Yes, we’re back to talking about nylon cable ties today. Yesterday we wrote about how to cut them flush during installation, and a few months ago we talked more about all-in-one tightening and trimming nylon cable tie tools.
Today, let’s talk a bit about how to cut nylon zip ties, such as those shown above. That’s a Tekton 200-piece assortment ($6 via Amazon), by the way. Sorry, I’ve got to name the product since I used the image, although it does look like a handy kit to keep around.
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We’re not talking about trimming cable ties, cutting them flush, or anything of the sort. Here, let’s focus on how to get cable ties cut and removed as quickly and easily as possible.
Option 0: Use the right tool.
As Visbert pointed out in a comment, there are special tools designed just for cutting cable ties. But, unless you deal with cable ties on a daily basis, you’re probably not going to have such a tool available.
Option 1: Use any cutting tool.
Strong scissors, a knife (cut away from yourself), diagonal cutters, or any other durable cutters will work. The thicker the cable tie, the tougher the tool needed to cut through it.
I’ve used angled tip cutters, wire cutters, medical-style shears (which are a lot cheaper than you might think), utility cutters, fancy Japanese-made EDC scissors, and some sweet Midwest metal-cutting snips.
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Option 2: Break ’em!
Basically, nylon cable ties are very strong in one direction, but they typically don’t respond well to twisting motions.
If the nylon tie is thin enough, you can grab it with pliers, give a quick sharp twist, and the tie will break. You obviously wouldn’t do this if the tie is around soft or delicate materials.
For example, if you need to remove a zip tie that’s around soft compressed air tubing, don’t try to break it, as doing so might mar or otherwise damage the tubing. Using precision cutters and a steady hand would probably yield better results.
Oh, and I should tell you to wear safety glasses or other proper PPE in case a piece of the tie flies off and hits you in the face. It hasn’t happened to me yet, but could happen to you.
Grab, twist, break. That’s all it usually takes.
Sometimes this is effective on medium-sized zip ties too. The largest zip ties? You know the ones – they sell in 18″ lengths and are the size of your pinky. Those you probably couldn’t cut or break easily.
If I want to pull a zip tie off in one motion, I might grab the lock head. Twist, pull, and the entire zip tie is removed. Sometimes. Usually? This isn’t always easy to pull off. Plus, this part is usually in an inaccessible place.
You might think this to be an obvious tip, and if not, I bet you cannot wait to try it out.
When opening up kids toys, new tool cases that are zip tied closed, or other such things that are often zip tied in place, I don’t bother reaching for cutters most times. I just whip out some pliers (often a multi-tool) and with a *snap* *snap* *snap*, all the ties are broken free.
Do you know a better way of cutting or otherwise removing nylon cable ties?
Visbert
The best way is to get them off is this cutter: http://amzn.com/B004UHCI2M
It’s specifically designed to cut them off without damaging what they’re wrapped around.
The best way to put them on is this tie gun: http://amzn.com/B003A6BWGW
Stuart
Great point!
What I really meant is that this is the best way to cut cable ties without using special tools.
People often use scissors, knives of all kinds, diagonal cutters, and the like. I used to too, but now I just break them off. Sometimes I still need to use cutters to reach into tight spaces, but not often.
Joe
Best tool ever is a toenail clipper, cuts flush with a radial end so it’s not sharp. I cut with scissors first then trim with the clippers.
Noah
Wow. I have used thousands upon hundreds of thousands of zip ties, and I have a thing for specialty tools, and yet I’ve never heard of these. Neat! I think I need me a pair.
Jimmie
I’ve can’t remember the last time I encountered a situation where I couldn’t use diagonal cutters to remove a nylon tie. If the material being bound is particularly delicate or scratch-prone, you only need to nip through part of the tie to weaken it. From there, a gentle twist is usually it takes to completely break it.
Nathan
I’ve seen people trying to do the plier – twist thing and by the time they start I’ve got my leatherman scissors out and am done.
decent sturdy scissors, and/or some small nips (I’m sure they have another name) should be in any grab bag of tools.
Jamie
fingernail clipper.
Derek
I use clippers when I don’t have tools around. I also will use a pocket knife or kitchen steak knife to pry open the locking tab to remove it without destroying it if I need to put it back on. For quick destruction in the garage I prefer wire cutters (diagonal cutters?)
JayT
I usually use diagonal cutters or a knife. If needing to avoid nicking whatever is bound (such as computer cables) or the tie is too tight to easily get under it, I just cut off the top half of the catch.
Mike
Exactly! The latch engages right where the tie exits the head and is easily destroyed. Just cut the head and the tie pops right open. It should be obvious, but few think to do it.
Stuart
You could also grab the latch and break the tie at that point. I find this to be easier with bigger pliers than the narrower jaws on multi-tool pliers.
Mike
Klein electrician scissors. They can be used to cut wires as well. Small footprint in your tool bag.
dishwash
i like kleins
Tator
T & B twist tail!!!!
Tator
No tools needed.
Robert
Hand pruners work the best. In my experience. They also work awesome to trim the tails too. Way better than the cutters you posted the other day. I do use those for the stainless cable ties (stainless are used in high heat environments).
Robert
http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Traditional-Bypass-Pruning-Shears/dp/B00002N66H/
Something like this, but I usually by the Home Depot house brands.
Brian
Plasma cutter
Adabhael
I often (but certainly not always) find I can pry the ratchet tab inside the head open with true small screwdriver in my Swiss Army knife or leatherman and pull the tie open. This is both scratch free and reusable.
Ric
I use dykes or a pocket knife
Noah
I am all about the diagonal pliers. They can be used for both installation and removal. With the right touch, they can be used to cinch the cable tie tight, cut it flush, and then cleanly remove it later.
Wayne R.
I pretty much never use ties unless they’re around cables – soft stuff. Dikes are the #1 tool for taking them off, snips #2 (those are telecom scissors, BTW). Always be careful to put the tool where it won’t cause trouble…
Bruce
Side cutters are great for all zip tie problems. With a little care you can use them to tension them during install, cut off tails by snipping perpendicular to the serrated part of the zip tie leaves no sharp edges. Easy to get a grip on the head when you need to cut them off again. Don’t buy cheap side cutters. Klien only.
Noah
Bruce, you know exactly what I’m talking about! And yes, Klein diags are the ones I always reach for when doing zipties.
Eric
I have never had a zip-tie that could best a good pair of dykes
Mr. X
A piece of mason twine pulled back and forth (perpendicularly) across a cable tie will melt right through in seconds. No sharp edge, no metal tool required. Just pass the twine behind the tie and pull back and forth quickly in the same spot.
Lindsay B
Thank you!! The twist did it!!! I was lost without this tip!