Zip ties, also known as cable ties, are one of those everyday items that often go unnoticed—until you need one. From organizing electrical wires to securing luggage or fixing things around the house, cable ties are incredibly versatile, cost-effective, and reliable.
But despite their widespread use in homes, industries, and even extreme environments like aerospace, few people stop to ask: who invented zip ties?
Maurus C. Logan – Cable Tie Inventor
The man credited as the cable tie inventor is Maurus C. Logan, an engineer working at Thomas & Betts, a company based in Memphis, Tennessee, specializing in electrical components. In 1958, Logan designed what would become known as the Ty-Rap—the very first commercial zip tie.
Though Logan held several patents during his career, none matched the impact of this simple yet genius invention. The cable tie became one of the most widely used fastening tools globally, with applications ranging from electrical and automotive work to household, gardening, and emergency repairs.
The Problem with Aircraft Wiring
Logan’s idea was born during a visit to a Boeing aircraft manufacturing facility in 1956. At the time, bundling aircraft wiring was a slow and labor-intensive process. Workers used wax-coated cords to tie cables by hand, which often caused cuts, blisters, and fatigue due to repetitive pulling and knotting.
Beyond the physical strain, the process lacked consistency and efficiency. Aircraft systems were becoming increasingly complex, and a better solution for wire management was urgently needed. This observation inspired Logan to develop an alternative.
Invention of the Cable Tie
Logan envisioned a one-piece, self-locking mechanism that could secure bundles of wire quickly and reliably. The result was the Ty-Rap, a nylon strap with serrated edges and a locking head that would grip and hold the strap when inserted.
The first models used a small metal pawl for locking, but later versions moved to an all-nylon construction for simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The official launch of the Ty-Rap in 1958 marks the point when zip ties were invented and introduced to the market.
From that moment, the invention evolved into a variety of forms—such as releasable cable ties, color-coded versions, extra-long or heavy-duty ties, and stainless steel variants for harsh environments. Despite these changes, the fundamental design remains largely the same: a simple and effective solution to a widespread need.
Conclusion
Who invented cable ties? The answer is Maurus C. Logan, whose innovative thinking transformed a tedious process into a streamlined solution.
When were zip ties invented? The first commercial version was released in 1958, and since then, these small tools have become indispensable in countless fields and industries.
