Cable Ties Black vs White

[Paul K]

I used a system of colors to signify the progress of completing each area.

Lacing cord behind the panel
Blue Tefzel ties FWF
Black zip ties are final
Bright colors are temporary

If I see a bright colored tie, I know it is temporary and needs to be finished. If I see black, I know everything in that area is complete. A quick scan is all it took to make sure everything is secure and complete.

Note: I found that the blue Tefzel ties are not as strong as the others and care needs to be taken when setting them and a test pull is necessary to verify their security when done.

[Mel]

There may be certain circumstances involving this, but I've been inspecting aircraft for about 45 years and have never seen it.

I recently removed a number of zip ties from my own engine mount that had been on there for over 20 years and there was no indication of wear at all.

[Walt]

Nylon tie wraps will generally loosen up over time (especially FWF), they can then chafe into the wire, engine mount, line, etc. (I've seen lots of grooves in prop gov lines and oil drain back tubes when folks tie to these). Less chance of this if the tie wraps are kept tight.

The 4130 mount is pretty tough but that nylon tie wrap can still wear a mark into it. In addition the protective finish (powder coat) wears off pretty quick then rust has a place to start. Rust pits can significantly reduce the strength of the thin walled mount (I've cleaned up many a rusted mount from this).

I use tie wraps FWF on my own aircraft, but, I always install a few wraps of silicone tape on the mount first so the tie wrap is not in direct contact with it.

[bkc3921]

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ght=cable+ties

This is a long discussion on this topic..As you can see, the jury is still out..but my theory is "why do it if you don't have to?"..It appears there are several cases where it may have caused damage, or at least created a condition that might encourage damage....something I am trying to avoid.

YMMV=Do your own research, and proceed at your own risk. This is one one the great things about being a homebuilder. We can solicit advice without necessarily have to take it!.. I chose not to place ties on my mount since there are other options available. Best wishes on your choice.

[vlittle]

Originally Posted by bkc3921

A little away from your question, but I used the Blue Tefzel cable ties (available from Stein) FWF. Yes, they are a little pricy, but I liked the high temperature rating, resistance to chemicals, and excellent flammability rating. Will it make a difference..??..I hope not..but I sleep well at night.

Everyone of my tefzel cable ties hardened up and broke off (probably a dozen or more FWF). Not worth the investment, I'm afraid.

[bkc3921]

Originally Posted by vlittle

Everyone of my tefzel cable ties hardened up and broke off (probably a dozen or more FWF). Not worth the investment, I'm afraid.

I have been unable to find a definitive answer on the "shelf life" of a Tefzel tie. The DuPoint Properties manual paints a rosy picture of the product....27 boring pages which convinced me I made the right choice by NOT becoming a chemical engineer..!

From what I have read, cable ties suffer the most degradation in cold, low humidity environments (like hangers!)..so they may need to be replaced from time to time. Your point is well taken, I suppose it depends on your time, budget and comfort level.

..Sorry for the slight thread drift. For what it's worth, I like black. The UV argument aside, clear/white tends to yellow and starts to look crappy.

[roee]

Originally Posted by bkc3921

The UV argument aside, clear/white tends to yellow and starts to look crappy.

One might argue that's a good thing. That yellowing is a good visual indication that the material is degrading, and maybe ought to be replaced. Having materials that change their appearance some time before they fail is a highly desirable property!

It seems likely that the nylon material of black zip ties experience similar degradation over time, except you simply can't see a color change because it's obscured by the black die that's added to the nylon.

[Ironflight]

The other thing to remember.... I can't think of any cable ties in any of my airplanes that are "critical" to safe flight - nothing that, if it failed, it would bring me out of the sky. Check them when you do maintenance, touch and pull on them annually, and you'll be fine - regardless of the color, or material.

I personally use black (when I use ties) to finish the airplane, and I carry orange, red, or even pink ones in my "away" tool kit. If I do work on the road, it gets a colorful tie, so that reminds me to check that item once I get back to the shop.

[DougJ]

Originally Posted by Ironflight

~snip~ I carry orange, red, or even pink ones in my "away" tool kit. If I do work on the road, it gets a colorful tie, so that reminds me to check that item once I get back to the shop.

That is a GREAT idea. Simple, easy and inpossible to forget what you were going to look at later!

[Sam Buchanan]

Guess I've used about every color zip tie there is. I buy whatever bundle is available in the auto parts store or big box store whenever I think about it.

As Paul mentioned, nothing is going to fall off my plane if a tie fails, just might not look as neat. But in flying the RV-6 for 14 years, I don't recall ever having a zip tie break. There are still many original ties in service FWF and behind the panel. If something needs to be secured to keep it off the exhaust, it gets adel clamps.

In my opinion, making sure nothing gets damaged by a tie is much more important than color.