Tips

3 Ingenious Hacks to Open Plastic Zip Ties Neatly

No need to regret cutting off those plastic zip ties! This article will show you some nifty tricks to remove them with ease, so you can comfortably reuse them.

Administrator

20 July, 2024

Plastic zip ties are commonly used to secure items and goods in a neater and tighter manner. However, most of them are only used once, which is not only wasteful but also harmful to the environment as the discarded plastic ties cannot be degraded.

Why not try out these tips to unlock and reuse plastic zip ties a few more times?

1Using a Sharp Object

Simply grab a sharp and thin object like a piece of metal or a knife. Then, press it down on the tongue-shaped lock of the zip tie and pull the tie out of the lock with your hand.

2Using Another Zip Tie

Take the pointed end of another zip tie and press it down on the tongue-shaped lock of the tied zip tie, then gently pull to unlock. Or, use the pointed end of the tied zip tie itself to press down on the tongue and pull hard to unlock.

3Using Your Hands

With your finger, press down hard on the tongue-shaped lock while using your other hand to quickly pull the zip tie to release the knot.

Hopefully, with these tips, you can now reuse zip ties multiple times and also learn some neat tricks along the way!

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Frequently asked questions

There are a few clever ways to do this. One method is to use a thin piece of metal, like a knife or a thin screwdriver, to carefully wedge between the ratchet and the strap, gently lifting the ratchet away from the strap. Another method is to insert a small, sharp object like a pin or paper clip into the zip tie’s locking mechanism and gently pry it open.

The ‘bend and snap’ method is a neat and effective technique. Simply bend the zip tie away from the locked bundle, then snap it back towards the bundle. This will create a tension that will cause the zip tie to unlock and spring open neatly.

It is not recommended to reuse plastic zip ties once they’ve been opened as they may not provide the same level of security and tightness. However, if you’re careful and precise when opening them using the methods described, you may be able to reuse them for light-duty applications.

Yes, you can use a pair of pliers to grip the zip tie tightly and then gently pull the end of the zip tie away from the bundle. Alternatively, you can use a heat source like a lighter or a small torch to carefully melt the zip tie near the ratchet, allowing you to pull it apart. Always exercise caution when using heat to avoid accidents or injuries.