Before the invention of cable ties, the early methods of tying and securing items were quite unorganized. The manufacturers had to adhere to friction tapes, hand wrapping through lacing cords and twines. However, though they used to be secure initially, things like adhesive tape used to be at risk of getting peeled off once dry and lacing cords used to put the insulation wires at risk of being cut through. Therefore, there emerged a need for a better securing product that would not only hold the wires together but also protect them from damage through its own use.
The inventor of cable ties, Thomas & Betts was established in 1898 by two engineers, Robert Thomas and Hobart Betts after they graduated from Princeton University. The purpose of the company had always been to educate the end users about its products and, therefore, was quite successful in this regard. This was the company's strategy to generate a customer pull also by aiming at keeping the distributor's shelves occupied by T & B products. It was in the 1930's when the company expressed concern about it's mutually beneficial goals through having a business partner like relationship with the distributors who were very prominent in reaching the target audience.
Cable ties were first invented in the year 1958 by an electrical company known as Thomas & Betts. Built for aero plane harnesses, they were introduced under the brand name, 'Ty-Rap' and were patented in the same year. However, the only difference at the commencement of manufacturing was that the ratchet was not
Nylon cable ties but metal instead. The first cable ties had a steel pawl attached due to which the manufacturing process was more time consuming and therefore comparatively less efficient.
