Cable tie
![]() |
A cable tie is a long, thin strap made from nylon or stainless steel, which can be pulled into a loop and tightened to hold together cables, wires and other objects. It is a very simple design that is extremely effective, easy to use and very versatile.
Available in a wide range of lengths and thicknesses, cable ties usually have a pointed end which – once the tie is wrapped wound the items to be tied together – inserts into a gate at the other end. When pulled through the gate by the desired amount, the gate teeth lock into the serrations on the tape allowing numerous tightening positions.
Typical lengths for cable ties include:
- 110mm x 2.5mm
- 185mm x 4.8mm
- 300mm x 4.8mm
- 370mm x 7.6mm
Other lengths and widths are available according to the manufacturer.
Cable ties can be used for a myriad of tying applications which include:
- Securing car hose pipes.
- Keeping wires secured unobtrusively to steelwork.
- A host of gardening applications.
Cable ties can generally be released by cutting the strap, but pushing a release button (on some varieties) or inserting a tool such as a screwdriver between the teeth and the gate.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- Clamp.
- Construction equipment.
- Construction tools.
- Cramp.
- Crimp.
- Fixings.
- Fixtures.
- Ground anchor.
- Industrial fasteners market.
- Rivet.
- Soil nailing.
- Staples.
- Strap.
- The history of nails.
- Timber.
- Types of bolts.
- Types of fixings.
- Types of nails.
- Types of nuts.
- Types of screws.
- Types of washer.
- Welding.
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.