ToolGuyd

The Latest Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Picks & Deals Blog

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Best Cordless Drills (New for 2016!)
    • Best Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
    • Best $100 Cordless Drills
    • Best Cordless Impact Drivers (2015)
    • Best Cordless Circular Saws
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Cordless Drill Comparison Guide
    • Best Cordless Oscillating Tools
    • Best EDC Gear
    • Best Multimeter
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Random Orbital Sanders
    • Best Modular Tool Boxes
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Kobalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Milwaukee NPS18 Previews
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Electrical Tools > How to Flush Cut Nylon Cable Ties

How to Flush Cut Nylon Cable Ties

Sep 30, 2015 Stuart 19 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Gardner Bender Cable Tie Tensioning Tool

Ah, cable ties. If you haven’t suffered a scratch or two from cable ties, you’re either really lucky or have never come across them before.

Cable ties, also known as nylon zip ties, are fantastic for many different types of bundling, tying, wrapping, strapping, and connecting tasks. I’ve used them for everything from securing wires in place, to double-securing soft tubing around a barb fitting.

Advertisement

I’m sure you have your own stories about how you’ve used cable ties, and would love to hear about it in the comments section.

Cable ties are adjustable, which is partially what makes them so versatile. But because they’re adjustable, there’s almost always a loose tail piece hanging loose.

So what do most users do to make their cable tie look a little neater? They tighten the ties and then cut off the excess length. It’s that sharp stubby cut end that will eventually nick and bite someone.

Lee asked for some help coming up with a way to avoid sharp cable tie ends:

For cable ties, I deal with them almost in a daily basis, and of course need to cut the end in case it got caught into the machines. But… problem comes, when cleaner or operator need to change the wear & tear parts, they cut themselves. What is your advice on flush cutter?

A little over a year ago, I posted about nylon cable tie tools. That’s what you want.

Sure, you could use scissors, diagonal cutters, or even flush-cutting pliers, but they’re never the best tool for the job. Sometimes they come close.

I have a pair of Lindstrom angled tip cutters that the company sent to me way back for testing, and they work beautifully on smaller sized zip ties. But I only resort to them when a proper cable tie tool won’t fit.

I really don’t like using wire cutters or other pliers-styles cutters on zip ties unless I have to. I often end up with a sharp corner, or a protruding nub that I snip and hack away at it until it gets even worse and I have to resort to an electrical tape or duct tape cover.

The cable tie tool that’s shown above costs just $10. The more cable ties you anticipate needing to properly tension and trim, the more money you might want to spend on better and more durable tools.

All of the ones I’ve seen work on a similar principle. You tighten a cable tie and then twist a tool to shear off the excess length. Some tools might cut the tie, but shearing is usually easier on tools.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Oh, and if a basic cable tie installation tool doesn’t fit your needs, there are more durable models and more featured models. If you’re installing nylon zip ties on a daily basis, you might want to step up to an installation tool that offers controllable tension, such as the Panduit GTS tool ($166 via Amazon).

Do you have any cable tie flush-cutting tips or tools to share?

Related posts:

Southwire DCP8D Diagonal CuttersNew Southwire 8″ High Leverage Diagonal Cutting Pliers Precision Pliers – What Do You Use Them For? Milwaukee Mini Flush CuttersNew Milwaukee Mini Flush Cutting Pliers Dewalt Cordless Wiring Stapler Fastening Romex WireNew Dewalt Cordless Electrical Cable Stapler, DCN701

Sections: Electrical Tools, Hand Tools, Reader Question

« New Dewalt Random Orbit Sanders
Hansen ToolHanger Tool Storage System is Like Pegboard, but Better »

19 Comments

  1. fred says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 8:39 am

    As you indicate there are a variety of these – of different qualities and capabilities on the market. Some of the more common ones like those from GB, Midwest, Malco, and Thomas & Betts can be found at local retailers as well as online. There are even ones specific for Stainless Steel ties:

    http://www.amazon.com/Morris-Products-50260-Cable-Stainless/dp/B002IWX71M

    Band tensioners for wider steel, fiberglass an nylon bands also find use in HVAC work (as well as on the loading dock. You can look at offerings from Band-It (we used their J02069) and Low Country Insulation (Vail Sales).

