Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Cable Mounts on Stainless Equipment

Are you struggling to install cable mounts correctly on the surfaces of stainless steel equipment?

Stainless steel surfaces are sleek and durable, but they present challenges when it comes to securing cables. The smooth texture and non-porous nature of stainless steel increase the risk of mounts slipping or cables sagging if they are not installed properly.

This is where getting the right installation techniques matters. A poorly mounted cable can lead to chaos; untidy cables, reduced safety, and potential damage to your equipment. Properly installed cable mounts improve your setup's appearance while enhancing your equipment's longevity and efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing the cable mounts on stainless steel equipment. We'll also share best practices and precautions to ensure your setup is both secure and long-lasting. Let’s get started!

What are Cable Mounts?

Cable mounts are simple yet essential tools used to secure and organize cables, ensuring they stay in place and don’t move or cause clutter. They are designed to provide stability by holding cables firmly on various surfaces, reducing the risk of damage or wear caused by friction or movement. 

They help maintain a neat and orderly environment, making it easier to manage and maintain equipment and improving safety and functionality by keeping cables in their designated paths.

Now that we know what cable mounts are, let’s explore the different types available for various applications.

Different Types of Cable Mounts

When it comes to cable management, choosing the right type of cable mount is crucial for ensuring that your cables are securely fastened and easy to manage. Each type of mount is designed to meet specific installation needs, providing flexibility and durability for various applications. Here are the most common types:

Outside Push Mount Tie

Outside push mount ties with disc are designed to attach cable bundles to surfaces like vehicle chassis, ACs, and coolers (white goods). The one-piece construction allows the tie head to be pressed into a predrilled hole, securely holding the wire bunch in place.

Inside Push Mount Tie

Inside push mount ties are ideal for attaching cable bundles to surfaces like vehicle chassis, ACs, and coolers (white goods), especially in harness assembly where constant vibration is present. The push mount tie head is easily pressed into predrilled holes to secure the wire bundle.

Inside Push Mount Releasable Tie – Easy Release

Inside push mount releasable ties are designed for attaching cable bundles to surfaces such as vehicle chassis, ACs, and coolers (white goods), where vibration is common. The push mount tie head fits easily into predrilled holes, and the releasable feature allows for easy removal when needed.

Inside Push Mount Releasable Tie – Thumb Release

Inside push mount releasable ties with thumb release are designed for secure attachment of cable bundles to surfaces like vehicle chassis, ACs, and coolers (white goods). The thumb release feature allows for easy opening of the wire bundles when changes or adjustments are required.

Nylon Screw Mounting Support

This mounting support offers maximum stability. It is designed to support and hold cable or wire bundles. It enables the routing of cables as desired and allows multiple cables to run parallel, especially for models NS-8, 8A, and 8B.

Self-Adhesive Tie Mount for Cable Tie

This mount supports and holds cable or wire bundles. Its curved walls securely hold the bundles in place after installation with cable ties. The rubber-based closed-cell foam adhesive ensures better surface adhesion, making it ideal for lightweight wire bundles.

Hook 'N' Loop Adhesive Tie Mount

This adhesive mount, with a rubber base, can be attached to desks, walls, computers, and similar equipment. Thanks to its adhesive backing, it organizes cables on clean, flat surfaces without the need for screws or rivets.

Surelock provides a wide variety of high-quality cable mounts, designed to fit your specific needs and ensure a secure installation. With our durable options, you can trust that your cables will stay neatly organized and safely in place.

With different options available, choosing the right mount for stainless steel surfaces is crucial with different options available. Here’s how to do it.

Also read: Guide to Understanding Cable Ties: Types and Uses

Choosing the Right Type of Cable Mounts for Stainless Steel Surface

When installing cable mounts on stainless steel surfaces, choosing the right type of mount is important to ensure a secure, lasting bond. Stainless steel, with its smooth and non-porous surface, requires careful consideration to prevent slipping or poor adhesion. 

Here’s how you can choose the best cable mount for your stainless steel equipment:

• Consider Adhesive vs. Screw Mounting: For smooth, flat surfaces, adhesive-backed cable mounts are a convenient option. However, for high-vibration areas or heavy-duty applications, screw-mounted mounts are often the better choice, providing added security and stability.
• Check Surface Compatibility: Stainless steel requires a clean, dry surface for optimal adhesive performance. Before using adhesive mounts, ensure the surface is free from grease, dust, or moisture. If in doubt, a screw-mounted option can provide more reliable results on stainless steel.
• Evaluate Load Requirements: Determine the weight and size of the cables you need to secure. Heavy cable bundles may require screw-mounted mounts for additional support, while light to medium cables can be effectively secured using adhesive mounts.
• Opt for Long-Lasting Adhesive: If you use adhesive mounts, select one with strong adhesive backing explicitly designed for metals like stainless steel. Ensure the mount is appropriate for its weight and environmental conditions.
• Ensure Flexibility and Ease of Installation: If you need flexibility in your cable management, consider self-adhesive tie mounts. These mounts allow for easy adjustments and reorganization without damaging the surface.

Choosing the right mount for stainless steel is key to a secure, stable setup. Surelock stands out with its engineered solutions, offering strong adhesion and long-lasting reliability for stainless steel surfaces. Explore our options and ensure your cables stay securely fastened in any environment.

Once you've chosen your mount, here’s a simple guide to ensure proper installation on stainless equipment.

