Cable tie

A cable tie (coll. also "strap", "rat belt" or "mouse belt") is a type of fastener, especially for binding several electronic cables together and to organize them into a cable tree.

In its most popular form a cable tie consists of a sturdy tape of plastic (usually Nylon) with an integrated gear rack, and on one end with a ratchet within a small open case.

Once the tip on the other (often conveniently pointed) end of the cable tie has been pulled through the case and past the ratchet, then it is prevented from being pulled back; the resulting loop may only be pulled ever tighter. This allows for instance to bind several cables together and to organize them into a cable tree.

If a tied loop needs to be opened again, then, rather than having to destroy the cable tie by cutting the tape, it may be possible to release the ratchet from the rack (either by design, or perhaps using a needle) and to reuse the cable tie.

Other methods of tying cable together securely and semi-permamently include Velcro® brand hook-and-loop strips, and metal buckle clips.