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History of the Cable Tie: Ever since the first piece of electrical or communication equipment required that more than one wire be routed within it, there has been a need to collect, contain and control multiple wires into tightly organized bundles. Such bundling helps to prevent or reduce damage to the wires, keeps wires away from moving parts, helps trace and service the wiring systems, and provides an organized, efficient wiring layout.

An early method for securing and routing wiring was simply using twine, lacing cord or adhesive back tape. Though helpful, these materials had serious drawbacks as bundling devices. For example, cord requires a great deal of time for hand wrapping, and tying off does not produce a very secure bundle, which is hand-tight at best. Thin cord also can cut into wire insulation. Tapes can dry out and peel off. These readily apparent problems led to efforts to invent a device that would encircle, bundle, and route wires more efficiently and at uniform tension. Some early devices had separate straps and locking mechanisms, which required two operations to install. All of the earlier methods lacked fine adjustment and permanent locking features.

The first cable tie that was patented by Thomas and Betts in 1958 similar in appearance and function to today’s standard tie had a steel pawl or barb inserted at an angle inside its head. The next major development was a two-piece, all-nylon, and self-locking cable tie. It is finely adjustable, but also manufactured in two steps. Because of its design, this cable tie requires more hand/eye coordination and time to insert the strap during installation. It forms a teardrop configuration.

Newer designs form a nearly round shape, which bundles more tightly and effectively. This two-piece tie also can be accidentally released. These gradual developments inevitably led to several designs for a one-piece, moulded, self-locking tie appearing about the same time, and many were granted U.S. patents.

In 1968, All-States, an established cable clamp manufacturer, received one of the first patents for a unique design, and became the first manufacturer to produce and market the one-piece nylon tie in the United States. Cable Ties now come in many sizes and styles for a diverse range of applications. It has also been modified into specialty ties with all the qualities of the basic tie, plus added moulded-in features for different uses.  

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