How to choose the right cable tie in 5 steps

It's time to bundle the cables. You know that Unex cable ties are the most reliable, but at the purchasing stage, you're faced with different models, colours, materials, and specifications… What should you do? Which one should you choose?

No need to worry. You have two options. You can contact our technical support team for prompt and professional guidance. Or you can keep reading this article. We’ll explain everything you need to know to choose and install the ideal mounting and cable management system for your application.

At first glance, a cable tie might appear to be a secondary element. In truth, these small but powerful components can determine whether an installation stands the test of time or begins to fail prematurely.

The importance of making the appropriate choice

Imagine the following scenario: a photovoltaic array on top of a mountain range, kilometres away from the nearest workshop. Everything was securely fastened at the time, but six months later, a poorly chosen cable tie failed to withstand the harsh weather conditions. It broke. The cabling began to sway in the wind, and over time, more ties broke. The cables sagged, increasing the risk of damage to their insulation and connections... What started as a minor failure became a real issue.

Now someone has to be sent. But who? You may need to call on an installer who wasn’t involved in the original setup and will lose time just getting orientated. Perhaps it is you who must leave another job to fix a fault that should never have occurred. And if the client had already trusted you once, how will it affect your reputation when you tell them they now must pay for an unplanned service visit?

All of this, simply because the correct cable tie was not selected from the start. In a readily accessible installation, replacing a tie might take just minutes. But when the fault occurs on an elevated structure, in a remote solar farm, or along a conduit in an industrial setting, every error carries a much greater cost—in time, in money, and in the trust you had built with your client.

But let’s turn back to the solution. That entire scenario could have been avoided by simply choosing the right cable tie at the right time.

At Unex, we have been specialising in the manufacture of fastening systems for 60 years. In fact, we were the first manufacturer to produce nylon cable ties in Spain—pioneering a path that began several decades ago.

Although they all carry the same name Cable ties 22, each is made from a different proprietary raw material, such as U60X, U61X, or U71X, endowing them with distinct technical characteristics.

So, without further ado, here are the key criteria for choosing the ideal Cable tie 22.

No. 1: Determine whether the installation is indoors or outdoors

The first step is to determine where the cable tie will be installed. For standard indoor applications, where ambient conditions are more stable, Unex offers Cable ties 22 in natural colour, and Cable ties 22-3 in grey RAL 7035. Manufactured from halogen-free U60X raw material, these ties combine high mechanical strength with an aesthetic finish that integrates seamlessly into the assembly.

In indoor settings where greater robustness or a more understated appearance is desired, the black Cable tie 22-0, made from U61X, provides enhanced mechanical strength and long-term durability.

Its specific formulation ensures reliable performance in electrical setups and indoor settings with higher technical demands.

For outdoor installations, environmental conditions redefine the requirements. Ultraviolet radiation and temperature fluctuations can severely impact the longevity of a cable tie. This is precisely where Unex’s black cable ties 22-0 (reference 22xx-0), manufactured from our durable U61X material, also prove their worth. They are engineered to withstand the harshest conditions with unwavering reliability.

Unlike many standard black cable ties on the market, which are mass-pigmented but lack targeted UV protection, these are engineered with a specific additive blend integrated into the raw material, which significantly enhances their resistance to outdoor exposure.

Moreover, the cable ties comply with the EN 62275 standard, which requires 1,000 hours of laboratory exposure testing. However, this test alone is not a definitive measure of long-term resistance to solar radiation. For this reason, beyond standard compliance, these cable ties have also been rigorously tested in real-world conditions such as railway infrastructure, photovoltaic plants, and marine applications.

No. 2: Assess whether the environment is standard or demanding

You have determined the location—now it is time to consider external agents. Because not all indoor or outdoor environments are the same. In certain industrial settings, the presence of aggressive chemicals, extreme temperatures, or continuous exposure to corrosive agents can weaken a standard cable tie and significantly shorten its service life...

To address these challenges, Unex has engineered targeted solutions.

For installations exposed to highly corrosive chemicals, whether in outdoor locations or demanding indoor industrial settings, Cable ties 22 HD and Cable ties 22-1 (reference 22xx-1) represent the most reliable choice.

