Zip Tie Recommendations

[Orion Jim]

You will appreciate a cable tie tensioner as it cuts off flush and tensions uniformly.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/cable-tie-tensioners/

[GordMay]

I second the recommendation for black Thomas & Betts* Tie-Raps, but any Heat/UV Stabilized Nylon 6/6 [or Nylon 12] plenum-rated zip ties should suffice.
T&B uses a S/S locking tab, unlike most others.

For identification , I used coloured wire [or phasing tape], and labels, covered with a heat-shrinkable, flexible [thin wall] polyolefin tubing [for protection/permanence].

* T&B Tie-Raps ➥ https://tnb.ca/en/pdf-catalogues/met...Products-E.pdf

[Tupaia]

I prefer reusable cable ties, the ones with the little lever release. Can easily be slackened off or opened completely to remove or install continuous cables. It is really annoying when you secure the end of a run with fixed ties and discover you have missed a wire.

[CaptTom]

You can't really color-code a cable bundle where each cable has a different purpose. For interior use (no UV worries) I try to stick with whichever color the bundle already uses, black or white, just for looks.

I've never had a cable tie randomly fail, so I've never bothered to look for higher-quality ties. Whether I get them from the electrical supply store or Walmart doesn't seem to matter much. I guess I think of them as temporary and disposable.

It's important to cut the ends off properly, so they don't scratch you. Done wrong, they can cause a nasty cut on your hands, arms or anywhere you brush by them. It helps to point the tail away from open spaces when you're installing them, too.

Even more important on a boat is that you recover all the cut-off ties and tails. You don't want them ending up jamming the bilge pump. I've seen this happen too many times, even on new boats from the factory. Come to thing of it, especially on new boats from the factory.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

I prefer reusable cable ties, the ones with the little lever release. Can easily be slackened off or opened completely to remove or install continuous cables. It is really annoying when you secure the end of a run with fixed ties and discover you have missed a wire.

Alternatively you can use Velcro cable ties in that role.

[team karst]

I use these now: stronger/wider than usual, Amazon has them, holes for mounting.

https://www.southwire.com/electrical...0pk/p/58298340

[Time2Go]

Use a high quality zip tie gun
with adjustable tension settings.
They will properly tension and flush cut
with one motion
I use one made by Panduit
Cutting ties with a side cutter leaves
very sharp edges that just love to
cut human skin
Cheers
Neil

[s/v Jedi]

Often there’s no room for a zip tie gun. It seems that many are not aware of flush cutting side cutters. These leave no sharp edges.

I use these most often and I know they cut completely flush but there are many others: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RW8VTSX

[pcmm]

For zipties I carry just black, both with and without Eyes, a good box of 5/8 #8 pan head screws for securing eyes. in the engine room or major wire runs use the fingered wire duct if you can. and above all else get a good pair of FLUSH cutting snips for cutting the tails of the zip ties when you are done so that the next guy doesn't get all cut up when they ahve to go back in. Just snug up the zip ties, not crazy tight

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

I prefer reusable cable ties, the ones with the little lever release. Can easily be slackened off or opened completely to remove or install continuous cables. It is really annoying when you secure the end of a run with fixed ties and discover you have missed a wire.

A wire spoon or harness spoon soon becomes your best friend! There are a few types.
https://dmctools.com/amfile/file/dow.../product/3755/
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal.../wireSpoon.php

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Wotname

A wire spoon or harness spoon soon becomes your best friend! There are a few types.
https://dmctools.com/amfile/file/dow.../product/3755/
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal.../wireSpoon.php

Why did you not tell me about these some years ago, former friend Wottie?

What a simple and useful tool!

Jim

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by Wotname

A wire spoon or harness spoon soon becomes your best friend! There are a few types.

Interesting. I wonder if a regular spicing fit would work. I have those on board already:
https://www.amazon.com/CARGEN-Splici.../dp/B097MS39VR

[Mal Reynolds]

Funny topic. I originally thought I was over-thinking this...thank you for all the great comments so far!

Originally Posted by Philkoury

Check out these rubber lined reusable zip ties.
https://griplockties.com/

These look really interesting. I can see the use in main cable runs in the engine room or running aft, behind panels, or retaining emergency antennas. I'll likely get some to at least test when production is back up in Texas.

Originally Posted by Tupaia

I prefer reusable cable ties, the ones with the little lever release. Can easily be slackened off or opened completely to remove or install continuous cables. It is really annoying when you secure the end of a run with fixed ties and discover you have missed a wire.

Never tried them, I wonder if better/cheaper than the griplock ties?

Originally Posted by wholybee

I am moving toward velco wrap in areas I am likely to make changes, and where a velcro wrap will be durable enough. You can also use velcro for keeping everything together during the install before zip ties are installed.

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Alternatively you can use Velcro cable ties in that role.

On velcro, not a big fan, a little awkward to use and not as tidy.

Originally Posted by team karst

I use these now: stronger/wider than usual, Amazon has them, holes for mounting.

Hmmm. Wouldn't the screw head dig into the cable insulation with movement or vibration?

Originally Posted by Bowdrie

I've not found any brand that makes a better product than Thomas & Betts, the original inventor of the "Ty-Rap".
https://www.cabletiesunlimited.com/t...e-ties-70.html

These look great. Perhaps only a little financial pain when I have to clip some off.

Originally Posted by Time2Go

Use a high quality zip tie gun
with adjustable tension settings.
They will properly tension and flush cut
with one motion
I use one made by Panduit
Cutting ties with a side cutter leaves
very sharp edges that just love to
cut human skin
Cheers
Neil

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Often there’s no room for a zip tie gun. It seems that many are not aware of flush cutting side cutters. These leave no sharp edges.

I use these most often and I know they cut completely flush but there are many others: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RW8VTSX

On cutting, Jedi hit on what I was thinking about the guns. It does seem like there would be little room to maneuver in small dark corners. Can anyone comment? Does a rotating head alleviate this? Excellent point on tails clogging bilge pumps. Yeah, the Panduit looks like the tool if going this route.

Color - seems like the logical thing to do is just get black and only keep one color in a few sizes. 4, 8, 11 and maybe some 24" for weird repairs. The cable colors typically mixed anyway. AC obvious from the triplex. The exception may be for the anchor chain.

Mounts - forgot to ask. I prefer saddle mounts. Any design preferences or good sources?

No comments on containers or organizing. I guess too many other things to worry about. I just hate the way they manage to fall out of the plastic bags they come in.

[s/v Jedi]

I don’t think you understand my recommendation for Velcro cable ties. This isn’t about using Velcro for the purpose, but about Velcro brand cable ties, i.e. purposely made for this. They are highly rated and work beautifully.

Here is a link to them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E1Y5O6

Also, I like these adhesive mount anchors for regular ties: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087C58WTV

[chiropaul]

As far as for anchor chain marking, Home Depot sell fluorescent colored zip ties in yellow, pink, green, blue, etc. They are highly visible and perfect for marking anchor chain. I use blue every 25 feet and a different color for each 50 foot mark