Reusable Cable Ties for Stage and Event Rigging in 2026

Did you know that the UK events industry generates over 100,000 tonnes of waste every year? A significant portion of this comes from single-use plastics that end up in landfills or incinerators. If you’ve ever spent hours at the end of a long show cutting away hundreds of nylon strips, you know the frustration. It’s not just about the waste; it’s the risk of your blade slipping and slicing through a delicate DMX or fibre optic cable. Switching to reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging is no longer just a green choice; it’s a tactical move to protect your expensive equipment and your bottom line.

We understand that your rig needs to look professional and stay secure under pressure. You want a faster, safer way to manage cable looms without the constant cost of consumables. In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the best reusable fasteners to protect your cables and speed up your event derigging process. We’ll explore the latest 2026 standards, including the updated BS 7909:2024 Code of Practice, and show you how modern hook and loop or releasable options can transform your workflow from a cluttered mess into a streamlined and organised setup.

If you are looking for specific advice on the best fasteners for your next project, please get in touch with our team today.

If you need technical advice on selecting the right fasteners for your touring rig, please contact our specialist team.

The Importance of Reusable Cable Ties in Professional Rigging

Professional rigging demands fasteners that can withstand the rigours of touring whilst providing the flexibility to make quick adjustments. A reusable Cable tie is a professional fastener designed for multiple cycles of tensioning and release, offering a level of versatility that single use alternatives cannot match. As the UK event industry moves towards sustainable touring, production houses are looking for ways to reduce plastic waste. With over 100,000 tonnes of waste generated by the sector annually, switching to reusable options is a practical step that aligns with modern environmental standards.

The safety benefits are equally compelling. Cutting traditional nylon ties often leaves behind sharp, jagged ends that can easily cause injury to crew members during a fast paced load out. Reusable fasteners eliminate this hazard entirely. From a financial perspective, production houses and rental companies can significantly reduce their long term procurement costs. While the initial investment might be higher, the durability of these ties ensures they last for many seasons, making them a far more cost effective choice over time.

To better understand how these tools can improve your workflow, watch this helpful video:

Protecting Expensive AV and Signal Cables

Traditional zip ties often create pressure points that can pinch or crush the delicate outer jacketing of fibre optic and DMX cables. This physical stress can lead to signal degradation or even total failure during a performance. Using reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging allows technicians to set an adjustable tension that maintains cable health. You can secure a loom firmly enough to prevent movement without compromising the internal glass or copper cores. Crucially, this approach removes the risk of using knives or snips near expensive looms during derigging, which is where most accidental cable damage occurs.

Improving Speed and Efficiency During Derig

Efficiency is the backbone of any successful touring production. The time taken to cut and clear away hundreds of plastic ties adds up quickly, requiring extra labour and creating a mess that must be cleaned. In contrast, unfastening reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging takes only seconds and produces zero waste. Many professional solutions, including VELCRO Brand hook and loop, are designed to stay attached to the cable itself. This logistical advantage ensures that cable looms remain organised and ready for transport immediately. When you open your flight cases at the next venue, you won’t be greeted by a tangled mess of loose wires.

To find the most durable fasteners for your next tour, you can get in touch with our experts for technical support.

Comparing Reusable Cable Tie Types for Stage and Screen

Selecting the right equipment depends on the specific demands of your production. In the event sector, two dominant technologies have emerged as the standard for reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging. These are fabric based hook and loop fasteners and mechanical releasable nylon ties. Each serves a distinct purpose. While hook and loop excels at protecting signal integrity, releasable nylon is often better suited for structural support where a firm, mechanical lock is non-negotiable. Using the correct type ensures your rig remains safe and your cables stay functional throughout the tour.

The cycle life of these materials varies significantly. A high quality fabric fastener can be opened and closed thousands of times before the grip weakens. Conversely, nylon versions are subject to material fatigue and may only last for a few dozen cycles before the release trigger becomes brittle or fails. Understanding these differences is essential for riggers planning long tours where equipment must perform reliably night after night.