Manufactured from U71X and polypropylene, respectively, these cable ties offer specialised protection against harsh chemical agents typically encountered in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

In industrial indoor environments with high humidity or exposure to aggressive chemicals, Cable ties 22-1, made from polypropylene (reference 22xx-1), offer enhanced resistance to chemical agents commonly found in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries.

In settings where chemical resistance must be paired with increased mechanical strength, the Cable tie 22 HD manufactured from U71X delivers an extra measure of reliability.

For applications in chemically corrosive environments or outdoor locations with high technical demands, Cable ties 22 HD (reference 22xxHD, made from U71X) are the recommended solution. Designed for use in solar plants, industrial infrastructure, and other extreme settings, they offer superior resistance to weathering and UV radiation. They are renowned for their exceptional durability.

No. 3: Consider special applications

You have already determined whether the installation is indoors or outdoors and assessed whether the environment is standard or harsh. Now it is time to ask one more question: does the installation require an extra level of safety or control?

In sectors where safety and traceability are critical, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries, it is essential to eliminate any risk of contamination.

For these applications, Unex has developed Cable ties 22 DT, made from halogen-free U62X. They are detectable by metal detectors, X-ray systems, and visually thanks to their distinctive blue colour, ensuring fast and efficient identification in regulated industrial processes.

But a safe set-up relies not only on cable ties themselves. The secure fastening is just as essential for a stable and lasting installation. Unex Fixing elements 26 DT are designed for full compatibility with Cable ties 22 DT. They are manufactured from halogen-free, insulating U62X material, ensuring a reliable fitting in environments where safety is paramount.

For applications requiring mechanical fastening, the Detectable Screw mounts enable firm anchoring using screws, ensuring robust and reliable fastening even under demanding conditions. The detectable angle mounts offer a tailored solution for corner fixings, delivering both stability and flexibility across a wide range of configurations.

Compliant with the requirements of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) directive, these components help maintain the highest standards of safety and control in critical facilities.

No. 4: Ensure stable and secure fixing

You have already selected the right cable tie for your set-up. That is why we have added a few extra steps to the cable tie selection process. 

In this context, Unex offers Wall plugs 25 and Surface mounts, both made from U63X. These solutions enable fast, screw-free cable mounting, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient installation.

Their design guarantees a reliable hold, preventing any shifting or loosening over time.

If the fitting can be fixed easily and does not require an additional anchoring system, you have already found the best solution. However, if the set-up demands even greater precision in fixing, consider integrating this option to optimise the final result.

No. 5: Consider the bundle size

The days of having to link two small cable ties to fasten a larger bundle are long gone. Today, purpose-built solutions are available for applications that demand greater bundle diameters and enhanced mechanical strength.

For assemblies involving large cable bundles, bulky structures or situations where mechanical strength is essential, the large-size cable ties measuring 12.7 x 1000 mm and 12.7 x 1200 mm are the ideal solution.

Engineered to withstand high mechanical loads, they enable stronger and more durable fixings without compromising safety.

When you make the right choice, the results speak for themselves

Let’s return to the installation we started with: the structure up in the mountains, exposed to the wind, sun, and moisture.

But this time, everything held firm. The cable ties have stood the test of time, the wiring remains secure, and there’s no need for unexpected maintenance calls.

Imagine the phone rings. It is the same client—but this time, they are not calling to report a problem. They are calling because they want you on board for their next industrial project. They understand that a job well done starts with making the correct choice from the very beginning.

In the end, there are two ways to approach an installation. One leads to unexpected call-outs, avoidable issues, and wasted time. The other delivers peace of mind, lasting reliability, and work that speaks for itself.

The decision is in your hands.

Will your installation tell a story of reliability—or unexpected setbacks?

Take just a minute today to choose the right cable tie and avoid unnecessary problems tomorrow.

Need support or more information? We’re ready to help.

Contact us

On the Unex blog, we cover a wide range of topics of interest and share experiences from our clients. We remind you that all legal information and information regarding compliance with applicable regulations can be found on our official website. We invite you to consult it for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding