Heavy Duty Zip Ties

Zip ties. Cable ties. Zipper ties. Wire ties. Hose ties. All these terms are used to describe one of the handiest tools available for securing items like cables, wires, tools, and other supplies. Made up of three components—the head, the shank, and the stem—cable ties have been helping us secure our items since the late 1950s. And while we might most often think of zip ties being used to secure a few cables underneath a desk, the truth is that there are options that can handle even the heaviest of loads. In fact, they’re used in settings like manufacturing, construction, automotive, HVAC, and more every day.

If you’re looking for a zip tie that can handle your heavy duty application, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re answering all of your questions, including:

  • What is the strongest type of zip tie?
  • Are metal zip ties stronger than plastic?
  • How much weight can heavy duty zip ties hold?
  • Where can I find the best heavy duty zip ties near me?

What Are Heavy Duty Zip Ties?

Heavy duty zip ties are simply a subset of zip ties that are designed with strength and durability in mind. How exactly is this determined? Cable tie strength is typically measured by something called tensile strength, which is the measurement of how much stress (or weight) a material or device can hold before it breaks. For zip ties, tensile strength is tested by zippering the cable tie closed around two semi circles, which are pulled away from each other until it breaks.

So how much weight can a heavy duty zip tie hold? Common tensile strengths in cable ties include:

  • 18 pound
  • 40 pound
  • 45 pound
  • 50 pound
  • 75 pound
  • 120 pound
  • 175 pound
  • 200 pound
  • 350 pound

With these tensile strengths in mind, we can classify zip ties into five primary categories:

  • Miniature – 18 pounds
  • Intermediate – 40-45 pounds 
  • Standard – 50-75 pounds
  • Heavy Duty – 120-175 pounds 
  • Extra Heavy Duty – 200–350 pounds

At ZipTie.com, our standard heavy duty and extra heavy duty zip ties are available in tensile strengths up to 350 pounds, but we know that sometimes you just need something stronger. If you’re looking for 500 lb zip ties—or even stronger—reach out to us about custom options.

What Are the Strongest Zip Ties Made Of?

Generally speaking, the strongest zip ties are made of metal, but some nylon zip ties are considered heavy duty as well. Here is some information about each of these materials.

  • Heavy Duty Metal Zip Ties: Are metal zip ties strong? Absolutely! Most metal zip ties are made from stainless steel. Metal zip ties are generally considered the strongest because the shank (often the most fragile part of a zip tie) is made from metal, increasing its strength. Metal is an excellent choice for applications where high temperatures, radiation, or vibration may occur. In fact, they are suitable for temperatures from -112 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, heavy duty metal zip ties can be used in a wide range of indoor, outdoor, and underground environments. Our full line of stainless steel zip ties are UV resistant, non-flammable, and resistant to chemicals. They are available with tensile strengths from 200 to 350 pounds and lengths from 5 inches to 26.7 inches.
  • Heavy Duty Nylon Zip Ties: While metal zip ties are stronger than nylon zip ties, there are nylon zip ties with tensile strengths from 120 pounds to 175 pounds. These zip ties are able to withstand temperatures from -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for a wide range of environments. They also offer good resistance to bases, oils, greases, oil derivatives, and chloride solvents—and they’re typically lower in price than their metal counterparts. At ZipTie.com, our full line of heavy duty nylon zip ties come in two primary varieties: natural and black UV resistant. Our nylon heavy duty uv resistant zip ties contain carbon black for a better overall UV resistance. You can also purchase them in lengths from 8 inches to 60 inches, making them suitable for a wide array of purposes.

There are also specialty zip ties, some of which provide heavy duty options. For example, ZipTie.com offers heavy duty cable ties in categories like:

  • Beaded Double Loop: Beaded double loop cable ties combine the features of both beaded and double loop zip ties. Rather than a stem with teeth, beaded zip ties have beads at regular intervals. And the double loop feature allows you to secure two different bundles of wire with the same cable tie. View our full line of beaded double loop zip ties, with heavy duty options at 120 pounds tensile strength.
  • Extern/Low-Profile: This type of speciality cable tie has a low-profile head so they can be used in smaller spaces. View our full line of extern/low-profile zip ties, with heavy duty options at 120 pounds tensile strength.
  • Screw Mount: Screw mount zip ties have an added piece that allows you to secure them in place with a screw. View our full line of screw mount cable ties, with heavy duty options at 120 pounds tensile strength.

