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

[Ian T-J]

“my example of “good design” has been the humble cable tie. Designed in 1958 by Thomas & Betts, or to be more precise, the later one-piece, nylon design of 1968.”

Read the full interview at :- Make Do and Mend - TRFTRF

[backofbeyond]

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

[Threewheelbonnie]

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

Andy

[g6snl]

Oh cable tie discussion

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.

[Gipper]

Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie

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

Andy

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

[Ian T-J]

Make Do and Mend - TRFTRF

[Cambelt]

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

[mollydog]

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)

[backofbeyond]

Originally Posted by Cambelt

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

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.

[Big Yellow Tractor]

Originally Posted by Cambelt

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

Yes, they're used for securing insulation around ducting. I carry a few with me but also a couple of bits of fence straining wire and/or mig wire/tig rod.

Think I got mine here

360mm X 7.9mm 5 STAINLESS STEEL CABLE TIES [HEAT WRAP] all exhausts | eBay

[mrjaja]

Originally Posted by Ian T-J

Make Do and Mend - TRFTRF

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...unmeteryes.gif
The XT 550 is one of my most liked bikes when I where younger. Today I like the magic button.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...es/scooter.gif