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Cable Mounts on Stainless Equipment

Installing cable mounts on stainless steel equipment is a simple process, but proper preparation and technique are crucial to ensure durability and optimal performance. Following these steps will help you achieve a secure and long-lasting installation. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Preparation

Before diving into the installation, proper surface preparation is essential for a solid bond. Here’s how to ensure the best adhesion:

• Plan the Layout: Decide where each mount will be placed, considering the cable path, accessibility, and any weight distribution needs.
• Clean the Surface: Ensure the surface is smooth, dry, and free from dust, grease, or contaminants. Use a clean cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol or water to clean the area thoroughly.
• Dry the Surface: After cleaning, allow the surface to dry completely. Use a fan to speed up the drying process if necessary, as any remaining moisture can interfere with the adhesive bond.

2. Installation Process

Now that the surface is prepared, follow these generalized installation steps for any cable mount:

• Remove the Liner: Peel off the protective liner from the adhesive side of the cable tie mount.
• Align the Mount: Position the cable tie mount where you want it installed. Ensure that it is appropriately aligned with the surface.
• Press firmly: Apply even pressure for about 30 seconds to ensure strong adhesion. This helps eliminate any air bubbles and ensures the adhesive bonds effectively to the surface.
• Let It Settle: For best results, leave the mount undisturbed for 8-24 hours to allow the adhesive to set and achieve maximum strength fully.

For Screw-Mounted Cable Tie Mounts:

• Insert the Screws: Use screws to secure the mount to the surface. Avoid over-tightening to prevent damaging the mount or the adhesive backing.

3. Testing

After the installation, testing the stability and function of the mounts ensures they’re ready for use:

• Check Adhesion: Gently tug on the mount to ensure that it’s firmly adhered to the stainless steel surface and hasn’t loosened.
• Test Cable Hold: Check that the cables are securely held in place, especially for mounts designed to support heavier bundles.
• Inspect Spacing: Make sure there is sufficient space between the cables to prevent strain or sagging.
• Verify Mount Stability: Ensure screw-mounted mounts are tightly secured, and adhesive-backed mounts have bonded well with the surface. If necessary, allow more time for the adhesive to settle before testing the load-bearing capacity.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your cable mounts are securely installed and are neatly organized, improving both the safety and functionality of your stainless steel equipment.

Installation is key, but following best practices ensures longevity. Let’s take a look at the considerations for lasting results.

Also read: How to Use and Tighten Stainless Steel Cable Ties

Best Practices & Considerations for Installing Cable Mounts on Stainless Equipment

When it comes to installing cable mounts on stainless steel surfaces, following best practices and considering key factors ensures that the setup is secure, efficient, and long-lasting. 

Here are the best practices and considerations to keep in mind:

• Calculate Required Mounts: Ensure you use the correct number of mounts to support the load. Use the formula:
  
  • Required Number of Cable Tie Mounts = Total Equipment Weight ÷ Load Capacity of Each Mount.
    For example, if a cable weighs 100g and each mount can hold 50g, then two mounts are required. This ensures that the mounts can support the weight evenly and avoid excess strain on a single mount.
• Consider Environmental Factors: For equipment exposed to extreme temperatures or chemicals, ensure that the selected mounts are suitable for those conditions.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can break down the adhesive over time, weakening its bond. It’s important to keep the cable tie mounts out of direct sunlight to preserve the adhesive’s strength.
• Ensure a Clean Environment During Installation: Dust, grease, or other contaminants on the adhesive surface can drastically reduce bonding strength. Make sure the surface remains clean during installation to guarantee the best adhesion.
• Suitability for Surface Types: Adhesive mounts are not ideal for rough or uneven surfaces. The adhesive may not bond effectively on such surfaces, leading to weak adhesion. Always check that the surface is smooth and non-porous for adhesive mounts.
• Proper Mount Placement: When installing cable mounts, ensure they are aligned correctly to prevent misplacement that could strain the cables. Avoid placing mounts in areas where they may be exposed to excessive pressure or where they might be damaged over time.

This way, you’ll ensure a secure and reliable cable mounting system that organizes your cables effectively and preserves the integrity of your equipment and cables.

Find the Perfect Solution with Surelock

When it comes to secure and reliable cable management solutions, Surelock stands at the forefront, offering top-quality products designed to meet a wide range of industrial needs. With years of expertise and a commitment to quality, Surelock ensures that all its products, including cable ties, clips, and wiring accessories, deliver outstanding performance and durability.

Surelock’s extensive range includes the four types of cable tie mounts mentioned above and a variety of other solutions designed to manage your cables and components effectively. In addition to those mounts listed above, Surelock also offers:

• Outside Push Mount Tie
• Inside Push Mount Tie
• Inside Push Mount Releasable Tie – Easy Release
• Inside Push Mount Releasable Tie – Thumb Release
• Side Way Edge Clip
• Push Mount Fir Tree Ties
• Self-Adhesive SAF Clips

Each of these products is crafted to ensure the highest standards of reliability and functionality, helping you keep your cables organized and secure in every environment.

Conclusion

Installing cable mounts on stainless steel surfaces requires attention to detail to ensure a secure, long-lasting hold. By following the right steps, from surface preparation to careful installation, you can achieve a stable setup that keeps your cables organized and protected.

Surelock offers a wide range of durable products for high-quality, reliable cable mounting solutions. Whether you’re using self-adhesive tie mounts, nylon screw mounts, or push-mount holders, Surelock has everything you need for a secure and efficient installation on stainless steel surfaces.

Contact us for a free sample today and find the perfect mount for your needs.