VELCRO Brand One Wrap Fasteners

For professional cable management, VELCRO Brand One Wrap is widely considered the premier choice. Its unique back to back design features hooks on one side and loops on the other, allowing the strap to secure itself without the need for adhesives or complex hardware. This soft, non-abrasive texture is ideal for sensitive jackets on high end cables, such as fibre optic looms, delicate microphone leads, or shielded DMX cables. It prevents the cold flow effect where the insulation is permanently deformed by excessive pressure.

Technicians often prefer buying these fasteners on a roll. This allows you to cut custom lengths for bespoke rigging needs, whether you are bundling two cables or twenty. For a more detailed look at these materials, you can read our professional guide to VELCRO Brand fasteners to see how they perform in industrial settings.

Releasable Nylon Ties

Releasable nylon ties use a different mechanism to achieve reusability. They feature a small trigger or button on the head that allows the internal pawl to be lifted, releasing the serrated strap from the locking teeth. These are specifically used in higher load applications where a firm mechanical lock is required to support the weight of heavy power cables, socapex runs, or lighting fixtures. You should refer to OSHA rigging safety guidelines to ensure your chosen fastener meets the necessary load ratings for your specific setup.

However, nylon has limitations in the unpredictable UK weather. During outdoor winter events, standard nylon can become brittle in the cold, increasing the risk of the release tab snapping. Fabric fasteners tend to remain more flexible and reliable across a wider temperature range. If you need help deciding which width or length of reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging is right for your looms, contact us for a recommendation based on your specific kit list.

For personalised advice on choosing the right fasteners for your touring kit, please contact our specialist team.

Key Selection Criteria for Rigging Fasteners

Touring environments are notoriously unforgiving on equipment. Selecting the correct reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging requires a detailed look at technical specifications rather than just cost. Not all fasteners are built to withstand the constant tensioning and release cycles of a six month tour. You should first examine the tensile strength ratings provided by the manufacturer. This rating tells you exactly how much force the locking mechanism can handle before failing. To maintain a safe work site, always align your choices with recognised ESTA rigging safety standards.

Environmental factors are just as important as mechanical ones. For outdoor festivals and summer events, UV resistance is a critical requirement. Standard nylon ties often degrade when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, leading to brittle straps that snap without warning. High quality reusable versions are manufactured to resist this degradation. You must also consider the cycle life of the fastener. A professional grade tie should maintain its rated strength across hundreds of uses, ensuring it doesn’t become a weak link in your rig after only a few shows.

Colour Coding for Identification and Safety

Organising a complex rig becomes significantly easier when you use colour as a visual tool. Different colours can denote specific cable types, such as orange for power and blue for data. This prevents patching errors during a high pressure setup. Whilst discrete black ties are essential for on stage visibility to keep the rig looking clean, bright colours are often used in high traffic areas to highlight potential trip hazards. In multi company rigs, colour coding is also an effective way to identify ownership of specific cable looms, preventing your expensive leads from disappearing into another firm’s flight cases.

Low Profile and Snag Free Designs

When you are pulling long cable runs through tight spaces or over trussing, snagging is a major frustration. Fasteners with bulky heads or sharp tails can catch on clothing, other cables, or safety wires. Choosing reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging with low profile heads ensures that your looms can clear mounting plates and handles without getting stuck. Designs that allow the fastener to lie flat against the truss or boom also provide a more professional appearance. This prevents the messy look of traditional ties and reduces the risk of crew members catching their hands on protruding fasteners whilst climbing or adjusting fixtures.

For technical support with your cable management setup, please contact our expert team.

Best Practices for Organising Cables on a Rig

Effective cable management is about more than just neatness; it’s about system reliability and crew safety. When using reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging, the goal is to create a loom that is secure but not constricted. Start by laying your cables flat and parallel. Avoid twisting them, as this creates internal tension that can lead to copper fatigue or signal interference. A well organised loom should look like a single, clean unit rather than a tangled bundle of wires.

