Zip Tie Recommendations

[alitaptap]

All the info on cable ties is actually rather useful, especially the item about fluorescent colored zip ties for anchor chains, thank you


But, I do not see anyone talking about what happens at the end of the cables that may or may not be tied (whatever color/type of cable-tie). My biggest frustration is when the wires end up at a buzz bar or switch board . . . does nobody number / label cable ends anymore? Is this subject in a different thread that I have missed?


I recently helped a friend with trying to figure out the wiring in his 25 year old Hunter sailing yacht, where equipment had been added or made redundant over the years, most cables were neatly packed/tied but there was no way to work out which cable connected which piece of equipment without tracing it end to end (sometimes a challenge in a big bundle of tied wires).

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by alitaptap

... does nobody number / label cable ends anymore? Is this subject in a different thread that I have missed?...

QUOTE=GordMay;3854304]...
For identification , I used coloured wire [or phasing tape], and labels, covered with a heat-shrinkable, flexible [thin wall] polyolefin tubing [for protection/permanence]...[/QUOTE]

[sailingharry]

Originally Posted by NewOrca

I don’t often admit this, but when applying zip ties in hidden out of the way places, especially if a bit herd to reach, I don’t feel compelled to clip the ends off at all. That way there’s no risk of getting scratched the next time I need to reach back in there, and the intact ends make it easy to see where the ties are, and can be used to tug the tie away from the wire(s) to make it easier to cut without damaging the wire.

Last week I cut off about a dozen ties I had put on a few years ago. All nearly impossible to reach (so nearly impossible to install, cut off tails, and cut off now). Most (all?) still had the tails intact. I noticed it and thought that was interesting -- then happily cut them out. So you aren't alone leaving them!

[Khaos13]

This is just a trick I learned on YouTube for zip ties:
Rather than tearing off the top of the package of ties (like I’ve done for years) which allows them all to spill out, cut a small slot in the center of the packet so you you can pull one or two out through the hole but the others cannot fall out. Sorry no pictures.

[Sailorkev]

Check out a website...
cabletiesandmore.com

These folks have zip ties galore! There are ties of all colors and configurations plus connectors, labels and all kinds of wire handling stuff. More than you can dream of.

Cheers

[s/v Jedi]

About zip ties on anchor chains: they do deteriorate and break the tail off which is then lost in the sea as more plastic garbage. I know because we did this for years.

About 10 years ago we switched to 12” long pieces of paracord simply tied to the links with a tiny bowline and we have not lost any in those 10 years.

Here is what we do:

- at 30’ (10m) a single yellow string just to get a feeling how long it takes for 30’ chain to run out.

- at 60’ (20m) a single blue string which is the first real marker because you should always put out at least 60’ of chain even in the shallowest water (anchor set is unreliable with shorter rode)

- at 120’ (40m) two blue strings 6 inches apart. When 60’ chain isn’t enough scope we go to 60’ or estimate somewhere in between (because you know how long it takes to feed out 30’)

- at 180’, 240’, 300’ we repeat this with 3, 4 and 5 strings.

- at 360’ we near the end of our 400’ of chain and we have a Christmas tree of strings there in many colors.

- at 400’ we have the end of the chain tied to 100’ of 3/8” diameter polypropylene line (floats) that is flaked underneath the chain in the chain locker. The end of that is tied off with a fuse (paracord). So when everything runs out by accident you can come back to pick up the floating line and retrieve it.

[Matt Johnson]

We replaced the zip ties on the anchor chain yearly -- they typically last that long without failing.

The reason I liked the zip ties is that I could hear them going over the bow roller and through the gypsy if I kept the legs on the tie. Mind as well use all your senses if you can.

[Mal Reynolds]

Because you really want to know:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0kp7up823k

I don't remember "Zip ties for $300, Alex" or a Trivial Pursuit question.

[hjohnson]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Black ties are most durable to UV exposure. Use real flush cutting side cutters so there is no sharp edge to cut you later.

One of the things I learned from a good friend of mine who is a Journeyman Electrician is that if you are using good quality zip ties, you can get rid of the tails by twisting them off with a pair of lineman’s pliers. Grasp the tail with the pliers flush to the locking mechanism and twist.

Panduit and Thomas &Betts ties work well this way. Cheaper ties will often stretch and make a sharp needle of a point instead, so don’t do it with them.

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by hjohnson

One of the things I learned from a good friend of mine who is a Journeyman Electrician is that if you are using good quality zip ties, you can get rid of the tails by twisting them off with a pair of lineman’s pliers. Grasp the tail with the pliers flush to the locking mechanism and twist.

Panduit and Thomas &Betts ties work well this way. Cheaper ties will often stretch and make a sharp needle of a point instead, so don’t do it with them.

Best tool for zip-ties is a pair of flush cut pliers. never have any jagged tails that way!

[sailingharry]

Originally Posted by pcmm

Best tool for zip-ties is a pair of flush cut pliers. never have any jagged tails that way!

A few posts up thread, Jedi actually provided a link to an example. A few clicks and a few days later, I have one in my tool kit. I'm itching to put a wire tie someplace....

[GreenWave]

I have actually stopped cutting tails off in many cases. No cut no sharp edge plus they are easier to find later.

[botanybay]

Originally Posted by sailingharry

A few posts up thread, Jedi actually provided a link to an example. A few clicks and a few days later, I have one in my tool kit. I'm itching to put a wire tie someplace....

Yeah, bought two pair from that link, really nice!