What are outside serrated cable ties? Nylon cable ties come in many different types, depending on their application and function. We’ve covered several common categories in our article “9 Different Types of Cable Ties”.
So what makes outside serrated cable ties different? And what are they used for? In this article, we’ll introduce this newly developed nylon cable tie and explain its structure, features, and ideal use cases.
Definition of an Outside Serrated Cable Tie
An outside serrated cable tie is a specialized nylon tie made from nylon 66. As the name suggests, the serrations (or teeth) are located on the outside of the tie. This design leaves the inner surface smooth, allowing it to sit flush against the bundled items without causing damage.
Thanks to this structure, the tie can be pulled tightly while still protecting the surface of cables or other sensitive materials. It offers both strong holding power and added protection for the bundled objects.
Function and Benefits of Outside Serrated Cable Ties
Compared to standard cable ties, outside serrated ties offer several advantages. Since the teeth are on the outside, they help protect the insulation of cables, especially when cables need to be held tightly for extended periods.
You may also notice that the head of an outside serrated cable tie is smaller and smoother than that of a typical standard cable tie. This makes it less likely to scratch or damage nearby components, which is useful in tight or delicate environments.
Another advantage is that outside serrated ties are harder to loosen by hand than standard ties. This makes them more secure and reliable, especially in high-spec applications where safety and performance are critical.
Why Outside Serrated Cable Ties Are Ideal Automotive Zip Ties
Outside serrated cable ties are widely used in automotive wiring harnesses and have become a preferred fastening solution for many car manufacturers. If you open the hood of a vehicle, you’ll notice that the cable bundles inside are not secured with standard cable ties, but with this specially designed outside serrated type.
Inside the engine compartment, cables are packed tightly and have to deal with heat, vibration, and moisture over time. That’s why protecting the cable insulation is so important.
Outside serrated cable ties are designed with a smooth inner surface that sits directly against the cables. This helps reduce rubbing and wear, especially during long-term use. As a result, the wiring stays more secure and better protected—even in tough environments like under the hood.
Another reason these ties are ideal for automotive use is their small, low-profile head. In the tight and crowded spaces of an engine bay, this design makes installation easier and reduces the risk of damaging surrounding components.
Because of these advantages, outside serrated cable ties are often referred to as automotive zip ties, and are considered a specialized type of cable tie tailored to meet the strict demands of the automotive industry. Their use improves not only durability but also the overall assembly quality of the vehicle.
Conclusion
All in all, outside serrated cable ties are a type of high-performance automotive zip tie with a smart, practical design. They’re widely used in automotive wiring because they simply work better in many ways.
Compared to standard cable ties, they offer better protection for cables, with less risk of wearing down the insulation over time. In tough environments like the engine compartment—where there’s heat, vibration, and limited space—they hold cables firmly in place and help keep everything safe and secure.
Their compact design also makes them easy to use in tight or tricky areas without getting in the way. That’s why outside serrated cable ties have become a go-to solution for cable management in modern vehicles.