Correct spacing is vital for a professional finish. For horizontal runs on a truss, space your ties every 30cm to 50cm. This prevents the cables from sagging into the line of sight or interfering with moving lights. For vertical drops, you may need closer spacing to support the weight of the loom. Never over-tighten your fasteners. You should be able to slide a finger under the tie comfortably. This ensures you aren’t crushing the internal shielding or fibre cores. For temporary positioning before the final rig, many professionals use cloth tapes to tack cables in place. This allows you to step back and check the run before committing with your reusable ties.

If you’re unsure about the best spacing or load ratings for heavy power runs, speak to our specialists for a tailored recommendation based on your rig design.

Bundling and Looming Techniques

Group your cables by function. Keep power cables separate from low voltage signal lines where possible to avoid electromagnetic interference. Use the stagger method when creating long looms. By offsetting the connectors slightly, you avoid a single bulky knot in the run that is difficult to pull through tight gaps. To keep your inventory organised, use specialist tapes at both ends of the loom to clearly label the destination and cable type. To prevent losing your reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging during the derig, choose designs with an eyelet or pull through tab that allows the tie to remain permanently attached to the cable jacket.

Managing Cables on Moving Rigs

Moving trusses and rotating stages present unique challenges. Cables must be able to flex and travel without snagging or being pulled taught. In these scenarios, hook and loop fasteners are often superior to rigid nylon because they allow for slight movement within the bundle. Always build in a service loop or extra slack at the hinge points of a moving rig. This prevents the cables from acting as a mechanical stop, which can damage both the cable and the motor system. Because these rigs often require mid tour adjustments, having fasteners that can be opened and repositioned without tools is a massive operational advantage.

If you need expert assistance selecting the right fasteners for your next tour, please contact our specialist team.

Why Professionals Choose Fosseway Tapes for Rigging Essentials

Since 1989, Fosseway Tapes has operated as a family-run business dedicated to providing technical solutions for industrial and creative sectors. We understand that in the event industry, a delay in receiving a simple fastener can disrupt an entire production schedule. By sourcing your adhesives and reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging from a single specialist distributor, you streamline your procurement process and ensure that every component in your kit meets the same high standard of reliability. This consolidated approach reduces logistical headaches and ensures material compatibility across your entire rig.

We are committed to stocking professional grade brands like VELCRO Brand to ensure our customers have access to the best materials on the market. Our national delivery capability supports touring companies across the UK, providing a dependable supply chain whether you are prepping in a warehouse or need a restock at a venue. We don’t just sell products; we provide the technical backbone that allows production managers to focus on the show rather than worrying about the integrity of their cable management. Our heritage is built on providing solutions that stand up to the most demanding environments.

Expert Advice for Complex Rigging Projects

Every venue and every rig presents its own set of unique challenges. Our team has decades of experience helping technicians specify the right reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging for complex projects, from high-capacity stadium tours to intimate theatre installations. We focus on professional solutions that far exceed standard retail options in terms of durability and performance. For companies that require strict safety compliance, we provide technical data sheets for our products to ensure your risk assessments are backed by verifiable manufacturer data. This level of detail is essential for maintaining the high standards expected in modern event production.

A Comprehensive Inventory for the Event Sector

A safe and organised rig requires more than just cable ties. We maintain a deep inventory of complementary products designed specifically for the stage and screen sector. This includes floor marking tapes for blocking and cloth tapes for general rigging tasks. Having the right workshop supplies on hand ensures that your setup is both safe for the crew and visually clean for the audience. We invite you to get in touch for bespoke requirements or bulk orders to ensure your touring kit is fully prepared for the 2026 season. Whether you are managing a single stage or a multi-venue festival, our inventory is designed to meet your professional needs.

