Cable tie
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A cable tie (coll. also "strap", "rat belt", "mouse belt", "tie wrap", or "zip tie") is a type of fastener, especially for binding several electronic cables or wires together, and to organize cables and wires.
In its most popular form, a cable tie consists of a sturdy tape of plastic (usually Nylon) with an integrated gear rack, and on one end with a ratchet within a small open case.
Once the tip on the other (usually pointed) end of the cable tie has been installed and pulled through the case and past the ratchet, it is prevented from being pulled back; the resulting loop may only be pulled tighter. In two of its most common uses, this allows several cables to be bound together into a cable tree, or to be used as makeshift handcuffs.
If a tied loop needs to be opened again, then, rather than having to destroy the cable tie by cutting the tape, it may be possible to release the ratchet from the rack (either by design, or perhaps using a needle and to reuse the cable tie.
Other methods of tying cable together securely and semi-permanently include Velcro brand hook-and-loop strips, and metal buckle clips.
Black cable ties are used for outdoor applications, as the UV in sunlight will degrade clear nylon. Blue tie wraps made of Tefzel (Registered trademark of DuPont) are used in a radiation-rich environment. Red cable ties made of Halar (Registered trademark of Atochem) are used in plenum (air handling) spaces
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