Abstract: A metal cable tie includes a locking head formed at one end of an elongate strap. A metal locking ball is contained within the locking head and serves to secure the strap against withdrawing movement when the strap is inserted through the locking head. The ball is inserted into the locking head through a hole. After the ball is inserted, the strap is folded around the locking head to secure the strap to the locking head while blocking the hole to confine the ball within the head. A pair of interengageable barbs formed on the strap engage each other through the hole to secure the strap adjacent the locking head and occlude the hole to keep the ball from falling out. Preferably, the tie is economically and conveniently formed through a stamping and folding operation.