The Versatility of Grip Lock Ties: A Comprehensive Guide

• November 28th, 2023
• Categories: Uncategorised

Grip Lock Ties have become one of the best ways to keep essential items safe, secure, and steady in industries where heavy-duty tools and equipment are commonplace.

Initially designed for motorsport and aerospace, Grip Lock Ties were developed to address many issues with original cable and zip ties. This included cables that were either too tight, too loose, prone to breakage or those that scratched painted surfaces.

So, what makes the Grip Lock such a popular product? Throughout this article, we’ll explore the Grip Lock’s various benefits and applications, as well as how the product became one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in the defence, marine, and aerospace industries.

The Fascinating History of Grip Lock Ties

1956

While the first ever cable tie was invented by the Dupont company in 1937, the Grip-Lock story began in 1956. American engineer, entrepreneur, and problem-solver Maurus C. Logan was searching for a better way to secure and bundle nylon cables. 

Inspiration struck when Maurus was visiting a Boeing aircraft facility. During this visit, he noticed the cuts on workers’ hands and the challenges of using wax-coated, braided nylon to tie cables. This is where the idea for the first cable tie was born.

In the following years, Maurus founded the Thomas & Betts Corporation, now called ABB, is where they began to develop a ground-breaking technology that would change the entire industry. 

1960

In 1960, Thomas & Betts officially introduced the first iteration of what we now know as the Grip Lock Tie. Back then, their product hit the market under ‘Ty-Rap®’. Originally made of nylon for aircraft wire harnesses, the Ty-Rap® featured an easy-to-use ratchet and pawl mechanism to secure various items. 

As you can probably guess, the product took off, and its popularity exploded. At this time, you would’ve been able to find the TyRap everywhere, from household backyards to NASCAR racing engines!

1960s – Present

In the following decades, the original cable tie designs evolved as improvements were made to design, material quality, and manufacturing processes. One of the significant advancements was the introduction and use of rubber. Today’s Grip Lock Ties are rubber-lined cushioning cable ties that prevent wire and cable damage.

Rubber-lined zip ties don’t cut into structures like engine mounts; with UV protection, a higher heat rating, and a solid positive latch, this provides the ultimate security for aviation and heavy-duty applications.

What Exactly Are Grip Lock Ties?

Also called cable or zip ties, they are fastening and bundling devices that secure and organise objects and materials. These ties are commonly made from rubber, plastic, nylon, stainless steel, or magnetic materials. In addition, they are widely available in different lengths, widths, and tensile strengths.

For many military applications, Grip Lock Ties are essential for securing connections or bundling wires for communication systems. However, unlike ordinary cable ties, these are rubber-lined, prevent wire damage, and can withstand high-elevation or extreme temperatures.

Each tie has a flexible strap with serrated teeth on one end and a ratcheting mechanism on the other. This is how they work:

Fastening. The serrated teeth end is threaded through the ratcheting mechanism. 

Tightening. Pulling the strap through the ratcheting mechanism, the serrated teeth engage and stop the belt from slipping.

Securing. The strap can be tightened further under it reaches the desired level of tension. These ties are strong enough to stay in place once pulled.

Types of Cable Ties

With varieties of cable ties, including pull-tight, parallel entry, beaded, releasable, tear-off forms, standard, intermediate, and heavy-duty, there are many materials to choose from. Let’s explore the different variations now:

Stainless steel cable ties

Designed to handle extreme temperatures and harsh environments, stainless steel cable ties are suitable for outdoor use in marine and defence industries. Resistant to corrosion, performance is long-term, especially in marine locations susceptible to decay. Save time during installation or removal, as no unique tool is required.

Magnetic cable ties

Perfect for heavy-duty applications, magnetic cable ties are resistant in extreme conditions. With magnets embedded into the strap, this supports the attachment to metal surfaces. These ties are often used in the aviation and electrical industries for temporary fastening solutions.

Plastic cable ties

As the most common and widely used cable ties for bundling and cable management, they are available in different colours for easy identification. 

Heavy-duty cable ties

Reinforced ties, for added durability and strength, can secure heavy, large objects in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

AFT is home to a wide variety of grip lock ties for every application imaginable. Check out our range of grip lock ties and more online. 

The Benefits of Grip Lock Ties

Small and simple yet incredibly tough and versatile, Grip Lock Ties are advantageous in various industries that work with dangerous tools and equipment. Here are just some of the benefits they offer. 

