Zip ties... what have you / would you use them for?

peripatew

peripatew

Joined
Jul 31, 2007
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I see this listed and in a lot of kits, but my mind is having trouble picturing them being beneficial over some 550?

L
 
They're small, very light and very strong.

Gene Ward's video shows him lashing together a frame for his tent. Sure, paracord would work, but not as fast or neat.

On a recent camping trip, we used them to secure the "potty bag".......sure, we could've tied it into a knot, etc, but the ties were quick and easy and mess-free. :D

.
 
Nylon zip ties are strong, lightweight and fast for creating semi-permanent attachments. Think of it as 550 that is compact, precut and preknotted.

If your repertoire of knots is good then you can substitute cord for nearly all of the same jobs. I carry them because they are light and fast to use. However, if your hands are cold or you are injured you might find the zip ties more convenient. They are light and take up little space so I carry a few.
 
My perspective...

Zip Ties:
-Easy to make a secure hold
-Faster and easier than knots
-One-time use
-Limited use based on size

550 Cord:
-More possible uses than zip ties
-Reusable
-Some Stretch (can be pro or con)
-Need some skill (though very little) to tie good knots


It'd be a good idea to have both, but I'd give the nod to the cord if I could only carry one. I can't make a fire bow or fishing line with zip ties, and it would take an awful lot of them to string up a tarp. Additionally, I'm a fan of keeping waste (like used zip ties) to a minimum when I can.
 
I keep a few in the BOB. I think they would be better for lashing than 550 cord. They are light so I don't mind having them. If I had to choose between them and 550, I would bring along the 550 cord.

Not to hijack your thread, but I see people having carabiners (spelling) on their lists. I never use them and I do not see what they are good for. Each to his own I suppose.
 
You can also use hook&loop [Velcro] it's reusable .One handy type is 2" wide with loop on one side hook on the other.This size is very strong.
 
Midnight Scout said:
Not to hijack your thread, but I see people having carabiners (spelling) on their lists. I never use them and I do not see what they are good for. Each to his own I suppose.
Click to expand...

If I'm ever doing anything involving canoeing or kayaking, I try to keep a couple of carabiners with me for creating a Z-drag system for rescues. I also have some if I go caving.

L
 
I keep a hank of rope and a bag of cable ties in the truck at all times. The cable ties come in handy quite often. A quick snip and they are off.

Using the cable ties means that my length of rope doesn't get shorter when I have a small job.
 
I used zipties to connect a broken ends of an accelerator cable to the throttle linkage. I bent the cable back on itself and used a small ziptie to hold it there. I then used another ziptie to connect the bent cable to the throttle linkage. I did it as a temporary measure just to get me home. It lasted for over a year then I had to replace on of the zip ties. Eventually, on a nice day and in my garage, I replaced the throttle cable with a new one. 550 would have done the job but some wire might have.

I've had a few similar instances with vehicles or items. Zipties (the BIG ones) also work as emergency handcuffs but you must be fairly careful and keep a close eye on them or the can become tourniquets. Which, BTW, is another use for zipties that 550 doesn't do as well.

I know this is fixing a mechanical object, not wilderness survival, but in some scenarios fixing a vehicle will keep you from needing wilderness survival skills.
 
i use it for throwing together lean-to style shelters...

holding stuff together such as ripped clothing and packs. (use the awl in my sak and use the zip-tie to hold it together)

i've used it for making rafts... as well as tree stands (surprisingly strong i way 150lbs).

also i've used them to make benches and tables.

cheers
 
I dunno, but they sure make a nice quick way to put together a Splint.

Shelters
repairs
firstaid
 
You can even reuse zip ties. Simply use the tip on a knife or small stick to push down the locking tab inside the head and release. Viola you can use em over and over, just take care not to deform the locking tab when you push it out of the way.
 
naked said:
I see this listed and in a lot of kits, but my mind is having trouble picturing them being beneficial over some 550?
Click to expand...

I use them quite often, although I do agree that 550 cord is more versitile in the long run (and reusable). Zip ties are quite handy even though they are pretty much a one-time use item. The help with any equipment repairs that need to be semi-permanent. I've fixed knife sheaths; attached gear to my IBA or ruck; used a couple as a temporary hose clamp; fixed a broken ruck frame (used an aluminum tent stake as the "splint"); shelter...usually attaching poles together, 550 cord works as well, but Zip ties are quick and easy if you don't have the luxury of time; temporary gear repair is the majority of my uses for them.

Along with Zip ties, you need to add some 100mph/duct tape, 550 cord, small role of wire and a small tube of shoe goo or silicone sealant. Most temporary repairs can be made with these items.

Midnight Scout said:
Not to hijack your thread, but I see people having carabiners (spelling) on their lists. I never use them and I do not see what they are good for. Each to his own I suppose.
Click to expand...

I've always found a good use for carbiners. There's a ton of military uses, but if you include the simple rescue rigging uses (really, just making a swiss seat for extraction if needed) to simple functions of quick-detachable gear on your ruck. I'm no master, but I've seen them put to a lot of uses...the aluminum ones are more than adequate and one or two don't weigh enough to break the camel's back. If you've never used them or haven't picked up any ideas and put them to the test, than you'll get by...they just make like easier for some applications.

ROCK6
 
Right now, the fuel lever on my KLX650c is being held on with two zip ties. I noticed the other day that the small bolts holding it to the side bracket has worked loose and fallen while I was riding it on the road.

Two small zip ties and as few pulls with needle nose pliers and presto, good as new. I did it as a temp fix, and still have not replaced the old bolts.
 
RecoilJunkie said:
You can even reuse zip ties. Simply use the tip on a knife or small stick to push down the locking tab inside the head and release. Viola you can use em over and over, just take care not to deform the locking tab when you push it out of the way.
Click to expand...

I buy releasable zip ties. They have a plastic tab on top of the catch that can be pressed in with a fingernail to release the ratchet. I've tried releasing the normal ones and they don;t last that long once I start poking around at them.
 
Thanks for all the information. I don't know if I like this idea for splints though. I like to have highly adjustable splints so I can check the injury if need be, and to adjust for swelling, comfort etc... But I'm thinking more of being away from medical care for a longer amount of time than would be usual as far as injuries go.
 
naked said:
Thanks for all the information. I don't know if I like this idea for splints though. I like to have highly adjustable splints so I can check the injury if need be, and to adjust for swelling, comfort etc... But I'm thinking more of being away from medical care for a longer amount of time than would be usual as far as injuries go.
Click to expand...

The releasable ties are easy to use and adjust. I've only used them for strapping wood together though. I've seen them for sale up to 370mm (about 14.5") long and have often joined several together to make longer ties.
 
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