Zip Tie Strength: How Much Weight can They Hold?
This article thoroughly explains “zip tie strength: how much weight can they hold”—covering rated tensile strength, key influencing factors, material and size selection. It also provides selection guidelines and practical considerations, including comparison tables and FAQs, to help you quickly choose the right cable tie and ensure safe use.
Definition and Data of Loop Tensile Strength
• The industry’s commonly used term “load bearing” is equivalent to “minimum loop tensile strength,” which refers to the maximum force a cable tie can withstand when bent into a loop (like a noose) and subjected to radial tension until it breaks. A typical zip tie strength tester can display this value.
• Zip tie strength grades are 8 kgs, 18 kgs, 22 kgs, 55 kgs, 80 kgs, and 114 kgs; stainless steel cable ties typically range from 200–485 lb (varies by specification/brand).
Common Specifications and Typical Tensile Strength Comparison Table (Industry Reference)
| Material/Type | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Tensile Strength (kgs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA66（mini cable ties） | 2.5mm | 80mm-300mm | 8kgs |
| PA66（small cable ties） | 3.6mm | 100mm–500mm | 18kgs |
| PA66（standard cable ties） | 4.8mm | 120mm–700mm | 22kgs |
| PA66（heavy duty cable ties） | 7.6mm | 150mm–760mm | 55kgs |
| PA66（extra heavy duty cable ties） | 8.8mm | 300mm-1500mm | 80kgs |
| PA66（ultra heavy duty cable ties） | 12mm | 300mm-900mm | 114kgs |
| 304/316不锈钢（ss cable ties） | 4.6mm–19mm | 100mm-1800mm | 80–300kgs |
Note: The above table is a summary of common data within the industry. The specific values will vary from brand to brand.
Key Factors Affecting Cable Ties’ Weight Capacity
- Material: Common materials include nylon 6 (PA6), nylon 6/6 (PA66), polypropylene (PP), and stainless steel (304/316).
- Width and Structure: The width and serrations of a cable tie directly determine its strength.
- Temperature and Humidity: Nylon zip ties lose strength at high temperature and in humid environments.
- Continuous Vibration: Accelerates relaxation of nylon molecular chains.
- Usage Environment and Age: UV light and long term stress can weaken strength.
Do multiple cable ties connected in parallel “add their load”?
In theory, yes, but in reality, uneven load distribution makes it unsafe. A stronger single cable tie is safer than multiple weaker ones in parallel.
Choose the appropriate specifications and materials
- Estimate maximum load and apply a safety factor of 3–5.
- Select material based on environment (e.g., UV resistant nylon, chemical resistant PP, stainless steel for extreme conditions).
- Ensure bundle diameter is within the tie’s effective range.
Typical Applications and Recommended Strengths
1. Home/Office Cable Management (Light to Medium Load)
Use 8-18 kg ties for organizing wires.
2. Vehicle Equipment Securing (Medium Load)
Use ≥18 kg heat resistant, vibration resistant ties for wiring harnesses and accessories.
3. Outdoor and Gardening Fixtures (Medium to Heavy Duty)
Use 22-55 kg UV/weather resistant ties for nets, plant supports, or temporary structures.
4. Industrial Hose and Cable Ties (Heavy Duty)
Use 55-114 kg heavy duty ties for hoses and cables, with grommets if needed.
5. Harsh Environments or Ultra High Strength Requirements
Use stainless steel cable ties (80-300 kg) for extreme environments.
FAQ
Q1: Is the UV resistant cable tie significantly different from the standard model?
A1: Unlike the other models, the UV resistant cable tie is made of nylon 66UV, which is weather resistant and UV resistant.
Q2: Why are metal cable ties stronger?
A2: Compared to nylon, stainless steel has a higher yield strength and stiffness, resulting in higher tensile strength.
Q3: Is connecting multiple nylon cable ties in parallel safer?
A3: While it can improve redundancy to a certain extent, it can also create a risk of breakage due to uneven force distribution. High strength cable ties or stainless steel cable ties are preferred.
