I am currently taking apart our double reverse 6 bar robot so I can have aluminum for this years competition. However, Martin has pulled all of the zip-ties way too tight to cut without harming any wires.
This led me to thinking of what other ways could be used to quickly remove zip-ties. Scissors are a pain once zip-ties are tightened, and the other tool that I typically use is at the school. I know that this sounds a bit silly, but I was wondering if anybody had a quicker method of removing zip-ties.
I prefer to use diagonal cutters(wire cutters) or a pocket knife. It is possible to remove them with a thin flat head screwdriver by lifting up the little tab that locks the zip-tie in place.
If they’re the 4" type and the end has been cut off, I usually squeeze the head of the zip tie with side cutters and twist it to the side. Most of the time it comes right off, and there is less chance of accidentally cutting a wire in tight spots.
Be careful of the snips nicking the wire. This happens when multiple wires are attached.
Using a larger set of snips and attacking the zip tie locking device (big square part) can avoid the wire underneath from getting damaged. It takes more force but the wire underneath can be saved much more often.
examples of cutters. Not endorsing these, just showing examples…