How long do plastic cable ties last?

Have you got a clue what time it takes for plastic cable ties to decompose? If you use cable ties to keep your cords organized, keep objects together, and hold things in place, you may wonder how long they actually last for. This article written about Plastic cable ties. In this post, we will look at why they are so strong, how they degrade through time, how to pick the Best cable ties for your applications, and some tips to use them most efficiently and get the longest life from them. 

What You Need to Know:

Plastic cable ties, commonly known as zip ties by NBSZS, are unique fasteners that are typically made from nylon or polypropylene. Cable ties can be utilised for a variety of tasks and in a number of different industries because they are made from very sturdy materials. Simple for usage, cheap, and there are cable ties of different sizes and colors to suit your needs. And you can even find cable ties that are heat and sun- or fire-resistant if needed, depending on where and how you want to use them. That means you have a huge array of choices so that you can pick the appropriate ones for your individual tasks. 

How Long Plastic Cable Ties Last: Factors That Matter

The lifespan of plastic cable ties will vary depending on several key factors: 

Sunshine - When direct sunlight reaches the cable ties for an extended period, the plastic may degrade or deteriorate. That means they may not hold together as nicely over time. 

Temperature: Extreme hot or extreme cold can create a difference in strength of the cable ties. Using a nylon tie in a hot situation, for instance, might involve exposure to heat that would make it more brittle and breakable. 

Chemicals: Some chemicals can interact with the plastic material of the cable Wire zip ties and cause them to degrade or weaken. A cable tie that is not rated chemically will break down and turn brittle if exposed to harsh chemicals. 

Tensile Strength: The amount of weight that a cable tie can carry before breaking. If you choose a cable tie with a tensile strength that is too low for the item you are securing then it will snap sooner than expected. Check you get the proper strength for the project. 

How does Plastic Cable Tie breakdown:

Unnatural degradation can occur for a variety of reasons such as heat, exposure to chemicals, the sun as well as natural wear and tear over time. Such factors could make the plastic material flexible and brittle, then crack it apart. For example, if you take a nylon cable tie outdoors, the sun and UV light will break down and disintegrate it in a couple years of use. If you understand this process, you can better utilise cable ties. 

Choosing the best plastic cable tiesHow to

Here are some factors to consider in order to choose the most long-lasting plastic cable ties: 

USE: Consider the purpose of the cable tie. Choose a cable tie that can withstand environmental conditions depending on its use. Also, if you are going to use a cable tie outdoors, it is wise to go for a UV-resistant cable tie for more durability. 

Types: The materials of which cable ties are most frequently made from include nylon and polypropylene. For example, nylon cable ties are stiffer and tend to have a higher load capacity than polypropylene reusable cable ties that can bend without breaking [20].  Selecting the material that meets your requirements can be critical. 

Ensure you use the correct tensile strength cable tie to support the weight. The first thing to consider is how many pounds of tensile strength you need to calculate based on the weight of whatever object you will be fastening it to. Many people are safer than sorry and choose a cord that adapts to the work. 

Length: The length of the cable tie is also extremely critical. Choosing the wrong size cable tie for your project will result in broken ties (too small), or waste (too large). Select the appropriate size for your particular requirements. 

How to Extend the Life of Plastic Cable Ties? 

Here are some tips that can help you prolong the life of your plastic cable ties. 

Store them correctly: Always keep your cable ties in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. This can help them keep strength and recoverable when you will need them. 

Pick The Proper Length And Strength: Always select the proper length and strength cable tie for your particular application. That makes them perform well and not break when you need them. 

Use Them in The Proper Conditions: Do not use cable ties in extremely hot or extremely cold environments, or in transportation, automotive or aerospace applications, or near chemicals that are harmful to them. It should stop them breaking down too soon. 

Cut Them Correctly: When you are cutting off the left over piece of a cable tie, always cut it with a sharp instrument. That way you would not hurt the rest of the cable tie and it will still work. 

Takeaway: Plastic cable ties can be used for many years as long as you select appropriate material/size and strength. Many factors such as heat, sunny, chemicals etc. will play vital role during the life span of a cable tie. Store them correctly, set them in appropriate conditions, and cut them properly that you can enjoy them over the maximum lifespan. With these hacks, you can have everything set to get your cable ties working for you.