    Reply
  2. Norm says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 10:55 am

    I use something like these:

    http://www.amazon.com/Euro-Tool-PLR-473-Extra-Cutter/dp/B002SZVE8M

    Except its the cheaper ToolShop ones (Mendards). I only use them for wire ties and not any metal. Keeps them sharper (I think, that’s what I tell myself anyway!).

    Reply
  3. Michael Quinlan says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 11:20 am

    Depending on the application and budget, parallel-entry cable ties may be suitable. The cut stub (of any) stick out parallel to the tie. I mention budget because a quick Google search tells me that parallel-entry cable ties go for about 5 (or more) times what I pay for normal ties.

    Reply
  4. Tyler says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 11:45 am

    It’s not as fast as a cutter or tool, but if I know I need to avoid sharp edges I’ll use a fresh razor blade to cut the excess flush with the head.

    Reply
  5. adam says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    The Stanley 84-135 6-Inch Plastic Nipper Plier, was my favorite for years, and probably still is, but I haven’t been able to find a back-up pair for several years now.
    Someone cut something too hard for them, and can’t use 100% of the cutting blade now. I got them on Amazon for $7.44 in June of 2008. I wish I bought more. The spring tension is just enough to always release after a cable cut.

    While searching for a replacement, I found the Irwin 4 1/2 Flush Diagonal Plier. It’s not as big, and doesn’t have the same springy-ness I like, but cuts very well and great for smaller places. I know I didn’t pay more then $10, but can’t find them that cheap now (lowest is $13.50 @ Sears). Might be why I bought them

    http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Pliers-Diagonal-2078925/dp/B000JNRQJ6

    Reply
    • adam says

      Sep 30, 2015 at 12:35 pm

      On a side note, one of my jobs involved plastic ties that were accessible to the customer. When setting up the displays that involved the ties, we had to snip all ties FLUSH to prevent cuts. Those ties cant get pretty sharp when not cut flush. So the supervisor would actually go thru and make sure there were no sharp ends after we finished.

      After cutting myself on a cut-with-the-wrong-plier tie, I will always cut them correctly, or not cut them at all. I wish there were more true flush-cut pliers available.

      Reply
      • Mike says

        Sep 30, 2015 at 6:30 pm

        Both Klein and Channelock also make plastic nippers like you described. I have a smaller pair of the Channellock ones, but like yours someone cut steel and badly nicked the blade. “Cut plastic and copper only” in bold letters isn’t enough warning for some people.

        Reply
    • Michael says

      Oct 1, 2015 at 2:24 am

      Lowe’s has a pair of Stanley tensioner / cutters that work really nice. They will cost you almost three times what you paid for your old pair.

      Reply
  6. Mike says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    I own and carry the Panduit GTS. Had it for 3, maybe 4 years now. It’s a tool that most people don’t need, but if you need it you really need it. The combination of tension and cutting it beyond anything you can do by hand. Its one of those that you don’t understand it’s power till you try it.

    Reply
    • Wayne R. says

      Sep 30, 2015 at 1:27 pm

      I completely agree. I don’t use anything else but the GTS. But also, using good ties is important – using a good tool on crappy ties will lead to failures, because crappy ties are crappy and close cuts can accelerate the failure.

      If it’s important and it needs plastic ties, Panduit or T&B are the only ones to use, and then use the right tool, just like anything else. The GTS is great for projects where lots of (good) ties are needed; overkill for one-offs.

      Cheaper ties & cheaper tools are all right for less important jobs.

      Reply
  7. Garrick says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    I always keep a small butane torch handy for melting (a bit) of any rough edges. They are great for softening the sharp flashings on plastic tool boxes as well. They can also be used for softening plastic to allow it to be reshaped… within reason. Or to soften plastic prior to cutting it off with a knife.

    Reply
  8. Kevin says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    I just use my linesman pliers, grab tail with nose butted up against clip, squeeze twist, and lightly pull. Works like a charm.

