Is the “Cable Tie” a biker’s best friend?
 

As they say, "don't leave home without it" - or them in my case. Cable ties, duct tape and wd40 and that's it, you're breakdown proofed. Oh, and a mobile phone so you can call a real mechanic :rofl:

The white/translucent ones are stronger you know, less filler in the mix :helpsmilie:

Andy

Oh cable tie discussion :D

Had one of those a while back see thread here> http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-perhaps-70168

They have got me where I need to go a few times on many types of transport. Even a skate board many many years ago.

but UV degrades the translucent ones, so looks like white ones are the best?


I still prefer the black ones, makes my bodges less visible :)

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Do metal cable ties exist? Are they any better than the plastic/nylon ones? Where can you get them in the UK?

Sure, metal hose clamps work. Come in all shapes and sizes, even super long ones can be had. Super strong, most are stainless steel.

I carry Hose clamps and Zip Ties (cable tie) in my kit. My left side rack is currently held on by a hose clamp shielded with a bit of rubber fuel hose, all cinched up to rear sub frame. IT WORKS! (one day I'll get it welded)

bier

and there is always fencing wire if you need something a bit stronger

Be aware that some 'stainless steel' ones have stainless bands ... but the worm drive rusts! And 'most' cheap ones are not stainless anywhere but are plated. :thumbdown:

An alternative is a plastic hose clamp ... Flexiclamp.com - no rust, uv stable, max clamping pressure is 75 psi, reusable. Like a cable tie ... but bigger and a screw/worm fixing. IIRC the screw/worm hex head is 8 mm. Not cheap but good.

Black plastic tends to be more stable than plastics of other colours, including clear. If you want them to last a long time... paint them institute.

You can get metal ties - I've used them a number of times where you need something that'll stand more heat (on exhausts for example ) than the plastic ones. Other than that though they don't do much that the plastic ones won't.

Try this link - Pitking Products Stainless Steel Locking Straps | Demon Tweeks

I usually pack a few hose clips - even on an air cooled bike. They're useful for all sorts of stuff. Rack repairs, as Mollydog mentioned, is a common one and you can do a lot with a few hose clips and either a socket bar or a few screwdrivers. I've fixed a few tent poles with them over the years as well. It goes along with the ring spanners to replace broken shock absorbers (on twin shock bikes) bodge. :rofl:

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The XT 550 is one of my most liked bikes when I where younger. Today I like the magic button.
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Yea, I like Stainless Hose clips (clamps in USA). they're incredibly strong ... ones I use are Aircraft quality (from where I used to work), so you can really tighten them up TIGHT. But I've had the cheap ones rust out and let go.

Used them for all kinds of bodged repairs : Keeping tire on rim, exhaust pipe to mid pipe, muffler to frame, radiator hose, bodging a clutch perch and of course the odd luggage rack temp fix. (or semi permanent in my case!)

Zip Ties are great for plastic body work and lots more! :thumbup1:

Hose Clamps,
Jubilee Clips ... (and probably a few other names too! Especially when broken, sized or used for emergency repairs)

Is the “Cable Tie” a biker’s best friend?

Easier to carry than handcuffs, but that depends on who you travel with too :rofl:

All of my bikes have a cable tie supply onboard :thumbup1:
Most have been used to help 'others' is trouble