To discuss your specific project requirements or bulk orders, please contact our specialist team today for rigging advice.

Elevate Your Professional Rigging Standards

Refining the rigging process is a continuous effort for production houses looking to balance speed with safety. Adopting reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging is a strategic decision that pays dividends across every tour. It protects your cable assets and slashes the environmental impact associated with single use plastics. Throughout this guide, we have explored how the right choice in fasteners can reduce derigging times and preserve the integrity of expensive signal looms.

Fosseway Tapes & Fixings Limited has been supporting the UK event industry since 1989. As an official stockist of VELCRO Brand products with national delivery capabilities, we provide the industrial grade fasteners you need to keep your rig secure. By choosing the right materials, you ensure your equipment remains in peak condition while maintaining a professional and organised appearance on every stage. We look forward to helping you build a more efficient rig for your next show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reusable cable ties strong enough for overhead rigging

Yes, reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging are suitable for overhead cable management, but they must never be used as primary structural supports. Mechanical releasable ties often provide higher tensile strength for heavy power bundles. Always check the manufacturer’s load rating to ensure the fastener can handle the weight of the loom. For safety, these should only secure cables to the truss, not support the weight of the fixtures themselves.

Can I use reusable ties for outdoor festivals and events

Yes, you can use these ties for outdoor events if you select UV-stabilised versions. Standard nylon can become brittle and snap after prolonged exposure to sunlight, particularly during summer festivals. High-quality fabric ties and specifically treated nylon versions are designed to withstand UV rays and fluctuating temperatures. This ensures your rig remains secure and professional throughout the entire duration of an outdoor residency or touring season.

What is the best way to clean reusable hook and loop ties

The most effective way to clean hook and loop ties is using a stiff lint brush or a fine-toothed comb to pull out trapped fibres and debris. If the ties are muddy, you can wash them gently in warm soapy water using a soft brush. It’s important to let them air dry completely before the next use. Avoid using high heat or tumble dryers, as excessive temperatures can melt the delicate nylon hooks.

Do reusable cable ties come in different sizes for thick looms

Yes, these fasteners are available in a wide range of widths and lengths to accommodate everything from single data leads to thick power looms. Buying rolls of hook and loop allows you to cut bespoke lengths for unique rigging challenges. For very large bundles, heavy-duty releasable nylon ties provide the necessary length and mechanical locking force to keep the loom tight and prevent any sagging on the truss.

How many times can I realistically reuse a VELCRO Brand tie

A professional grade VELCRO Brand One Wrap tie can realistically be reused hundreds of times before the grip begins to significantly degrade. While the exact number of cycles depends on the environment and how much tension is applied, many production houses find these ties last for several years of touring. You should inspect the hook surface periodically; if the hooks look flattened or filled with lint, it’s time to replace the tie.

Will reusable ties damage the jacket of my fibre optic cables

No, fabric based reusable ties are actually the safest option for delicate fibre optic and high end signal cables. Unlike standard plastic ties that can pinch the jacket and cause signal loss, hook and loop fasteners distribute pressure evenly around the circumference of the cable. This prevents the internal glass or copper from being crushed, which is why they are the industry standard for sensitive AV and data equipment.

Can I get custom colours to match my company branding

Yes, you can source these ties in various colours to help with company branding or asset identification. While black and silver are the most common for stage use, bright colours like red, blue, and yellow are excellent for denoting different departments or cable lengths. For large bulk orders, it’s often possible to have company names or logos printed directly onto the ties, which helps prevent your kit from being lost on multi-company sites.

Are there flame retardant options for theatre use

Yes, flame retardant versions are available specifically for use in theatres and indoor venues. These ties are manufactured to meet strict safety standards, such as UL 94-V2, which ensures they won’t contribute to the spread of fire. When working in venues with rigorous fire safety inspections, using certified flame retardant reusable cable ties for stage and event rigging provides the necessary documentation to satisfy local authorities and building managers.