Tying wires with a cable tie is easy; deciding where and how to hold the finished bundle is a separate question. A bundle that sags or shakes rubs its insulation against edges and leaves the wiring untidy. That is what a cable tie mount is for. ALLPUM mounts come in two kinds: tie mounts fixed with a screw and mounts that stick in place. Here is how they differ and the order in which to choose one for your job.
What a mount does
Each mount has a channel through the middle for the cable tie. Fix the mount to the surface first, thread the tie through the channel, then wrap it around the wires and tighten, and the bundle stays in place. Mounts spaced at regular intervals set the wiring route, and the same points can be reused when wires are added or changed later. Both types are made of nylon 66.
Screw-fixed versus adhesive
| Item | Tie mount (screw) | Adhesive mount |
|---|---|---|
| Part no. | APTM-2S · APTM-3S | APTM-19 · APTM-25 |
| Fixing | Screwed down | Self-adhesive back |
| Tie width | 2.5~4.8mm · 4.8~7.6mm | Up to 3.6 mm · up to 4.8 mm |
| You need | A hole or tapped hole and a screw | A clean, flat surface |
| Suits | Vibration, heavy bundles, long-term installations | Surfaces you cannot drill, light wiring |
| Material | Nylon 66 | Nylon 66 |
A screw mount needs a hole, but once fixed it depends far less on the condition of the surface. An adhesive mount goes on with no tools, but how well it holds depends on the surface material, cleanliness and temperature. Screw mounts therefore suit places with load or constant shaking and installations that will be left alone for a long time, while adhesive mounts are handy for light indoor wiring or for equipment housings you would rather not drill.
Step 1: look at the surface and conditions
- Can you drill? If you can drill, or there is already a tapped hole, start with a screw mount.
- Vibration and weight Where force acts continuously, such as next to machinery, on moving equipment or with thick bundles, use a screw mount.
- Surface Adhesive mounts need a flat, smooth surface free of oil, dust and moisture. Avoid rough, curved or flaking painted surfaces.
- Removal If the position is likely to change, a screw mount can be moved and reused cleanly.
Step 2: size it to the cable tie width
A tie wider than the channel will not go in, and one that is too narrow sits loose inside it. It works best to choose the cable tie first from the bundle diameter and tensile strength, then choose the mount that fits its width. ALLPUM AP series widths are 2.5 mm for AP100, 3.6 mm for AP140, 4.8 mm for AP200 and AP300, 6.0 mm for AP270 and 7.6 mm for AP370.
| Mount | Screw / size | Tie width | ALLPUM AP examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| APTM-2S | M3~M4 | 2.5~4.8mm | AP100 · AP140 · AP200 · AP300 |
| APTM-3S | M5~M6 | 4.8~7.6mm | AP200 · AP300 · AP270 · AP370 |
| APTM-19 | 19 × 19 × 5.4mm | Up to 3.6 mm | AP100 · AP140 |
| APTM-25 | 25 × 25 × 5.4mm | Up to 4.8 mm | AP100 · AP140 · AP200 · AP300 |
Step 3: screw size and spacing
The screw mounts have a 3.7 mm hole on APTM-2S and a 6.5 mm hole on APTM-3S, so they take M3-M4 and M5-M6 screws respectively. A screw thinner than the hole lets the mount turn, and a screw with too large a head can block the tie channel. Tighten only until the mount sits flat, not so hard that the nylon cracks. Space the mounts so the bundle does not sag, and add one at bends and just before terminals or equipment so less force reaches the wires.
Points to watch with adhesive mounts
- Wipe dust and oil off the surface and let it dry completely before applying.
- Peel off the liner and press firmly by hand so the whole pad makes contact.
- Do not hang a heavy bundle straight after applying; start with light wiring.
- Where the downward pull is large or a falling bundle would be a hazard, switch to a screw mount.
Surface preparation and other tips for keeping adhesive mounts in place will be covered in detail in an upcoming guide. For how to tighten the tie itself and trim the tail, see the fastening guide.
Packaging
Bulk packs for both types hold 1,000 pieces per bag. A carton of screw mounts holds 30,000 pieces of APTM-2S or 8,000 of APTM-3S. For small jobs and retail there are 25-piece and 100-piece bags, packed 20 bags to a box.
