How to link zip ties together: feed the tail of one tie through the head of a second tie and pull it tight, so the two form one longer strap. Then wrap the bundle and lock the free tail into the remaining head. Add more ties the same way for a bigger loop.
It works well, but every join is a point that can slip or snap. If you need a long tie often, a single long zip tie is simpler and stronger.
How to join two zip ties
- Pick ties of the same width. Mixing widths means the narrow tail sits loosely in the wider head. Same width, same strength.
- Make the first link. Feed the tail of tie A through the head of tie B, ridged side the right way, until it clicks.
- Pull the link tight. Pull tie A's tail all the way through so the two heads sit close together. Do not leave a loose loop at the join.
- Wrap the bundle. Take the joined strap around the bundle.
- Lock the ends. Feed tie B's tail into tie A's head and pull snug.
- Trim. Cut both tails flush with the heads. See how to cut zip ties flush.
For three or more ties, repeat step 2 to build a chain before you wrap the bundle.
How strong is a joined zip tie?
A chain of zip ties is only as strong as its weakest tie, and each join is another place for a fault. A chain of 4.8mm ties is still a 22kg tie at best, not 44kg. To hold more weight, go wider, not longer: breaking strain rises with width, from 8kg at 2.5mm to 80kg at 9mm. See how strong zip ties are.
Or use one long zip tie
Before joining ties, check whether a single tie will do. Our long zip ties include:
| Width | Longest lengths | Breaking strain |
|---|---|---|
| 4.8mm | 370mm, 450mm | 22kg |
| 7.6mm | 450mm, 530mm, 750mm | 55kg |
| 9mm | 530mm, 630mm, 780mm, 920mm, 1220mm | 80kg |
| Stainless steel | 500mm (4.6mm and 7.8mm) | See pack |
The 9mm black zip ties reach 1220mm, enough to go around most bundles, posts and pipes in one piece. Our zip tie sizes guide shows how to measure.
When joining zip ties makes sense
- You need a long tie once and only have short ones on hand.
- Wrapping something very large, such as a tree guard or a big bundle of poly pipe, where no single tie reaches.
- Making a loop or handle, for example a carry loop on a bundle of stakes.
Do not use a chain of zip ties to lift, tow or restrain anything. Use rated straps.
Can you zip tie electrical wires together?
You can bundle insulated wires and leads together with zip ties: that is what most zip ties are used for. A zip tie does not make an electrical connection, though. Join conductors with the proper crimp terminals or connectors, and seal outdoor joins with dual wall heat shrink. Work on fixed wiring must be done by a licensed electrician.
Common questions
Can you connect two zip ties together?
Yes. Feed the tail of one through the head of the other, pull it tight, then use the joined strap as one long tie.
Is a joined zip tie as strong as a single one?
At best it is as strong as one tie of the same width, and each join adds a weak point. A single longer tie is stronger.
What is the longest zip tie?
In our range, the 9mm x 1220mm black zip tie.
Written by the team at Zip Tie Man, an Australian zip tie supplier since 2016.
Browse long 9mm zip ties, or read how to use a zip tie.
Featured image: Tomasz Sienicki, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).
