Zip Tie Razor Blades

LMBoat

Well-Known Member
Oct 4, 2006
748
Ft Lauderdale
Boat Info
1999 450 EB
Engines
Cummins 6CTA's
Hi All,

Anyone have a good way of cutting the "tails" off zip ties when doing electrical work on the boat? Every time I work on my electrical stuff (or plumbing, etc., where there are zip ties) I look like I've been in a knife fight afterwards. I always get cut. I cut the tails with wire cutters. Quick, easy, but leaves a sharp edge. Box cutter or razor blade works, but it cumbersome in tight corners and using a razor blade is about as dangerous and damaging.

Sizzors work, but not as easy and difficult in tight spaces. Is there some other magical tool/process you use for this dilemma?

Thanks
Larry
 
Hi All,

Anyone have a good way of cutting the "tails" off zip ties when doing electrical work on the boat? Every time I work on my electrical stuff (or plumbing, etc., where there are zip ties) I look like I've been in a knife fight afterwards. I always get cut. I cut the tails with wire cutters. Quick, easy, but leaves a sharp edge. Box cutter or razor blade works, but it cumbersome in tight corners and using a razor blade is about as dangerous and damaging.

Sizzors work, but not as easy and difficult in tight spaces. Is there some other magical tool/process you use for this dilemma?

Thanks
Larry

Wire cutters - flat side against the zip block.
But... If I am doing a lot or I have my tools a cable/zip tie tool. ;)

upload_2022-5-2_15-57-51.png

This is not the one I use but it will give you an idea. They work great in tight places especially on smaller outboard that use zip ties to hold fuel lines. Most have a tension setting that selects how tight to pinch before cutting.

-Kevin
 
Hi All,

Anyone have a good way of cutting the "tails" off zip ties when doing electrical work on the boat? Every time I work on my electrical stuff (or plumbing, etc., where there are zip ties) I look like I've been in a knife fight afterwards. I always get cut. I cut the tails with wire cutters. Quick, easy, but leaves a sharp edge. Box cutter or razor blade works, but it cumbersome in tight corners and using a razor blade is about as dangerous and damaging.

Sizzors work, but not as easy and difficult in tight spaces. Is there some other magical tool/process you use for this dilemma?

Thanks
Larry
I start bleeding just thinking of going down to the Bildge…. No fancy tool is going to fix that
 
just grab a set of lineman's pliers, grab the tail right at the locking part and twist. Tail will come off, smooth as silk. No special tools.

I have been a wireman for 50 years, have all the special tools, including the fancy Tyrap ones. For doing fancy control panels, I use the specialty tools. For general wiring, the lineman's is my go to tool for Tyraps.
 
Thanks for all the ideas! I'm going to try the linesman plier idea first. Thanks again!
 
35 year wireman, and the lineman's pliers are 100% the best way to take care of tie wraps.
 
35 year wireman, and the lineman's pliers are 100% the best way to take care of tie wraps.
Can you guys show me a pic of these lineman’s pliers …… everything I know they will still leave a razor blade stub
 
Can you guys show me a pic of these lineman’s pliers …… everything I know they will still leave a razor blade stub

No, they wont. Just google lineman's pliers. Can be had at Walmart for a few bux.
 
These pliers are pretty spendy. You could probably use other types, or even cheaper lineman type of pliers.
It may look like there's still a small part than can get you, but it can't.
Plus, this was kind of hard to do like I normally do. I go in Friday for carpel tunnel surgery, and I was using that hand.
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