Zip ties are one of the most underrated yet essential tools in any home, garage, or workspace. These simple plastic fasteners, also known as cable ties, are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from organizing messy wires to fixing broken car parts to making crafts. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global zip tie market size was valued at over $605.3 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2020 to 2027.
Despite their popularity, zip ties aren‘t always the easiest item to track down, especially in big box stores with thousands of products like Walmart. To help you quickly locate zip ties and choose the best type for your needs, we‘ve put together this comprehensive guide full of expert tips, product recommendations and more.
Where to Find Zip Ties at Walmart
Walmart is known for its huge selection and low prices on home goods, hardware, auto parts, electronics, and just about everything else. But with so many aisles to navigate, finding small items like zip ties can be a challenge, even for the most experienced shoppers. In general, there are three main departments that stock zip ties at Walmart Supercenters:
Hardware Department
Your first stop when searching for zip ties at Walmart should be the hardware section, typically located along the back wall of the store near the paint and tools. Check the fasteners aisle that carries picture hangers, command hooks, mounting putty, twine, ropes, bungee cords, and other items used to hang or secure objects. Zip ties can usually be found here in bags or plastic jars alongside similar products.
At most Walmart locations, the hardware section will be your best bet for finding heavy-duty zip ties in the widest variety of lengths, widths, colors and tensile strengths. Whether you need slim 4-inch zip ties for small electronics or super thick 36-inch zip ties for industrial use, you‘re likely to find it here. In particular, look for higher rated tensile strength zip ties ranging from 18 pound to 350 pound break strength for heavy-duty applications.
Automotive Department
Another common area to find zip ties at Walmart is the automotive department, usually situated on the opposite side of the store from hardware. Browse the aisles with car detailing and maintenance supplies like cleaning chemicals, waxes, sponges, and brushes. There will often be a section dedicated to fasteners and tie-downs that contains bungee cords, ratchet straps, rubber tarp ties, and zip ties suitable for vehicular use.
Since zip ties are frequently used by mechanics to organize and secure wiring, cables, hoses, and other components in engine compartments, the automotive department may carry heavier-duty nylon zip ties with heat resistance up to 185°F, UV protection, and greater tensile strength to withstand the harsher environment under the hood. Packs of black 50lb or 120lb zip ties are common offerings.
Electronics Department
If you‘re looking for shorter, thinner zip ties primarily for cord management and wire organization, head to the electronics section of Walmart. Usually grouped with the computers, peripherals, gaming accessories, and TV/home theater equipment, you can find small multi-colored packs of zip ties alongside cable management kits, surge protectors, and cord concealers.
Electronics stores and departments prefer to stock miniature zip ties that are easier to use in tight spaces without adding too much bulk that could impede airflow or connections. Bundles of assorted 4, 6, 8, and 10-inch zip ties in 18lb or 40lb tensile strength are popular for tidying up the mess of wires behind your desk or entertainment center.
Using the Walmart App to Find Zip Ties
For the most efficient shopping experience, we highly recommend using the Walmart mobile app (available on iOS and Android) to quickly locate zip ties and check store availability before making a trip. Simply open the app, select your local Walmart store, and search for "zip ties" or "cable ties" in the search bar.
The app will display all the relevant products available at your selected location, along with the exact aisle number and shelf information for each item. You can even view the current price and estimated inventory levels to help you plan your visit. This is a huge time-saver and can help you navigate directly to the right spot without wandering up and down the aisles.
Finding Zip Ties at Other Retailers
In addition to Walmart, many other big-box stores, hardware shops, auto parts dealers, electronics outlets, and even some grocery and drug stores carry zip ties. Here‘s a quick overview of where else you can buy zip ties:
-
Home Depot/Lowe‘s: These leading home improvement chains stock a wide array of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty zip ties in their fastener aisles alongside rope, chain, electrical wire, and other essentials. Sizes range from 4 inches up to 48 inches or more in length.
-
Target: Although the selection is more limited than at Walmart or the big hardware stores, Target does sell some basic multipacks of small zip ties, usually in the hardware section near the tools, glues, and picture hanging kits.