    Reply
    • Bob says

      Sep 30, 2015 at 8:21 pm

      Right On Kevin! I just learned this recently.
      Do Not Cut Cable Ties. Just grab close the the square block “Twist & lightly Pull” It works Really Well ! No Sharp edges. I do not believe it affects the strength either. It may take 1 Second longer than cutting, but Much Better!

      Reply
      • Stuart says

        Sep 30, 2015 at 8:29 pm

        You have to be careful when doing this. For general use, it might not matter. But depending on the tie, twisting near the lock could affect its holding power.

        Reply
  9. Joe says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    I’ve never seen anyone actually use one of those tools… and I’m a low voltage electrician. I have one around somewhere that I bought a long time ago and used like once or twice.

    Some guys use the twist off with the linesmans; I just use full-flush diagonal cutters.

    Reply
  10. Steve Davis says

    Sep 30, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    These are pretty handy when no tools are available, I keep some in my get home bag. Although they do not see as strong as regular ones.
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DBSBTA/

    Reply
  11. Benjamen says

    Oct 1, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    I have a tool that is probably identical to the tool above only it is orange and black. It doesn’t have any brand on it.

    I find that it’s not very useful unless you are using bigger ties. The jaws slip when you are trying to tension smaller ties and it doesn’t seem to cut them as well either. I have to twist back and forth several times before it “cuts”.

    When I do use bigger ties, it actually tensions pretty well and cuts thicker ties with a single twist.

    Since I usually use smaller ties and don’t bother with the above tool, I end up just hand tensioning and cutting the tie with my Leatherman Micra. I don’t usually notice the sharp edges, but I do see how it could be a problem with bigger ties.

    Reply
  12. Rhett Smyre says

    Oct 22, 2015 at 12:52 am

    This cable tie gun is designed to be an economically priced option for use with Mil-Spec’d cable ties. This tensioning tool has an adjustable tension knob for use with different size cable ties. Possible hit or miss because of reveiws were good. Maybe I just got a miss. It did not cut ties flush so not useful to me.

    Reply
  13. Diplomatic Immunity says

    Dec 6, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    I used cigar cutters. Put the end through the cigar cutter and press down. Cuts them fairly easily.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ToolGuyd Forum

Join our Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

Your info won't be shared. Unsubscribe anytime.

Recent Comments

  • ktash on My Journey to an Organized Workshop with Modular Tool Cabinets: Part 1, Design: “I was looking at the same casters in the 3" size two days ago. I decided against them and…”
  • Stuart on Cordless Power Tool FAQ: What Does “Ah” Really Mean?: “I can't find enough information online to answer this. Have you contacted Black & Decker for their advice?”
  • John on Will Lowes Replace Kobalt Tools with Craftsman Products?: “I tried to get my broken kobalt ratchet replaced but lowes couldn't order a replacement and did not stock…”
  • Mike Parenteau on Cordless Power Tool FAQ: What Does “Ah” Really Mean?: “My B&D GCO1200 drill's HPB12 battery is dead. It has no Ah markings, but I think it's a 1.5Ah…”
  • Benjamen on Craftsman Pro Smart-Lock Tool Storage Combo Review: “I was told you should be able to force the key -- that the key should be able to overcome…”
  • Stuart on Hardware for Connecting T-Slot Aluminum: Anchors, End Fasteners, and Brackets: “T-slot aluminum has pre-formed center holes. You can enlarge them a little, but it can be hard to center the…”

Recent Posts

  • Hardware for Connecting T-Slot Aluminum: Anchors, End Fasteners, and Brackets
  • New Milwaukee M18 Cordless Threaded Rod Cutter
  • Pros and Cons of Preordering New Cordless Power Tools
  • PB Swiss Tools Coin Driver - There's a Screwdriver for Everything!
  • Dewalt Rolling Shop Stool
  • New Makita Compact Band Saw with More Durable Blade Housing
  • Acme Tools - Save 14% off $350+ thru 2/14/2019
  • Review: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Metal-Cutting Circular Saw
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Cordless Impact Drivers
  • Best Cordless Multi-Tools
  • Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Modular Tool Storage Systems
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • Gear
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure