilogram-force (kgs), for example, 18 lb, 40 lb, or 50 lb. The material, width, and thickness determine the rigidity of a cable tie. Wider and thicker cable ties have higher tensile strength. When selecting cable ties sizes, consider factors such as the weight of the tied object, stress concentration, and vibration, and allow for some margin for safety reasons.
How to Measure the Diameter of a Bundle and Calculate the Recommended Length (Steps and Example)
Steps:
- Use a tape measure, rope, or other tool to measure the outer circumference of the tied object (circumference C).
- Use the formula: D = C / π (π ≈ 3.14).
- Choose a cable tie with a maximum diameter larger than the diameter and allow for a margin in the length. For home use, a guideline of approximately 10 mm is recommended.
Example (Step-by-step calculation for accuracy):
Assuming the measured circumference C = 440 mm, calculate the diameter:
- Divide 440 by 3.14: 440 ÷ 3.14
- The result is approximately 140.13 mm, which can be rounded to ≈ 140.mm
Based on a diameter of 140mm, only cable ties at least 500mm long should be selected (maximum cable diameter is 150mm).
Cable Ties Sizes Chart for Quick Selection.
Using nylon 66 as an example, the cable tie size chart is as follows:
| Type | Length | Width(mm) | Max.Bundle Dia.(mm) | Min tensile strength | ||
| Inch | mm | lbs | Kgs | |||
| WD-3×100 | 4″ | 100 | 2.5 | 22 | 18 | 8 |
| WD-3×120 | 4.7″ | 120 | 2.5 | 30 | 18 | 8 |
| WD-3×150 | 6″ | 150 | 2.5 | 35 | 18 | 8 |
| WD-3×160 | 6.3” | 160 | 2.5 | 40 | 18 | 8 |
| WD-3×200 | 8″ | 200 | 2.5 | 50 | 18 | 8 |
| WD-4×100 | 4″ | 100 | 3.6 | 22 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×120 | 4.7” | 120 | 3.6 | 30 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×150 | 6″ | 150 | 3.6 | 35 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×160 | 7” | 160 | 3.6 | 42 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×200 | 8” | 200 | 3.6 | 50 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×250 | 10″ | 250 | 3.6 | 65 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×280 | 11″ | 280 | 3.6 | 75 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×300 | 12″ | 300 | 3.6 | 80 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×350 | 13.8 | 350 | 3.6 | 90 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×370 | 14.62″ | 370 | 3.6 | 102 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-4×400 | 16″ | 400 | 3.6 | 110 | 40 | 18 |
| WD-5×100 | 4″ | 100 | 4.8 | 22 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×120 | 4.7″ | 120 | 4.8 | 24 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×150 | 6″ | 150 | 4.8 | 35 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×180 | 7″ | 180 | 4.8 | 42 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×200 | 8″ | 200 | 4.8 | 50 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×250 | 10″ | 250 | 4.8 | 65 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×280 | 11″ | 280 | 4.8 | 82 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×300 | 12″ | 300 | 4.8 | 82 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×350 | 14″ | 350 | 4.8 | 90 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×380 | 15″ | 380 | 4.8 | 102 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×400 | 16* | 400 | 4.8 | 105 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×430 | 16.9″ | 432 | 4.8 | 120 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×450 | 17.7″ | 450 | 4.8 | 125 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×500 | 19.96″ | 500 | 4.8 | 150 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-5×550 | 21.6″ | 550 | 4.8 | 175 | 50 | 22 |
| WD-8×200 | 8″ | 200 | 7.6 | 50 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×250 | 10″ | 250 | 7.6 | 65 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×300 | 12″ | 300 | 7.6 | 82 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×350 | 15″ | 350 | 7.6 | 90 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×380 | 14.6″ | 370 | 7.6 | 102 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×400 | 16″ | 400 | 7.6 | 105 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×450 | 18″ | 450 | 7.6 | 118 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×500 | 20″ | 500 | 7.6 | 150 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×550 | 21.6″ | 550 | 7.6 | 165 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×600 | 23.6″ | 600 | 7.6 | 180 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-8×650 | 25.6″ | 650 | 7.6 | 195 | 100 | 45 |
| WD-10×400 | 16″ | 400 | 9 | 105 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×450 | 18″ | 450 | 9 | 130 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×500 | 20″ | 500 | 9 | 150 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×550 | 21.6″ | 550 | 9 | 165 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×600 | 23.6″ | 600 | 9 | 165 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×650 | 25.6″ | 650 | 9 | 165 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×700 | 28″ | 700 | 9 | 175 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×720 | 28.3″ | 720 | 9 | 180 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×760 | 29.5″ | 760 | 9 | 220 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×800 | 31.5″ | 800 | 9 | 180 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×850 | 34.7″ | 850 | 9 | 230 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×900 | 35.5″ | 900 | 9 | 265 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×1020 | 40.2″ | 1020 | 9 | 295 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-10×1200 | 48″ | 1200 | 9 | 345 | 175 | 75 |
| WD-12×400 | 16″ | 400 | 12 | 105 | 230 | 100 |
Applications (Classified by Size)
1.Mini Cable Ties
Features: Small width, light weight, high flexibility, suitable for bundling small or lightweight items.
Actual Users/Use Scenarios:
Electronic product assemblers: Organize circuit boards and electronic component cables.
Home users: Organize household electrical wiring, computer cables, and charging cables.
Office environments: Organize desktop computer cables, telephone cables, and network cables.
DIY enthusiasts: Secure small crafts and model parts.
2.Medium/Standard Cable Ties
Features: Moderate weight capacity, suitable for general industrial and everyday bundling.
Actual Users/Use Scenarios: Electrical installers: Organize electrical wiring and network cables in buildings, offices, or factories.
Automotive repair and assembly: Secure internal automotive wiring and piping.
Logistics and packaging industries: Bundle light and medium-sized goods and secure packaging bags.
Home improvement and home users: Organize garden tools, wires, and pipes.
3.Heavy Duty Cable Ties
Features: Abrasion-resistant, high-temperature resistant, and high-load-bearing, suitable for industrial-grade bundling.
Actual Users/Use Scenarios:
Industrial Manufacturing: Bundling large cables, pipelines, and mechanical parts.
Power and Communications Industries: Securing outdoor cables, power distribution lines, and network optical cables.
Construction Teams: Securing pipes, rebar, and auxiliary cables for scaffolding.
Vehicle and Marine Maintenance: Securing engine wiring harnesses and marine cables.
Purchasing and Usage Tips (Checklist)
- Accurately calculate the circumference and convert it to a diameter. Select the length based on the diameter plus the allowance.
- Confirm whether flame retardant/UL/Plenum certification is required (depending on wiring specifications).
- For load-bearing or safety-critical applications, select a product with a tensile strength 1.5–2 times greater than the theoretical requirement.
- Use specialized tools when cutting the ends to avoid sharp stumps that could injure personnel or snag cables.
- For extended outdoor use, regularly inspect for signs of aging, cracking, and discoloration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What factors determine the tensile strength of a cable tie?
A1: Width, thickness, material, and head structure all contribute to the final tensile strength. The factory’s standard tensile strength data is generally used as the standard.
Q2: How do different materials affect the tensile strength of cable ties (all other conditions being equal)?
A2: Taking polypropylene, nylon 6, and nylon 66 as examples, the stiffness of these three materials increases, and the corresponding tensile strength of the cable ties also increases.
Q3: Are all the sizes listed in the article in stock?
A3: We generally have a certain amount of stock in black and white. The final delivery time depends on the order quantity and color (whether a custom color is required).