A cable tie works using a simple but effective ratchet mechanism that allows the tie to tighten but not loosen.
Here's a breakdown of the mechanism:
- Components: A standard cable tie consists of a nylon body and a ratchet head. The underside of the body is grooved.
- Looping and Insertion: The pointed end of the tie is looped around the items to be secured (e.g., cables) and inserted into the ratchet head.
- Ratchet Engagement: Inside the head, there's a pawl (a small tooth or lever). As the tie is pulled through the head, the pawl engages with the grooves on the tie's body, allowing it to move in one direction (tightening).
- Locking Mechanism: The pawl prevents the tie from moving back in the opposite direction. This creates a secure, locking effect. The more the tie is pulled, the tighter it becomes.
- Single Use: Because of the ratchet mechanism, standard cable ties are typically single-use. Once tightened, they cannot be easily loosened or reused without cutting them.
In essence, the combination of the grooved tie body and the pawl inside the ratchet head creates a one-way locking system.
