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Comment by forgotmypwd123 | Hacker News Reader

The comments below the article outline a few reasons. Overcompression of the cables, difficulty making changes later, etc.

Cable ties and velcro wraps seem to make more sense.

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Cable ties can cause friction issues over time. They are all but banned from Airbus and Boeing aircraft unless you have some sort of silicone tape or fabric round-it beneath for protection, at which point it's easier for most engineers to just design it with lacing cord.

“Zip tie” cable ties aren’t only the ones that risk overcompression but also have a big “box” that juts proud from the bundle which can interfere with threading, moving other things around it, can snag on things passing by, etc.

And people in a hurry with dull tools inevitably cut off the tail of the zip tie less than flush, and at a 45 degree angle. Those things will gouge up the back of your hands and forearms and draw blood. They're not only a hazard to humans but also to other fragile cable jacket that might run up against it during installation.

Zip ties are totally banned from the fiber meet me rooms at many major internet traffic exchange points.

Not sure why you're getting down voted. As part of our stand procedure we have to file down zip ties because it caused too many issues with damaging cables - and having been sliced while inspecting a unit, the fact they are now all nice and smooth is fine by me.

to answer your question, because. because they can and because it's easier than actually engaging with content you disagree with.

The comments mention overcompression as a problem of zipties, not cable lacing.

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