Question Unzipping a zip tie from motherboard cables ?

[bookmark_of_the_devil]

How does one unzip it when the rest of the cable has been cut off so there is no leverage whatsoever? I guess all pc motherboard cables are tied up like this but using a knife is pretty risky.
I tried prying it loose but without any leftover cable you can't get anything moving (unless I'm doing it wrong).
Thanks.

 

[Eximo]

Generally they are cut off with side cutters. Tips of some scissors can do it sometimes.

But if you can't relax the ratchet with a small screwdriver, not much you can do to remove it non-destructively.

 

[stonecarver]

Really careful with toe nail clippers. Make sure PC is unplugged. You won't be unzipping it but cutting it off.

 

[USAFRet]

Just cut it off and replace.

Possibly replace with ones that are designed to be unzippable.

 

[hotaru.hino]

Or even better, get Velcro cable ties.

 

[bookmark_of_the_devil]

Thank you all, I think using toe nail clippers would be the best solution.

 

[MJS WARLORD]

depending on the brand of zip tie if you look at the bit where the tie pulls through you might see a very small hole , press in a needle or a jewellers screwdriver and it should release the tie.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

I use small side-cutters, you can get more leverage and a better grip with those.

 

[JeffreyP55]

How does one unzip it when the rest of the cable has been cut off so there is no leverage whatsoever? I guess all pc motherboard cables are tied up like this but using a knife is pretty risky.
I tried prying it loose but without any leftover cable you can't get anything moving (unless I'm doing it wrong).
Thanks.

Some have a tang you press to release the tie. They are hard to find. In general cut the old tie off. Order replacement ties or reusable Velcro from Amazon or your favorite e-seller. Tie rap tool but side cutters work.

 

[thulsidass]

To remove the cable tie from the motherboard cable, use a small, pointed tool like a flathead screwdriver or needle. Carefully insert it between the cable tie locking mechanism and the strap, and lift the tab to release it. Do not cut the tie to avoid damaging the cable or connector.

 

[bookmark_of_the_devil]

I'll try a screwdriver first before cutting anything but with my finger there's no movement. I can see it clearly with my looking glass (?), it's just that it's been cut off very tightly.

 

[Ralston18]

If available/possible use a jeweler's flat head screwdriver with a rotating head.

Failing that then take a couple of photographs showing the zip tie, etc..

Post the photos here via imgur (www.imgur.com).

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

Always handy to have a precision scredriver set with pliers/cutter. They can be found online relatively easy and are pretty cheap. Good to have for moments like this.

 

[JeffreyP55]

No need to perform surgery. Tie raps are cheap. Just replace the darn thing.

 

[Ralston18]

No need to perform surgery. Tie raps are cheap. Just replace the darn thing.

Agree.

However, the concern is being able to cut or otherwise remove the zip tie without cutting or damaging one or more bound wires.

Very thin and tightly pulled zip ties in awkward locations can be quite problematic.

 

[BFG-9000]

Then don't cut the tie itself, only its head (the square part) so it falls apart. If it's in a really tight area like an engine bay where you don't have access to that, push-cut through the tie with a seam-ripper (or at least use the seam-ripper to create enough slack to get one jaw of the snips into).

I usually use a sharp pick or pin to unlatch them to reuse for non-critical purposes (the latch can be much less reliable after it's been deformed/mangled from poking at it) but of course that requires even more access

 

[bookmark_of_the_devil]

Here's an image:
Zip

Yeah I could try and just cut the head bit by bit using my toenail clippers.

 

[USAFRet]

Yeah I could try and just cut the head bit by bit using my toenail clippers.

Yes, do that.

 

[stonecarver]

Seeing your picture you could slide a flathead screw driver between the zip tie and the wires as a buffer to protect the wires when you cut the tie off.

 

[bookmark_of_the_devil]

Yeah I could use a small one as extra protection.

 

[JeffreyP55]

Agree.

However, the concern is being able to cut or otherwise remove the zip tie without cutting or damaging one or more bound wires.

Very thin and tightly pulled zip ties in awkward locations can be quite problematic.

Yes, some tie raps are designed with the tang easily accessible. Haven't looked for them in ages. I believe they are a bit more expensive. Then there's the UV resistant style.

 

[Zerk2012]

Looking at the pic I would just cut it off with some side cutters. I don't see any tinny wires.

 

[Ralston18]

Agree.

As I see the picture, I would use the recommended side cutters and simply cut through the middle of the zip-tie lock head as suggested by @BFG-9000.

No need to get near the wires and the cut will likely just make the "lock" come apart.

= = = =

Side note: there is a heavy dust build up in the system. Take a few minutes to clean out dust and debris while the case is open.

 

[bookmark_of_the_devil]

Sure, I know of the dust. I already spent more than an hour removing it, it'll probably take at least 2 more.

 

[beyondlogic]

Thank you all, I think using toe nail clippers would be the best solution.

when doing this slide the blades shut in between the plastic cable tie and wires pull a little bit towards you to stretch the plastic a bit make some room so you can safely get the blade in without cutting wires.