Secure fastening. Grip Lock Ties are a reliable and safe way to fasten objects together. The locking mechanism ensures that tied items stay in place and can be easily repositioned during construction. They are also reusable.

Durable materials. Manufactured out of High-Quality Dupont Nylon, these ties can meet the demands of any industry that relies on heavy duty. Eliminating stress and concentration points under tension, the innovative soft rubber liner prevents damaged wires, cushioning them under vibrations, high temperatures, or radiation. 

Cost-efficient. Compared to traditional choices such as screws, bolts, P Clamps or adhesive tapes, Grip Lock Ties are a more economical choice for military fields that need these materials in bulk.

Easy installation. Simple to install, they save labour costs and can be tightened quickly with hand tools.

Versatile. At the core of its innovation, these cable ties are designed to provide a reliable solution for a wide range of fastening and securing needs.

UV Protection: Designed to withstand extreme temperatures, they can handle the heat and the pressure of any stressful job. 

Other Useful Applications 

Beyond managing cables, Grip Lock Ties have many uses in industries that require strong fasteners.

Bundle cables in harsh environments

In the defence, marine, and agricultural industries, these ties are critical for bundling, securing, and handling wires when exposed to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.

Securely fasten objects

Components and equipment can be secured with Grip Lock Ties in the aerospace and industrial sectors. During transportation or critical operations, everything will stay in place.

Attach objects to racks or shelves

Tools, equipment, and supplies can easily be attached to shelves or racks; this creates an organised storage space that is easy to access.

Create a cable passage design

Grip Lock Ties create neat cable passages in the UTV Moto/RV industry. These ties prevent tangling within a setting that has the potential for workers to fall or slip.

Grip Lock Ties – The Role in Defence

Due to their heavy duty and reliability, Grip Lock Ties ensure organisation, maintenance, and safety in the military or defence industries. However, what roles does it play?

Equipment maintenance

Military personnel often use Grip Lock Ties for fast repairs and maintaining equipment, securing and bundling wires for communication systems, military vehicles, and electrical equipment. Ties help to ensure loose components, fasten damaged gear, or immobilise parts to prevent damage during transport.

Concealment

Grip Lock Ties attach natural materials – such as branches or leaves – to military equipment or vehicles. Blending into the environment makes them less visible to potential threats. Ties can also attach pouches or holsters to tactical vests or belts, ensuring all gear is easily accessible during missions.

Identification and Labelling

Coloured Grip Lock Ties can code or label supplies or equipment, which is essential for sorting or identifying things quickly in critical situations.

Weapon security

Used to secure firearms and other weapons during transport, Grip Lock Ties can ensure they are safely controlled. 

Field repairs

Grip Lock Ties are essential in harsh environments away from home. If there is limited access to traditional fasteners or tools, these ties can support emergency repairs on structures and equipment. 

Debris management

During a disaster or relief operation, Grip Lock Ties are essential for immediate repairs on equipment or structures where traditional fasteners are limited.

What To Consider With Grip Lock Cable Ties

Depending on what you’re working with, your cable tie needs will vary. What do you need to consider when using these cable ties?

Cable tie strength. Always measure the diameter of your bundle of cables or equipment you’ll be tying. Cable ties are trimmed after installation, and it’s not a bad idea to purchase them at longer lengths. If you need specific sizes, there are many Grip Lock Cable Ties, from 3, 8, and 12-inch lengths.

Cable tie material. Each cable tie material has its own set of properties. Nylon such as Grip Lock Ties are more effective in harsher environments that need durability against heat, chemicals, and other corrosive elements.

Cable tie features. Depending on your cable-tie application, you may want permanent locking ties, If so, simply trim off the tab, or if you’re going to reuse, keep it on. 

Discover Grip Lock Cable Ties at AFT

At Applied Fasteners and Tooling, our services support critical applications in aerospace, military and defence, automotive, electrical, and marine environments. Providing exceptional quality products, we are AS9120 certified and a leader in the fastening industry supply chain.

Contact us to explore our Specialty Fasteners, Cable Tie Mounts, Motorsport Fasteners, Hi Lok Tooling, and fastener repair tools for clients in the industrial, mining, space, and transport sectors. If you value high-quality, high-performing products, turn to AFT Systems.