Most cable ties are made of nylon 66, but places constantly exposed to heat, salt or chemicals — ships, offshore structures, chemical plants and power plants — sometimes call for a metal fastener. Based on the Allpum stainless steel cable tie (APST) specification table, here is where they are used and how to choose and fasten them.
Where stainless replaces nylon
- High and low temperatures APST ties are rated from -60 to 300 °C, suiting equipment near heat sources beyond a nylon tie's range, or plant in very cold regions.
- Coastal sites and ships Used for pipes and cables that must stay fastened for a long time on ships and offshore structures exposed to salt.
- Chemical and power plants Used to fasten wiring and piping on equipment where chemicals, heat and vibration occur together.
- Outdoor structures Used on outdoor structures that face sun, wind and rain and must hold for a long time.
For ordinary indoor wiring, or outdoor wiring in sunlight, nylon 66 ties or UV-resistant black ties are often enough. Choose stainless when nylon cannot meet the temperature or corrosion conditions, or when the tie must stay for a long time in a spot that is hard to reach for replacement.
Sizing: length by bundle, width by load
| Item | 4.6 mm wide | 7.9 mm wide |
|---|---|---|
| Item code example | APST-4.6x300 | APST-7.9x300 |
| Length | 150–600 mm (50 mm steps) | 150–800 mm (50 mm steps) |
| Sizes | 10 | 14 |
| Max. bundle Ø | 37–154 mm | 37–193 mm |
| Tensile strength | 800 N / 81.6 kgf | 1,000 N / 102 kgf |
| Thickness, packing | 0.25 mm · 100 per bag | 0.25 mm · 100 per bag |
- 1. Length Measure the bundle diameter and pick a length whose max. bundle diameter is comfortably larger. The tail is cut off anyway, so avoid a length that only just fits.
- 2. Width Use 4.6 mm for lighter cable bundles, and 7.9 mm for heavier pipes and thick bundles, or when you need a length over 600 mm.
- 3. Material APST ties are SUS 316 / 304. Grade 316 generally contains molybdenum and resists salt and chlorides better, so confirm the grade when ordering for coastal or chemical sites.
Fastening tips
- Check the direction The strap enters the head in one direction only. Inserted the wrong way it will not lock, so check with the first tie.
- Tension with a dedicated tool A metal strap is hard to pull fully tight by hand. Use a tensioning tool made for stainless ties and tighten until the bundle no longer shifts.
- Do not overtighten Tightening until the jacket is dented can damage it. Use protective padding with soft-jacketed cables.
- Cut the tail flush Cut the tail flush against the head with the tool. A cut metal edge is sharp and can injure hands or damage other cables.
- Do not reuse Do not undo and reuse a locked tie. If it has to move, cut it off and fit a new one.
- Wear gloves Wear work gloves so the strap edges and cut tails do not cut your hands.
Other points when installing
Stainless steel resists rust, but where it touches another metal in the presence of moisture the contact area can corrode (galvanic corrosion). When fastening to aluminium or galvanised structures for the long term, consider putting an insulating layer between them. Around sharp edges or where vibration is strong, use protective padding so the strap does not cut into the cable.
Allpum stainless steel cable ties are made by an OEM partner in China. Check the length, bundle diameter and tensile strength of each item in the product specification table. General fastening for nylon ties is covered in our cable tie fastening guide, and outdoor nylon ties in our UV cable tie article.
