In subway stations, drainage covers run along the floor, but they are not one solid piece — they are made of sections joined together. These joints can become loose over time and must be secured. That’s why it’s common to see black cable ties holding them in place. Although simple in appearance, they play a crucial role in keeping the covers stable and secure.
All photos in this article were taken on the Shenzhen Metro Line 1 in China—special thanks to Tom for authorizing their use.
Why Do Sectional Drain Covers Need to Be Fixed?
Drain covers are designed in sections not to save material, but for practical reasons. Drainage channels often collect trash, sand, or even small items dropped by passengers. If the cover were one solid piece, cleaning and maintenance would be difficult. With a sectional design, staff can easily lift one part for inspection or clearing.
The challenge, however, is the gaps between sections. Without reinforcement, the covers can shift or lift under daily foot traffic. This is especially risky in busy public areas like subway stations, where the stability of drain covers is directly tied to passenger safety and the efficiency of maintenance. That’s why the joints must be secured, ensuring the covers remain stable even in high-traffic environments.
Why Use Cable Ties to Secure Drain Covers?
When it comes to reinforcement, people may first think of screws, bolts, or even welding. But in public spaces like subway stations or shopping malls, drain covers need to be opened frequently for cleaning. Welding is clearly not practical, and screws are too time-consuming. What staff need is a simple, effortless, and easily replaceable solution.
Cable ties meet all these needs:
Easy to install: Just thread the tie through the holes in the cover and pull it tight — no extra tools required.
- Strong enough: Common sizes such as 4.8 mm or 7.6 mm cable ties have minimum tensile strengths between 220 N and 550 N.
- Reliable material: Made of nylon 66, cable ties are tough and can maintain stable performance even in high-traffic, humid environments.
- Low cost: Each tie costs less than a cent. When worn, it can be cut and replaced quickly, far cheaper than screws or metal fasteners.
- Efficient maintenance: With heavy passenger flow, staff have little time. Cable ties allow quick fixing and quick removal when needed.
Because they balance strength, durability, and convenience, cable ties have become the common choice for securing sectional drain covers.
Summary
Sectional designs are very common in public places like subway stations, but the joints can easily loosen and must be reinforced. Cable ties are quick to install, strong enough for the job, and easy to replace when worn, making them more practical than traditional fasteners. As a result, they have become the go-to fixing method for maintenance staff. Beyond drain covers, cable ties are also widely used for cable management, equipment installation, and reinforcing public facilities.