-
AutoZone/Advance Auto Parts/O‘Reilly Auto Parts: Auto parts retailers carry many specialized zip ties designed for high-temperature, high-strength applications in vehicle repair. Look in the fluids and chemicals area or near the detailing tools.
-
Best Buy/Fry‘s Electronics: Electronics stores usually have small zip ties and cable management kits in the computer accessory aisles or with the TV mounts and surge protectors.
-
Hobby Lobby/Michael‘s/Jo-Ann Stores: Arts and crafts retailers sometimes sell mini zip ties in bright colors that are great for jewelry making, decorations, and other creative projects. Check the beading and jewelry departments.
-
Ace Hardware/True Value: Most neighborhood hardware stores have a rack of various zip ties in the electrical, plumbing, or automotive section. Sizes tend to be limited but they‘re convenient for quick projects.
-
Kroger/Publix/Safeway/Other Grocery Stores: Some larger supermarkets, especially those with a home goods or hardware section, may have a modest selection of small zip tie packs near the light bulbs, batteries, and household essentials.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Zip Ties
With so many different types and sizes of zip ties available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones you need. Here are some key factors to consider when making your selection:
Length: Zip ties can be as small as 4 inches or as long as 60 inches. Consider the diameter of the bundle you need to secure and how much extra slack you want. Longer zip ties are more versatile but may leave a messy tail.
Width: The width of a zip tie affects its strength rating or maximum tensile load. The most common thicknesses are 18lb, 40lb, 50lb, 120lb and 175lb test. Thicker ties can support more weight and withstand greater force.
Material: Nylon 6/6 is the industry standard material for general purpose zip ties due to its superior blend of strength, flexibility, and resistance to UV light, moisture, vibration, abrasion and chemicals. Stainless steel locking ties offer extreme durability under high heat but are less flexible.
Color: Zip ties are sold in almost every color imaginable, from clear to neon pink. Choose colors that complement the wires and surface they‘ll be used on. You can also use different colors as a visual management system to identify specific cable groups.
Application: Different zip tie grades are engineered for certain applications like indoor, outdoor, UV-resistant, heat-resistant, flame-retardant, and so on. Knowning how and where you plan to use your zip ties will help you pick the material and coating.
To give you a sense of scale, here is a handy chart comparing the key specs of some common zip tie sizes:
| Length | Width | Tensile Strength | Typical Quantity | Average Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 in | 18 lb | 18 lbs | 100-1000 pack | $0.02-0.05/ea |
| 8 in | 40 lb | 40 lbs | 100-1000 pack | $0.05-0.10/ea |
| 11 in | 50 lb | 50 lbs | 100-500 pack | $0.08-0.15/ea |
| 14 in | 120 lb | 120 lbs | 100-250 pack | $0.15-0.30/ea |
| 24 in | 175 lb | 175 lbs | 50-100 pack | $0.30-0.60/ea |
| 36 in | 350 lb | 350 lbs | 25-50 pack | $0.80-1.50/ea |
*Prices may vary based on brand, store, and current promotions. Data based on market research and averaging prices across major retailers.
Of course, the type of zip ties you need will ultimately depend on your specific use case. Thin 18 lb ties are plenty strong enough for keeping small cords and cables tidy in your home office, while heavy-duty 175 lb zip ties are better suited for industrial, construction, and automotive projects.
Creative Uses for Zip Ties
Besides the obvious function of bundling and securing wires and cables, zip ties can be used in tons of creative and handy ways around your home, garage, garden and workplace. Here are some of our favorite alternative uses for zip ties:
- Use brightly colored zip ties to decorate your bike spokes or personalize your luggage for easy identification
- Attach plant stems and stalks to support stakes in your garden with green zip ties
- Hang Christmas lights along your roof line or deck railing by threading zip ties through the clip holes
- Organize tools and equipment on a garage pegboard or make your own custom tool holder
- Baby proof cabinets, doors, appliances, and more by fastening them shut with zip ties
- Create a makeshift phone or tablet stand out of a single large zip tie bent into shape
- Repair broken auto parts like bumpers, fenders, mirrors, and interior trim as a temporary fix
- Bundle related documents together before filing them away for quick retrieval
- Improve dishwasher cleaning performance by securing a loose spray arm in position with a durable zip tie
- Make unique friendship bracelets and other jewelry pieces by combining colorful mini zip ties
The sky‘s the limit when it comes to finding alternative functions for zip ties. Thanks to their low cost, light weight, ease of use, and remarkable tensile strength, they can be a fast solution to all kinds of problems. We recommend keeping a variety of zip tie sizes in your toolbox, kitchen drawer, or glove compartment so you always have them on hand.
