Zip tie removal

[wtex]

Ok, as I continue to work on the '89 Paramount I picked up, one of the things I need to do is remove the zip ties on the fork that are securing the computer wire. They are really tightly attached, no gaps.
Anyone have any tricks for removing these things without doing paint damage?

Chad

[rice rocket]

Dikes.

[palincss]

Here are a bunch of tricks: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-258442.html

[Sheldon4209]

I use pliers to grip the end with the catch (small block shape) and pull.

[atanz]

fingernail clippers.

[bkboom123]

burn them off with a torch.

j/p take small cutters to the "block" part

[bicycletricycle]

toe nail clippers are pretty sweet for this.

[avalonracing]

And it is often the case when they are that tight once you start to deeply score the outside (without getting near the paint) the zip tie will all but pop off.

[alexstar]

Can you slip them down the fork blade?

[93legendti]

I use pliers to grip the end with the catch (small block shape) and pull.
I use pliers to twist the catch and it usually pops off pretty easily.

[dogdriver]

Don't use a box cutter-- I scratched a really nice stem in this fashion.

Dikes or wire cutters on the block with a twist do the trick.

[vqdriver]

just snipe thru the body of the catch

[Dekonick]

Dikes and a twist, or nail clippers cutting the block part. You don't need to cut the whole zip tie, just most of it and it should pop off as Avalon stated. They are nothing more than nylon anyway...

[martinrjensen]

Plyers and twist. This was mentioned a couple times.

[wtex]

Thanks guys, I had been contemplating detcord, so good to know about the other methods, the fingernail clippers fit perfectly over the little box! Snip snip.

Chad

[Bob Ross]

I use pliers to grip the end with the catch (small block shape) and pull.

Same, only I twist (rotate) rather than pull.

[keithreynolds]

sometimes you can lift up the catch. Use a xacto knife or something with a stronger blade (pocket knife). just watch your fingers!

[avalonracing]

sometimes you can lift up the catch. Use a xacto knife or something with a stronger blade (pocket knife). just watch your fingers!

And wear eye protection in case the point of that X-Acto or zip tie decides to fly. Seriously.

[benb]

I take my park cable cutters and I cut the actual "clamp" portion of the zip tie... the cutters go nowhere near the bike and they will go through the plastic like butter...

Very easy..

[Ken C]

I take my park cable cutters and I cut the actual "clamp" portion of the zip tie... the cutters go nowhere near the bike and they will go through the plastic like butter...

Very easy..
I do the same thing, but I used wire cutters.

[sg8357]

Amateurs, you guys probably use crimp on cable ends. :)

A Xuron Microshear is what you want.

http://www.xuron.com/industrial/shears.htm

[old_fat_and_slow]

What a bunch o' mamby-pamby pusillanimous pussyfooters !!

Cut those zip ties off the manly-man way


http://www.husqvarna.com/dimage.axd/productHuge/h110-0147/3c321f20.jpg

Don't forget to post photos of the results either.



.

[93legendti]

where's my light saber?

[William]

I use the attachment on my Deere...

http://cfnewsads.thomasnet.com/images/large/020/20765.jpg

It's like a Swiss Army knife for the home and yard!!




William

[old_fat_and_slow]

I use the attachment on my Deere...

http://cfnewsads.thomasnet.com/images/large/020/20765.jpg

It's like a Swiss Army knife for the home and yard!!




William


Now there's a high-precision instrument if I ever saw one ! ! !

[Peter P.]

I hire Uri Geller to remove any zip ties on my bike. His non-contact, mind control method of breaking zip ties ensures my paint won't be scratched.

[EricEstlund]

Two pages and counting after Rice Rocket nailed it with the first reply!

[Louis]

Sort of like gluing tubulars...