Zip ties...differences?

[bwerb]

File this one under triviality but...

Is there any difference between black zip ties and the white zip ties? I have looked at the packaging of several brands and the black ties have variously stated "weatherproof" and "military grade". Is this just marketing or are they actually different plastic compounds. One of my regs has a white tie holding on the mouthpiece, the other has a black one. I just want to make sure I'm using the wrong ones.

[SPEEDSTER]

bwerb once bubbled...
I just want to make sure I'm using the wrong ones.

Boy, you're just a glutton for punishment, huh?:D

ps: I don't know if theres a difference, but the black ones look cooler.:)

Mike

[bwerb]

Hahaha!

I actually caught that as soon as I sent it, I tried to delete the thread to move it to the general equipment section and the computer kicked me out.

Any moderaters out there? Please move this thread to the general equipment discussions.

Thanks...and sorry.

Brian

[Lead_carrier]

Yes there are some differences.. but not enough that you have to worry.

[scubaredneck]

If you're blonde, they need to match your wetsuit.

:rofL:

[MikeS]

At least with some manufactures the black ties have better resistance to UV light but are more expensive. So we use the white ones indoors and the black ones outside when there’s a possibility they’ll be exposed to the sun. In less than a year with constant exposure to sunlight the white ones become brittle and fall apart.

[FredT]

Blacks tend to be much more UV stable, but still have a finite life in the sun. For LONG-term sunlight and saltwater exposure Panduit makes a Pan-Steel tie in 316 stainless. Small cross section white ties are good for about 3 months in tropical sun, black ties will generally last a couple of years. I've had Pan-steel ties exposed on lighthouses for over 15 years with no problem.

There are major differences in locking methods on plastic zip ties too. These can be classified as a molded in "Nylon block" (releasable or not) or inserted stainless or steel barbs. The stainless steel barbs are more reliable, but cost more. The plated steel barbs are worthless around seawater if you want them to last more than a couple weeks.

FT

[Big-t-2538]

If you want to be DIR...go black...

Now that I'm aware they're colored...I will be searching for hot pink..or any other color that clashes with black.....

[FredT]

Big-t-2538 once bubbled...
Now that I'm aware they're colored...I will be searching for hot pink..or any other color that clashes with black.....

My catalog lists them in black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, gray, purple, white, telephone gray, pink, aqua blue and maroon. plus flourescent orange, yellow, green, and pink.

Not all colors come in all materials, but most are available in Nylon 66.

[eandiver]

I've noticed the black ones seem to last longer in the outdoors than the white.

[scuberd]

I think the whites ones reflect all the colors in the light, and the black ones absorb them. or is it the other way around.

just my $0.02 :D =-) :D

[sailnj]

Boy this is a dumb question. It's not like it's really going to make a whole lot of difference. I mean I wouldn't use them to connect the anchor to the boat. :: :confused: :confused: :: : :wacko: :wacko: :

[Aquamaniac]

Looks like the answer is already here!

Just to re-iterate, black is UV stabilized.

[Mo2vation]

I use the flat ones with the plastic flapazoid "zip" hingus - the metal "zips" are rarely stainless and are done in a few dives.

They make flat pull ones - so instead of a big square knobbie-jobbie there is a smooth looking flattened "buckle". Its sort of like a belt. Much nicer on things that will get rubbed against your skin - Inflators, Mouth-pieces, etc. No pointy squared off edges, etc.

I can tell already I've spent way too much time thinking about this and describing this. I need a life.

Hold me....

K

:putz:

[Popeye]

bwerb once bubbled...
File this one under triviality but...

Is there any difference between black zip ties and the white zip ties? I have looked at the packaging of several brands and the black ties have variously stated "weatherproof" and "military grade". Is this just marketing or are they actually different plastic compounds. One of my regs has a white tie holding on the mouthpiece, the other has a black one. I just want to make sure I'm using the wrong ones.

I'm an auto mechanic, among my many talents. I used to look for zip strips that had a steel keeper, thinking they were stronger or better or whatever.

Now I avoid them for the obvious reasons.

Black seems to last the longest in sunlight, and doesn't clash with the gear. Black doesn't show the wear and tear, or discolor, like the white ones.

I've bought thousands of zip ties from a wide variety of sources, and I've never seen a credible strength rating. Doesn't mean there isn't one, I just have never have noticed it. I've seen ties that I could pull apart, and ties that require sidecutters to cut. I find the best place to get good zip ties in all sizes is an electrical supply warehouse (not Lowes or Home Depot). You might assume they would sell a good professional grade, as the contractors would let them know quick if they didn't.

I keep long and short standard ties in the dive bag, as well as the small ones for mouth pieces.

While we're on the subject, when you cut the excess tie off, it can be sharp enough to easily cut skin. Get a pair of concave toenail clippers (larger than fingernail clippers), and make yourself a nice, finished cut.

[LUBOLD8431]

Ok, I am reading in my new GUE DIR book, and it says that you should only use black zip ties.

I guess thats that...

It doesnt say why, but I think you should use black too, its DIR.

[NurseShark]

sailnj once bubbled...
Boy this is a dumb question. It's not like it's really going to make a whole lot of difference. I mean I wouldn't use them to connect the anchor to the boat. :: :confused: :confused: :: : :wacko: :wacko: :

Yeah right, it's such a stupid question that we already have a number of different technical responses...since I'm using them to connect to stainless steel bolt snaps to my SPG and main regulator (in addition to holding on my mouthpiece), I'd rather find out the differences before my $8 ($12.00 Canadian) boltsnaps start tumbling into the abyss because there's a difference.

A sincere thanks to everyone else who did respond with some reasonable feedback, that's why I love this board.:D

[bwerb]

I just responed as Nurseshark!!! This is the trouble with sharing a computer between two people, I go to respond and find out that I've become Nurseshark...the last post was me.:bonk:

Note to self, check to see who is logged on before posting replies, wow that could get really interesting VERY quickly. ;)