History and Fun Facts About Zip Ties
Zip ties are one of those deceptively simple inventions that have completely revolutionized the way we live and work. But did you know they were originally designed for airplane applications? Here‘s a quick look at the origins and innovations behind these ubiquitous plastic fasteners:
-
1958: Electrical engineer Maurus C. Logan invents the nylon cable tie while working for Thomas & Betts, an electrical components company. The original design was intended to quickly bundle and secure airplane wiring harnesses.
-
1968: Maurus Logan receives a patent for his cable tie invention, which he nicknamed the "Ty-Rap." It featured a metal pawl that locked into teeth along the strap.
-
1969: Thomas & Betts releases the first heat-stabilized, weather-resistant nylon 6/6 Ty-Rap cable ties in response to demanding military and aerospace industry applications.
-
1999: NASA approves the use of Ty-Rap cable ties in space flight applications due to their strong resistance to corrosion, radiation, and extreme temperatures.
Today, zip ties are produced by hundreds of manufacturers worldwide and are used in countless industries ranging from agriculture to chemical processing to transportation. Despite the availability of many generic copies, the original Ty-Rap brand is still considered the gold standard among electricians and other tradespeople.
Believe it or not, the world‘s largest zip tie measures a whopping 5 feet 11 inches long and 1.8 inches wide with a 2,000 pound tensile strength. It was made by Bay State Cable Ties of Crestview, Florida in 2003 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the cable tie. Now that‘s one giant zip tie!
Environmental Impact of Disposable Zip Ties
One growing concern surrounding the widespread use of zip ties is their environmental impact. The vast majority of zip ties are made from virgin nylon plastic, which is a petroleum-based product that does not biodegrade. Instead, discarded nylon zip ties can persist in landfills and oceans for hundreds or thousands of years, contributing to plastic pollution.
A recent study by the Rochester Institute of Technology estimates that a single 5-gallon bucket of plastic zip ties is equivalent to over 450 lbs of raw material that could be diverted from landfills and waterways if recycled properly. The researchers suggest that more manufacturers should consider using recycled nylon or bio-based feedstocks to make greener, eco-friendlier zip ties.
As consumers, we can also do our part to minimize zip tie waste by choosing reusable fasteners like velcro straps or adjustable bungee cords instead of single-use zip ties whenever possible. If you do need to use disposable zip ties, always cut them off before discarding to prevent wildlife from getting tangled. You can also save your trimmed zip ties and drop them off at local retailers or businesses that offer plastic film recycling.
Conclusion
We hope this ultimate guide to finding and using zip ties at Walmart and other stores has been informative and enlightening. Whether you‘re a professional contractor, DIY enthusiast, or just looking to get organized, zip ties are an indispensable tool to keep on hand.
Remember, when shopping for zip ties at Walmart, check the Hardware department first for the widest variety of heavy-duty options, followed by the Automotive and Electronics sections for more specialized ties. Don‘t forget to use the Walmart app to easily locate items in the aisles and check inventory at your local store.
Choosing the right zip ties requires evaluating the length, width, material, color, and application of your project. But when in doubt, it‘s always better to go with a slightly longer and thicker tie for added durability and versatility. Feel free to experiment with different sizes and colors to find your perfect fit.
Armed with this knowledge, you‘re now ready to conquer the cable tie aisle with confidence at Walmart or any other retailer. Whether you‘re securing wiring, organizing tools, bundling equipment, making repairs, or crafting something unique, zip ties can help you get the job done. Stock up and let your imagination run wild!
