Best way to remove a cable tie?

[gary king]

On my first build a few days ago, I used cable ties like I've seen others do to tie together cables inside my case.

I'd now like to adjust some of them, so I'd like to remove the cable ties. What's the best way to go about doing this? I thought of just using scissors but it'd be tough because the ties are wrapped quite tightly around the cables already.

What method do you guys usually use to remove cable ties that seemingly have already gone behind the point of no return?

 

[ram1009]

Every electronics work bench must have at least one pair of small wire cutters. I find those perfect for cutting small tie wraps. If you don't have such equipment you might try a set of nail clippers. Be very careful not to nick the insulation.

 

[farrengottu]

i normally use diagnal cutters. like this. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-8-in-High-Leverage-Diagonal-Cutting-Pliers-D228-8/100020319#.UbdHXfl00s0
mine are smaller. but same kind of tool.

 

[Fast one]

Cable ties are fine if you don't plan on changing the configuration or a neat freak. A less elegant solution would be to use adjustable cable ties, the kind with a little tab which releases the lock. Or you could make some Velcro ties. It's all about the desired end result

 

[gary king]

Thanks, all very helpful suggestions. I'll get my hands on some diagonal pliers for them then.

 

[dingo07]

this is what you should use - http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=360-900

[strike]http://www.cromwell.co.uk/XEL5581170M[/strike]

http://www.tackledirect.co.uk/acatalog/index.html - and then search for xcelite 170m, then choose the drop down - 3.88GBP including VAT

 

[anthea1]

There are actually places that make tools specifically to remove cable ties. They're useful if you need to avoid tightening the ties by slipping a cutter between them and the cables. Blog post about it here http://blog.zip-ty.com/2013/06/15/cable-tie-removal/

 

[assasin32]

Wire cutters, but it was too big of a pain to find them 2 days ago when I had to cut about 50 of them in my case so I pulled out my leatherman micra and went to work. The scissors on them worked extremely well, better than the other scissors I found in the house (and we have some pretty good ones too). Personally I take my micra over the wire cutters with how tight I had tightened the zip ties as it was thinner and allowed me to get a good position on the zip tie while ensuring I didn't nick or cut eh cable. The scissors on an swiss army knife may work, but I have my doubts it work as good as from what I recall they weren't anywhere near as heavy duty or allowed you to put as much pressure on it.

Other option if it's on too tight for you to safely cut it, is to just twist the end off. It's plastic to it will stretch and than bend though I wouldn't make a habbit of that as you may damage the outer layer protecting the wire.