What Are Heavy Duty Zip Ties Used For?

Heavy duty zip ties are used for a wide variety of purposes, though generally speaking they are used for the bundling and securing of heavy items, like cables, cords, or other pieces of equipment. Here are some common times when a heavy duty zip tie might be just what you’re looking for:

  • Outdoor Uses: There are a number of use cases for heavy duty zip ties outdoors. For example, construction companies often use heavy duty zip ties to hold fencing or secure materials prior to use. Tree farms and landscaping companies may also use zip ties to secure branches or fences.
  • Indoor Uses: Heavy duty zip ties are often used to secure particularly heavy bundles of hose, cable, or wire in industrial, aerospace, or manufacturing settings. You’ll also find heavy duty cable ties used in HVAC and automotive environments where their durability against heat and vibration can be of particular help.

Essentially, if you’ve got something particularly hefty you need to secure, the right heavy duty zip tie can be a simple solution.

How Long Do Heavy Duty Zip Ties Last?

There are a lot of factors that go into how long a zip tie lasts. Are your zip ties exposed to the elements? If so, are they uv resistant? Are your zip ties introduced to chemicals or other solvents, and are you using an appropriate zip tie for these elements? Generally speaking, if you select the proper cable tie for the job you can expect them to last anywhere from one to 10 years or more.

How Long Do Metal Zip Ties Last?

Metal zip ties tend to be the most durable option on the market. For this reason, you can expect metal zip ties to last five years or more, assuming you aren’t introducing factors like extreme heat or cold over suspended periods of time.

How Long Do UV Resistant Zip Ties Last?

UV resistant zip ties, like heavy duty zip ties for outdoor use, are designed to withstand ultraviolet light from the sun. For example, ZipTie.com’s black UV resistant cable ties contain carbon black, a material that is designed to slow the rate of absorption of radiation, which is one of the primary factors that causes a zip tie to lose flexibility or break when exposed to UV rays. Because of this, you can expect them to last longer than their non-uv resistant counterparts, generally around five years or more. However, consistent long-term exposure to the sun or extreme temperatures can impact their longevity over time.

Why Do My Zip Ties Keep Breaking?

If you find that your cable ties are regularly breaking, it can be frustrating. Not only do you have to deal with the aftermath, but you’ve also got to keep buying—and securing—replacements. Common reasons why zip ties break include improperly securing them, not using heavy duty enough cable ties, or using the wrong zip tie material for your specific application. For example, nylon zip ties that are exposed to extreme cold, acid, or phenols may break down quickly. Or, non-UV resistant zip ties are likely to prematurely break down in direct sun.

That’s why choosing the right cable tie for your application is so important. It’ll save you from added hassles, and it’ll save you time and money in the long run. From small, low-profile heavy duty zip ties to large heavy duty zip ties for the most grueling application, you can find the exact product you need at ZipTie.com.

ZipTie.Com: Your Source For Heavy Duty Cable Ties

Whether you’re looking for a pallet of zip ties or just a single tie, ZipTie.com is your source for high-quality cable ties. Our cable ties are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, ranging from 4 inches to 60 inches in length. Made from high-quality nylon 6/6 and stainless steel, you can count on our heavy duty zip ties to secure even your heaviest items. What’s more, we offer same day shipping and expedited shipping options to ensure that you’ve got the cable ties you need when you need them most.

At Ziptie.com, we stand behind our selection. With comprehensive in-house testing and quality assurance, we’re sure you’ll be satisfied. That’s why we offer a guarantee that we’ll replace or refund your order should any issues arise. Ready to start shopping? Explore our full line of cable ties, including heavy duty options, or reach out to us at +1-855-947-8433 between 8:30 AM—5:30 PM ET to talk more about your needs.

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