Dedicated Zip Tie Tool: Channellock 758 Flush Cutter

[Applesauce]

how many zip ties do you cut?

I cut A LOT. Probably a hundred some days.

They're used on 97% of mountain bikes to hold hydraulic lines to frames and forks, and they're in spots that get handled or crashed on often. A poorly-cut zip-tie can give you a pretty nasty cut; I've got probably four scars I can count on the backs of my hands from dragging them across them sharp ends on the underside of tubes. (Sounds stupid, I know.)

That said, I cut my zip-ties with normal Channellock or Klein sidecutters. The Channellocks work a bit better on zip-ties, and aren't as tight as the Kleins. There's an easy way to do it cleanly (Bob from IN lays it out above), but most don't bother. This looks like it could be a valuable tool!

 

[JonnFX]

I have a pair like that made by Crescent. Have not used them for a while. I want to get a pair of the Snap-on E710BCG, they look really nice.

Yep, that's what I have used for many years. Strong jaws to cut any size tie wrap I have come across, fairly narrow point to be able to get in tight spots (especially when you have to cut one around a bundle of small electrical wires), and super sharp.

 

[RBailey]

Flush cutters are essential, I carry a set on a clip on my belt when at the track / desert.

However, I really want a locking pair, anybody got any suggestions ?

 

[jeremy v]

I am often away from my main tool chest, so I usually just use regular diagonal pliers to cut zip ties, but I cut sideways where the plier jaws push in from the short sides of the zip tie tail. You don't end up with sharp outer edges if it is done that way.

I always check for sharpness with my finger after cutting, and they are never sharp when I cut sideways like that. That technique works very well on small and medium sized zip ties. Larger zip ties try to twist on you while you are shutting the jaws of the diagonal pliers and as a result it is a little bit harder to make it work. Just thought I would throw it out there as an option for anyone that doesn't want to buy cutters just for zip ties.

 

[cyato]

I have a pair like that made by Crescent. Have not used them for a while. I want to get a pair of the Snap-on E710BCG, they look really nice.

Yep, that's what I have used for many years. Strong jaws to cut any size tie wrap I have come across, fairly narrow point to be able to get in tight spots (especially when you have to cut one around a bundle of small electrical wires), and super sharp.

The E710BCGs are ridiculously expensive but worth every penny for some of us that need a very good true flush cut. Most people won't appreciate them until they try them for themselves. Several of my co-workers have bought them after using mine.

 

[aosty]

The ChannelLock cutter works fine.

I also use these when safety or appearance is an issue. They're not as strong but they protrude a lot less.

https://google.com/search?q="safe-ty"+cable+ties
https://google.com/search?q=low+profile+zip+ties