A cable tie (also colloquially known as zip tie, mouse belt, tie wrap, quick draw, or rat belt) is a type of fastener, especially for binding several electronic cables or wires together, and to organize cables and wires.
In its most popular form, a cable tie consists of a sturdy Nylon tape with an integrated gear rack, and on one end a ratchet within a small open case. Once the pointed tip of the cable ties has been pulled through the case and past the ratchet, it is prevented from being pulled back; the resulting loop may only be pulled tighter. In two of its most common uses, this allows several cables to be bound together into a cable tree, or to be used as makeshift handcuffs. Specially constructed PlastiCuffs, based on the cable tie design, are used by police and military to restrain prisoners. Cable ties are also commonly used to prevent hubcaps (also known as wheel trims) from falling off a moving vehicle, and some are sold specifically for this purpose.
A cable tie tensioning device or tool may be used to apply a cable tie with a specific degree of tension. The tool may cut off the extra tail flush with the head in order to avoid a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury.
Black cable ties are used for outdoor applications, as the ultraviolet component of sunlight will degrade clear and light colors of nylon. Blue tie wraps made of ETFE (Tefzel) are used in a radiation-rich environment. Red cable ties made of ECTFE (Halar) are used for plenum cabling.
Cable ties were first invented by Thomas & Betts, an electrical company, in 1958 under the brand name Ty-Rap initially designed for airplane wire harnesses. The original design used a metal ratchet instead of a nylon, they later upgraded to the nylon/plastic design.[1]
Cable ties are generally viewed as single-use devices. However, if a closed loop needs to be opened again, then, rather than destroying the cable tie by cutting, it may be possible to release the ratchet from the rack to reuse the cable tie. While some cable ties are designed for reuse with a tab that releases the ratchet, in most cases a sewing needle or similar object (for example a small screwdriver) will need to be interposed between the ratchet and the rack.
Other methods of bundling cable together securely and semi-permanently include cable lacing, binding knots such as the surgeon's knot or constrictor knot, Velcro brand hook-and-loop strips, twist ties, or metal buckle clips.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_tie
History of the Cable Tie: Ever since the first piece of electrical or communication equipment required that more than one wire be routed within it, there has been a need to collect, contain and control multiple wires into tightly organized bundles. Such bundling helps to prevent or reduce damage to the wires, keeps wires away from moving parts, helps trace and service the wiring systems, and provides an organized, efficient wiring layout.
An early method for securing and routing wiring was simply using twine, lacing cord or adhesive back tape. Though helpful, these materials had serious drawbacks as bundling devices. For example, cord requires a great deal of time for hand wrapping, and tying off does not produce a very secure bundle, which is hand-tight at best. Thin cord also can cut into wire insulation. Tapes can dry out and peel off. These readily apparent problems led to efforts to invent a device that would encircle, bundle, and route wires more efficiently and at uniform tension. Some early devices had separate straps and locking mechanisms, which required two operations to install. All of the earlier methods lacked fine adjustment and permanent locking features.
The first cable tie that was patented by Thomas and Betts in 1958 similar in appearance and function to today’s standard tie had a steel pawl or barb inserted at an angle inside its head. The next major development was a two-piece, all-nylon, and self-locking cable tie. It is finely adjustable, but also manufactured in two steps. Because of its design, this cable tie requires more hand/eye coordination and time to insert the strap during installation. It forms a teardrop configuration.
Newer designs form a nearly round shape, which bundles more tightly and effectively. This two-piece tie also can be accidentally released. These gradual developments inevitably led to several designs for a one-piece, moulded, self-locking tie appearing about the same time, and many were granted U.S. patents.
In 1968, All-States, an established cable clamp manufacturer, received one of the first patents for a unique design, and became the first manufacturer to produce and market the one-piece nylon tie in the United States. Cable Ties now come in many sizes and styles for a diverse range of applications. It has also been modified into specialty ties with all the qualities of the basic tie, plus added moulded-in features for different uses.
Source: http://www.tonesties.co.uk/history_of_cable_ties.htm