Understanding Cable Tie Tensile Strength

June 5, 2025

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When organizing cables and securing bundles, choosing the right cable tie is essential for reliable performance. Cable tie tensile strength is a key factor, as it determines the maximum load a tie can handle before breaking. Using ties with insufficient tensile strength can lead to safety hazards, operational delays, and costly repairs.

The good news is that understanding cable tie tensile strength allows you to select the appropriate cable tie for your specific needs, avoiding these issues.

In this article, we’ll explore why tensile strength is so important, how it impacts your choice of cable ties, and the key factors to consider when making your selection. 

What is Cable Tie Tensile Strength?

Cable tie tensile strength is the maximum force a cable tie can withstand before breaking. To analyse this strength for your application, start by identifying the load or pressure the tie will need to hold. Consider factors such as the weight of the bundled items, environmental conditions, and potential stress points. Tensile strength is usually listed in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs) on product specifications.

How to Choose the Right Cable Tie Based on Tensile Strength

How to Choose the Right Cable Tie Based on Tensile Strength

Selecting the right cable tie starts with matching its tensile strength to the demands of your specific application. 

1. Match Tensile Strength to Your Application

Every application requires a specific level of strength. Choosing a cable tie with the right tensile strength ensures both safety and durability. Here’s a simple guide:

  • Light-duty tasks (8–23 kg): Ideal for cable management in offices, homes, or electronics.
  • Medium-duty tasks (23–54 kg): Suitable for automotive use, panel bundling, or warehouse settings.
  • Heavy-duty tasks (54 kg and above): Best for industrial machinery, HVAC systems, and construction projects.

2. Consider Safety Margins

It’s smart to choose a cable tie with a tensile strength rating higher than the expected load. This safety margin accounts for any unexpected stress or environmental changes like heat or vibration.

3. Choose Reliable Suppliers

Quality matters. Opt for suppliers that clearly state tensile strength ratings and product specifications. This transparency helps you pick the right product for your needs with confidence.

For a comprehensive range of tested and certified cable ties, Surelock provides clear specifications and solutions suited to diverse applications. Their commitment to quality makes selecting the right cable tie simpler and more reliable.

Types of Cable Ties and Their Tensile Strength Ratings

When choosing the right cable tie, one of the most important factors is its tensile strength—the maximum force it can withstand before snapping. 

Below are the most common cable tie types, along with their typical strength ratings and ideal usage.

Type Material Tensile Strength Temperature Range Best Use
Non-Releasable Cable Ties Nylon 66 8 kg (18 lbs) to 113 kg (250 lbs) -40°C to +85°C For indoor wire/cable bunching, use packing bags.
UV Resistant Cable Ties Nylon 66 8 kg (18 lbs) to 113 kg (249 lbs) -40°C to +85°C For cable bunching in outdoor weather-resistant applications.
Heat Stabilised Cable Ties Nylon 66 8 kg (18 lbs) to 113 kg (250 lbs) -40°C to +125°C For cable bunching in high-temperature applications.
Fire Retardant Cable Ties Nylon 66 8 kg (18 lbs) to 113 kg (250 lbs) -40°C to +85°C For cable/wire bunching in fire-hazardous areas or in public transport, where safety from fire is important.
Colored Cable Ties Nylon 66 8 kg (18 lbs) to 80 kg (175 lbs) -40°C to +85°C For wire identification in electrical installations and for the identification of production bags in chemical & pharma industries.
Releasable Cable Ties (Light Duty) Nylon 66 18 kg (40 lbs) to 22 kg (49 lbs) -40°C to +85°C Useful in wire harnessing where changes are anticipated during development, production or in the field. It is also used for temporary bag packing.
Releasable Cable Ties (Heavy Duty) Nylon 66 Up to 22 kg (49lbs) -40°C to +85°C Heavy-duty applications requiring reusability.
Non-Releasable Value Series Cable Ties Nylon 66 8 kg (18 lbs) to 54 kg (119 lbs) -40°C to +85°C For indoor wire/cable bunching, packing bags.
Metal Detectable Cable Ties Nylon 66 with metal additives 8 kg (18 lbs) to 54 kg (119 lbs) -40°C to +85°C Food and pharmaceutical industries requiring detectability.
Stainless Steel Cable Ties SS 316, SS 304 45 kg (99 lbs) to 400 kg (882 lbs) -80°C to +538°C Extreme environments require high strength and corrosion resistance.

For reliable, high-quality cable ties with clear tensile strength ratings, Surelock is a trusted choice. From light indoor use to heavy-duty industrial needs, their range meets industry standards with detailed product specs to help you choose confidently.

Testing and Certification Standards

Cable ties must meet industry standards covering strength, durability, temperature, chemical resistance, and environmental suitability to ensure reliable performance and safety. Key standards commonly referenced include: 

  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories): Verifies product safety and fire resistance.
  • ISO (International Standards Organization): Confirms consistent manufacturing and quality control.
  • RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances): Ensures materials are environmentally safe.

When buying cable ties, always check for these certifications. Surelock complies with major global standards, giving you peace of mind about product reliability and performance.

Conclusion

Choosing a tie that exceeds your expected load with a safety margin reduces the risk of failure and ensures reliable performance over time, even under unexpected stresses or harsh conditions. 

Moreover, opting for cable ties with precise specifications and certifications such as UL, ISO, or RoHS provides added assurance of quality and durability, helping keep your projects safe and secure. 

If you look for reliability and precise specifications, Surelock offers a wide range of tested cable ties with verified tensile strength ratings, suitable for light to heavy-duty applications. 

Contact Surelock to find the right cable tie for your project.