Heavy-duty zip ties and zip tie alternatives can be found on heavy machinery in nearly every industry - ranging from excavators, cranes, and garbage trucks, to planters, bulldozers, and rail equipment.
Engineers and mechanics have traditionally used heavy-duty zip ties as their preferred method for cable and line management solutions. While these ties may be inexpensive, they aren’t reusable and are known to cause torn, ripped, punctured, or otherwise damaged cables, hoses, and lines when not secured properly. Due to this, many OEMs have sacrificed increased protection to save a minimal amount of capital in the short run.
Heavy-duty zip ties aren’t pliable, don’t properly adjust to changes in heat and cold, and frequently damage the electronic wires, compressed air hoses, hydraulic lines, or whatever they’re fastening down. The solution? Hose bundling straps.
To determine the best hose strap for your application, it's important to know the options, what they do, and the benefits of their integration.
Article contents:
Why Bundling Straps are Better than Zip Ties
Unlike zip ties, bundling straps are reusable and provide customizable long-lasting solutions. Due to their durability, they offer better protection and security for the lines, hoses, and cables that run throughout a piece of heavy machinery.
How is it done? Bundling straps use a proprietary Hook and Loop technology that has many benefits, including:
- Stiffer composition with a sharper curvature so the two ends grip together more securely.
- Increased shear and peel strength, increasing the force required to separate the two ends once they have joined together.
- Reusable and durable with a long life span thanks to their aggressive spine.
Python’s hook and loop technology can be found in nearly every bundling strap solution.
Straps | The zip tie Alternative
Python offers four kinds of straps: cinch, hanging, micro, and grip. Although they are all reusable, they offer different kinds of bundling benefits. Here is a quick guide:
Read on to learn more about each straps intended use and determine which fits your application needs.
1. Cinch straps: For Hose bundling
Python Cinch Straps, both Standard Duty (SD) and Heavy Duty (HD), are specifically designed for hose bundling. They feature a nylon backing combined with ultrasonic welded joints; this makes them the fastest & most dependable option when managing a variety of complex power applications.
Cinch straps have several benefits including:
- A reinforced chassis with Ballistic Cordura® nylon ultrasonically welded to 1-1/2″ hook & loop material.
- Weatherproof and tear-resistant in extreme environments.
- Adjustable for use in any applications.
- UV and abrasion protection.
- Allows natural hose expansion and contraction as pressure and temperatures change.
- Field-replaceable, making it a fast and effective method for reducing maintenance and labor costs.
Cinch straps allow for quick and easy access to a hydraulic system or electronic component without needing to replace dozens of zip ties.
2. Hanging straps: For Mounting
There’s a reason you don’t see fire departments, power wash companies, spray foam businesses, or farmers using zip ties to hang their equipment. Cable ties have limitations, and while some manufacturers offer mountable zip ties, they're expensive and lack quality, durability, and usability. Investing in reusable hanging straps can provide a durable, long-lasting solution.
Benefits of hanging straps:
- One part system eliminates the need for nylon ties, rubber coated loop clamps & other discretionary fasteners.
- Stainless steel grommet supports bundle during assembly & provides fast, easy access without the need for tools.
- Provides assembly with a documented part location.
- Allows for natural hose expansion & contraction.
Python has two kinds of Hanging Straps: standard and heavy duty. For example, hanging straps can be rated to carry heavy fire hoses. Hanging straps can often be customized to an OEM’s specifications as well.
Not all applications require full-size solutions, either. When smaller straps are needed, Python's Micro Cinch and Micro Hanging straps are best suited as an alternative to cable ties.
3. Micro straps: For heavy loads
Micro Straps are built on a molded hook and loop backing and can be quickly installed and trimmed to length. Featuring reusable, high tenacity Python Hook & Loop™ technology, the micro straps are capable of carrying a stationary load of up to 45 pounds.
Micro Straps are available in both cinch and hanging models to accommodate an array of applications: service truck electronics, packaging machinery, conveying equipment, automation, pneumatic, and electronics. They are commonly found in rail equipment, cranes, conveying and mining equipment, and vibratory packers.
Beyond the carrying capacity, Micro Straps also have a number of other key features and benefits, including:
- Polymide backing with molded hook and loop design.
- Stainless steel hardware.
- Hanging straps with locking spurs support the bundle during assembly and can be trimmed to fit once completed.
- Non-evasive, low-profile design eliminates injuries and prevents potential worker compensation claims.
- “One part system” design eliminates the need for nylon ties, rubber-coated loop clamps, and other discretionary fasteners.
4. Grip straps: For extreme conditions
Some applications require specialized equipment. Grip Straps were created as a solution for when ambient conditions are too extreme for even heavy duty bundling straps. Featuring Military-Spec Hook and Loop with an added layer of heavy duty silicone backing, Grip Straps are designed to resist walking in vertical hose run applications.
In addition to easy installation and the resistance to walking, Grip straps also have many additional advantages and features including:
- A grip backing that prevents migration in vibrating applications.
- The ability to have natural hose expansion and contraction.
- A fast and effective method for reducing maintenance and labor costs.
- A great solution for hoses that experience condensation or humidity.
Which one is for you?
Before choosing your zip tie alternative, determine where it's going to be placed. The environment of your hoses, lines, and cables will be the biggest factor when choosing the right bundling strap solution for you. Next, determine if it's going to be hanged or stationary. Finally, determine whether you need standard or heavy duty straps.
If you have all of those questions answered, chances are you have the perfect bundling strap solution!
Have questions on how our straps can replace your old zip tie solution? Contact Python Covers for more information!